Testimonials
 
Michael Vickery Candidate for the Diaconate St. Mary & St. Thomas More Parish, Cannock   In September 2005 five ‘mature’ students began their journey towards ordination to the Permanent Diaconate. All five are married; one with very young children, one retired; all living in the ‘outside’ world with the responsibilities and time constraints of everyday married life. Nevertheless these five ‘aspirants’ had been brought together as the first group to commence their Propaedeutic Year as part of a four year formation program at Oscott College. Bringing this training program to the seminary is of great importance and significance in the life of the Church within the Birmingham Archdiocese. The word diaconate derives from the Greek diakonia meaning ‘service’. Deacons are ordained ministers dependent upon the bishop yet in a special relationship to the priests. Various magisterial and Episcopal documents have described the ministry of the deacons as threefold in the life of the Church by serving the gospel, the altar and the needs of the community. It is appropriate therefore that this aspect of collaboration is reflected by sharing certain aspects of the program with the life of the College. The first year course consisted of eight Saturday study days at the college, approximately one every five weeks. A total of eight workbooks had been prepared and were delivered by members of the Oscott teaching staff covering Liturgy, Scripture, Church History, The Fathers, The Existence of God, The Saints, Prayer and The Diaconate Ministry. The timetable for each study day included sharing in the daily life of the Oscott community. For example, each of the PD students would take their turn to assist in the serving at midday Mass; another would assist clearing dishes during and after lunch in the refectory. Praying the rosary after lunch is an Oscott tradition that the PD students were privileged to join with the community. These activities have helped to create a fraternal bond not only between the student and wives group but also with the seminary students and staff. Each student has been assigned an Advisory Formation Tutor from the resident teaching staff. The role of the AFT is to encourage and support the student in his intellectual and personal development so that he may successfully configure himself and his life to Christ the Servant. Pastoral projects have been arranged for each student within his own parish to nurture a real collaborative relationship with the parish clergy and to increase the student’s profile in the parish in preparation for his public ministry. The fourth strand, human development, has been equally monitored to ensure the correct balance of consideration and time has been given to the student’s personal and married life. Highlights of the year at Oscott included attending the college retreat weekend and being able to share the spiritual experience of peace and tranquillity. Witnessing the Mass of Ordination of Deacons celebrated by His Grace Archbishop Vincent Nicholls in the college chapel was a wonderful reflection of the grace and blessings of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the work and fraternity of the collegial community. At both these events the wives of the PD students were invited to attend; at each of the study days they were encouraged to participate and contribute to the liturgy, discussions and prayer meetings. The hospitality of Fr Mark Crisp, Rector, and all the teaching and domestic staff has been exemplary and the accommodation within Francis Martyn House, a re-developed wing of the main college building, was most comfortable and relaxing. Throughout the year the essential and practical needs of the group have been meticulously handled by Fr Paul Chamberlain, Director of the PD program in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Deacon Paul Russell, Assistant Director, Deacon Reg Lewis, Deacon Formator, and his wife Jill. Such a daunting task as this may have been expected to show some cracks in the walls but this has not been the case. Every member of the group, including their wives, has unanimously expressed their thanks and praise for the profoundly spiritual and communal experience. There was, however, a nervous atmosphere on 26th June brought about by something called the ‘Comprehensive Exam’ but that is another story! Suffice to say, we have all managed to find our way back for the start of the three year Candidate course that commenced in September 2006. May the angels and saints in heaven continue to watch over us in the weeks and months ahead. Mike Return to TestimonialsMedia%20Testimonials.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0
Copyright © 2007 Archdiocese of Birmingham Vocations Centre. All rights reserved.