Madonna House: A New Catholic's Introduction to the Community.

A 23-year-old new Catholic traveled by bus to Madonna House in Combermere, Ontario, and was received by community members; after initial discomfort she worked in the kitchen and on the farm, experienced moments of peace, and decided to extend her visit to learn more.

A young new Catholic set out to find a Christian community modeled on the Acts of the Apostles and accepted a bus ticket to Madonna House in Combermere, Ontario. She arrived after a long journey, was met by a local community member, and joined meals, prayer and daily work with other guests and volunteers. Early tasks and communal practices felt unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable. Over several days of farm work and shared routines she noticed a growing sense of peace and connection and chose to stay longer to continue exploring the community. Key details: - The visitor was 23 years old and described herself as a brand-new Catholic when she traveled to Madonna House. - She arrived by bus, was met by Mamie Legris at the Combermere post office, and was shown to the guest dorm. - Daily life included shared prayer in the chapel, simple meals (noting a Friday fast night), kitchen work, and chores such as cleaning corners and farm labor. - A visiting priest, Father Pat Moore, and a devotional statue were part of the community prayer life referenced in the account. - A letter from Father Pat McNulty contrasted the institution of Madonna House with its deeper reality, and other guests encouraged the author to stay longer. Summary: The author’s initial skepticism eased as routine work, communal prayer, and friendly interactions produced moments of calm and belonging. She responded by extending her visit to see whether the deeper aspects of the community would become clearer. The longer-term outcome of that discernment is undetermined at this time.