Who We Are and What We Do

The Society of the Sacred Mission, at St Antony’s Priory, home of the Herbert Kelly Institute…

  • About St Antony's Priory

    St Antony’s Priory is a Christian spirituality centre in Durham, run by the Society of the Sacred Mission.

  • Who's Who on the Team

    The work of the Priory is enabled by a committed and talented staff team, as well as a number of volunteers.

  • Support Us

    Donate to the Priory, for spiritual direction, retreat accommodation or attendance at an event or activity.

  • The Chapel

    All are welcome to join us for regular weekday and Sunday services in the Chapel, as well as festivals.

  • Spiritual Direction

    We can help you find a spiritual director. We also provide training and supervision for spiritual directors

  • Retreats and Quiet Days

    The Cottage has four self-catering flats for people wishing to spend a few days on individual private retreat.

  • Religious Life Insitute

    The Herbert Kelly Institute exists both to preserve the legacy and inform the future of Anglican religious life.

  • The Library

    One library spread across two sites (Priory and Institute), specialising in spirituality and religious life.

  • The Society (SSM)

    Founded by Fr Herbert Kelly in 1893, and best known in connection with Kelham theological college.

The Society of the Sacred Mission (SSM) is an Anglican Religious Order founded by Fr Herbert Kelly in 1893, and perhaps best known in connection with Kelham Theological College (1903-1972). Since its inception, its aims have been ‘to increase the number of those who give their lives to the Divine Service’, ‘to labour for the conversion and perfection of souls’, and ‘to have regard for the cultivation of Divine Science’.

Today the operations of SSM are centred at St Antony’s Priory, Durham, which offers spiritual accompaniment and training for spiritual directors, hospitality for groups and individuals, and a varying programme of other activities. The Priory is also home to the Herbert Kelly Institute for Anglican religious life, providing an extensive theological library, archival and research resources and regular speaker events. Overnight accommodation is available in the Cottage guesthouse, which has four self-catering rooms for people wishing to spend a few days on retreat.

There is a full timetable of weekday and Sunday services in the chapel (which members of the public are very welcome to attend), as well as the principal festivals of the Christian year. Our worship is in the catholic tradition of the Church of England, and includes significant periods of silent prayer. Please note that if attending services outside of normal office hours (e.g. on a Sunday or in the evening) it will be necessary to access the Chapel via the outside steps.

Where we are

St Antony’s Priory
74 Claypath, Durham, DH1 1QT

Getting in touch

T. 0191 384 3747
E. admin@ssm.org.uk