Is there a need?

Many young people live in worlds, surrounded by workmates, friends, even family for whom any idea of God, prayer or a moral life seems weird and unnatural. It is only when they come to a true community, people who live in concord, harmony and a deep sense of God that they come to see how misshapen and blighted their previous life really was.

What do we aim to provide?

The first thing we try to establish is a place of mutual respect and care where each is treasured for who they are, where each is given space to reflect, pray, listen, and grow at their own pace, all shored up and constantly refashioned after the image and in the love of Jesus Christ who loves each person to the end, even to death, His death.

How do we do it?

CDC is first of all a place of trust. It provides a stable and ordered environment where people can come out from behind their masks and painfully built defenses and ask for the understanding, healing and respect they deserve. We have regular prayer, sacramental and personal ministry life, and staff with skills and experience that gently foster and create an atmosphere of trust and openness where this transformation can come about.

Results so far

Of the twenty plus disciples who have been formed at CDC in the last three years all have gone away with lives deeply changed, some quite transformed. About half have made decisions that have altered their life direction: a new career in Christian art or in youth work or a search for a committed Christian marriage. About half a dozen have either entered religious or priestly life or are thinking seriously about doing so.

What does the future hold?

CDC’s dream is one day to be able to live in a custom made facility, built around Christian art and a sense of worship. The beauty of the land and a place to grow our own food would help give young people a sense of God’s closeness and wonder in creation. It would also provide a home where we could invite many from outside communities to come and taste something of what it is that allows CDC disciples to live and grow so fully.