Oscott Schools' Outreach 2024
St. Mary's College, Oscott
Schools' Outreat Programme 2024
St. Mary’s College, Oscott is again offering its annual Schools’ Outreach Programme for Year Six pupils to visit Oscott College in June 2024. Pupils join us for a day of varied activities. They learn about the Holy Mass, about prayer, about the idea of God’s call in their life, and about our life in the seminary. They also have an opportunity to ask any questions they like!
We hope that the time they spend with us introduces the idea of vocation into their lives, and invites them to the truth that God is calling each of them to something very special – whether priesthood, religious life, single life, or marriage. Many of the children have just received (or receive very soon after visiting us) the Sacrament of Confirmation, allowing the Holy Spirit to take deeper roots in their lives. What better preparation for starting in secondary school a few months later!
Pupils and teachers all enjoy the Schools Outreach programme very much (as do the Oscott staff and seminarians)! Many comment on the fact that they had never previously visited a seminary and had no idea of what was involved in forming men for the priesthood. They are struck by the building itself, by the liturgy, by the joy and friendliness of the seminarians, and by the quality and variety of the items in the museum.
The Programme
This invitation is to Year Six pupils only and numbers are limited to 90 pupils per day. The dates are 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th, 20th & 21st June 2024.
Because of the tight schedule of the day (with activities operating on a carousel basis), it is important that participating schools arrive at the College in good time for a prompt start at 10:00 am. Birmingham’s heavy traffic, motorway congestion and other considerations need to be included in any calculations you make about your morning departure from school.
We suggest that you do not apply for a place if your children will be unable to remain to the end of the day, as the last activity will be the celebration of Holy Mass for all participants, ending at 2:45 p.m. approximately. Please make this clear to any coach company you use.
The day operates on a carousel system, with the pupils in groups of approximately 15 (not mixed with other schools; each group needs an accompanying adult), led by some of the seminarians.
A booklet and pencil are provided for each pupil. Most activities are on the ground floor, but it will be necessary to use a staircase of 23 steps to reach the museum (we regret there is no lift available).
To Request a Place for your School *BOOKING NOW CLOSED FOR 2024*
This year, you can request a place my completing the form below. There is always a huge demand for places. Booking will remain open until Sunday 28th January. After the deadline, places will be randomly selected until places for all six days are filled. Successful schools will be notified by Friday 2nd February. Please note that no bookings can be taken by phone or email.
To help cover costs, the College will make a charge of £4.00 per pupil (this has been subsided to keep this affordable). You will be invoiced and asked to pay the full amount if your place is confirmed, in order to secure it.