Magdalen Guidelines

WELCOME, Magdalen House belongs to Mother Mary and is there to help us live a regular life, therefore some rules have to be agreed upon. These can be negotiated in regards to work and other commitments except the ones in red.
It all seems very strict, but for a reason as you would acknowledge.
All new Brothers may be searched and must declare any monies, prescription drugs or other medication. These will be kept locked in the Office and only administered as per the wishes of the prescribing Doctor.

Curfew:All Brothers shall be home for Vespers (evening Prayer, 6.30pm.Or otherwise arranged and then by 10pm. 11.30pm for Thursdays and Fridays and 9.30pm Sundays. Lights out by 11.pm weekdays and Saturdays. 11.30 for Thursdays and Fridays.

Hygiene: All Brothers must shower and shave daily, those on Methadone may have to shower twice a day. Please be aware of body odour for the sake of self esteem and the other brothers. Wear clean clothes daily (in perspective). Those on Methadone or other "maintenance drugs" shall reduce the dosage rapidly and or change to non-opiate receptor medication such as Naltexone if needed. St Mary's Thistle (Homeopathic healing can be provided)

Television: The TV cannot be turned on until after Vespers and be turned of by 10.30pm unless otherwise negotiated. Programmes of an offensive or sexual nature are banned.
Reading uplifting books and communal activities are to be encouraged.

Prayer: All Brothers shall attend communal Prayer at Lauds (morning Prayer) at 7am and 6.30 pm Vespers (evening prayer).
All brothers are urged to attend daily Mass, Sunday Mass and Holy days of obligation are obligatory
All Brothers are urged to attend Confession fortnightly (Provisions shall be made for non-Catholics)
All Brothers can avail themselves of the Chapel for personal prayer 24/7. Due Reverence shall be maintained in Magdalen Chapel at all times!

Notification: All Brothers may let each other of there whereabouts at any given time, the House Diary is convenient for this. Any Brother can call a house meeting at 24 hours notice to discuss regular or pressing issues.

Telephone: A communal tool of this place so we must be conscious not to tie up the phone for others. 5 minutes per call is appreciative and only as many connections as needed. We have no secrets here amongst us so the phone is not to be used in this manner. All brothers contribute to the Telecom bill.

Space: It is appreciated and acknowledged that we all need our space at times, so we recognise this in ourselves and each other, however not in a secretive or vicarious fashion. The House is big enough to seek private space as needed.

Ownership: We all own nothing, everything here belongs to Theotokos, our Mother; Mary, some personal possessions though are respected and recognised as long as they do not differentiate us from each other.

Financial and Domestic Considerations: All Brothers are to contribute to their share of the rent and utilities according their ability. A budget shall be drawn up for each new brother to help manage monies and save from temptation. New Brothers shall allow Br. Creos to manage all their monies for the first month of stay. All Brothers will involve themselves in the day to day cleanliness of Magdalen house. A roster will be drawn up if necessary.

Respect: Honesty is and always be the only prioty and NO swearing or blasphemy is permitted, NO Illicit drugs of any kind are to be used by the Brothers within or outside Magdalen House. NO sex or obscene material of any nature or format is permitted in Magdalen House. In all we do, we strive to show honour to Almighty God and his saving grace, We Pray for others, especially those who have hurt, persecuted or tormented us the most in any fashion and those who are in most need of Gods mercy, especially ourselves.

Drugs: No Illicit drugs or instruments for there use are allowed on or in any brother, visitor or any one else in Magdalen House. Breaches of this will result in INSTANT eviction and Notification to the Police and other appropriate authorities. Alcohol and Tobacco is permitted but will be carefully monitored.

Work: All Brothers will seek paid or voluntary employment or schooling, this helps us to free ourselves from the hands of the devil. Lazing around the house will not be tolerated!

Discipline and Grievance: If a Brother has a grievance with another, they may attempt to resolve it amongst themselves. If this is unfruitful, either party or any Brother can call a House meeting for a further attempt to resolve the matter. If unsuccessful, Br Creos will intervene and pronounce judgment, if this is not welcomed then the Chaplain shall resolve the matter.

All Brothers shall receive a copy of this document upon entry to Magdalen House to sign to indicate acceptance of the guidelines.

This is not a 'doss house or rooming house, it is a home to enable you to be free of addiction and grow in holiness and Peace.
Pax Vobiscum!

May God Bless and Mary , our Lady of the Passion, protect you always and we hope to see you soon
Br. CreosMary 26/September/2008