| Events, exciting opportunities, and reflections from our Rector |
|
|
| |
Following a long-standing tradition, the seminary community has the privilege of joining the Archbishop at St Chad’s Cathedral for the celebration of the Triduum. The Archbishop then joins us at Oscott for Easter Sunday Mass and a festive lunch, which brings us to the conclusion of the spring term.
The high point of the Triduum is the Easter Vigil, where the profound image of light overcoming the darkness is one that speaks powerfully to the human heart. At the dawn of creation God said, “Let there be light!” and on this Easter day, this most important day, we celebrate a new dawn, a new creation! Jesus the light of the world is risen from the dead. Sin and death no longer have the last word. Through his glorious Resurrection, Jesus swallows up sin and death and opens up a new horizon for humanity - the forgiveness of sin and the possibility of communion with God - life eternal. The light of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead banishes the darkness of sin and death. Here is the source of our hope and our joy.
The light of the resurrection is a new and very different kind of light. Here in the city, in the night-time we are used to so much artificial light. It is helpful and convenient – it makes us feel safe. At the flick of a switch we can see clearly where we are going, our artificial light helps us to make sense of our surroundings, prevents us from bumping into things or tripping.
Through the sacrament of baptism and the gift of faith we are able to live in a new kind of light, even as we go about the business of our daily lives. In the light of the risen Jesus, we do not just see material things but we are able to distinguish between what is good and evil, we experience God’s friendship. His love and his truth, we are able to see the true dignity of our neighbour, to find direction and purpose for our life. We are able to discern the path that Jesus is calling us to walk.
Through faith, Jesus takes us by the hand – holds us in friendship, so that we can walk with him into the fulness of life. The Early Church calls baptism photismos – illumination.
At the heart of the Easter liturgy is the Paschal Candle which represents the risen Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The candle shines inasmuch as it is burnt up. It gives light inasmuch as it gives of itself. This speaks of the paschal mystery of Christ. There is warmth as well as light: love and truth. In baptism we are called to share in the paschal mystery of Christ, the way which leads us into the fullness of life.
As we journey through these Easter days, may our lives bear the light of Christ to others - the light of his truth and the warmth of his love.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Canon Michael Dolman Rector |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | In Memoriam: Professor Judith Champ |
|
| | Members of the Oscott community are praying for the repose of the soul of Professor Judith Champ, who died peacefully in the early hours of Easter Sunday morning. Judith was a Dame of the Order of St Sylvester, an academic who devoted herself to studying and promoting Catholic History, and author of a number of books. She served Oscott over several decades, as a lecturer, member of the formation staff, Director of Studies and, after retirement, as a trustee and supporter of the college.
Judith was also a friend, colleague, and mentor to so many, through her work in research and in the formation of men for the Catholic priesthood. We give thanks to God for the gift of her life and for her unwavering dedication to the research and preservation of Catholic history. She had a particular gift for bringing history to life to illuminate the mission of the Church in our own times, a gift which she generously shared in her work in the formation of men for the priesthood. We pray for the happy repose of her soul. She left this life on the day of the Lord’s resurrection; may she now share in the fulness of His risen life. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | From public events to guided tours and special liturgies, a lot happens at our seminary that you can get involved in… |
|
| | Book Launch: “From Sinai to Rome” |
|
| | |
Join us as we celebrate the launch of From Sinai to Rome: Jewish Identity in the Catholic Church, a major new volume co-edited by our very own Dr Angela Costley, lecturer in the Old Testament, Biblical Greek & New Testament at Oscott!
Exploring the Church’s relationship with Judaism and the enduring Jewish roots of the Christian faith, the book brings together leading theologians from around the world.
The evening will feature presentations by Dr Angela Costley, Prof. Gavin D’Costa, and Prof. Lawrence Feingold, with an introduction by Bishop Timothy Menezes, followed by a drinks reception. The event is free - attendance requires registration via the link below. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | Newman Symposium
Newman, Theology and the Imagination |
|
| | |
Join us this May for a symposium celebrating St John Henry Newman’s elevation as a Doctor of the Church. |
|
|
The event begins with a free public lecture on Friday evening by Fr Guy Nicholls, open to all. Attendance at the Symposium also grants free access to our Newman Exhibition (information below).
On Saturday, a full academic Symposium will explore Newman’s theology and imagination through a series of papers, discussion, Mass, and prayer. All are warmly invited to take part in this special gathering honouring one of England’s greatest saints. Attendance at the Symposium also grants access to our Newman Exhibition (information below).
Book your place now for the free public lecture on Friday, or book a ticket for the Saturday Symposium… or why not both? |
|
| | Get to know John Henry Newman up close |
|
| Our exhibition on John Henry Newman will be on display until May. It brings together remarkable artefacts from Oscott and the Birmingham Archdiocesan Archives, including Newman’s own copy of the Second Spring sermon, the register of his confirmation, and a unique medallion marking his elevation to Cardinal.
Through these treasures, explore Newman’s friendships, his faith, and the Birmingham that shaped his Catholic mission. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are unable to attend the symposium on 1st or 2nd of May, you can still visit the Newman exhibition as part of a Spring college tour (booking link below). |
|
| | | |
Join us as we welcome Cathy Lamb to the college chapel, Director of MusicShare and Head of Performance Music Lichfield Cathedral School. She has previously held Organ Scholarships at Salisbury Cathedral and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge plus posts at Wells Cathedral and Christchurch Priory. Enjoy an engaging program of music performed on the original college organ, gifted by Birmingham Industrialist John Hardman in the stunning surroundings of the college's Gothic chapel, decorated by A.W.Pugin.
Refreshments will be served after the recital so please do stay for a drink. Those who would like to join the community for evening prayer afterwards would be very welcome. |
|
| | | Oscott CAFOD Legacy Event |
|
| |
Join us for a Legacy Event with CAFOD. We will celebrate Holy Mass, spend time with the seminarians and take a tour of the college. Come and hear about how CAFOD and Oscott are working together to support the life and mission of the Church, made possible through the generosity of gifts in Wills. |
|
| | | | | |
| Step behind the gates of Oscott and uncover its hidden history and beautiful grounds, museum, the chapel, library, and quad, and glimpse life inside a working seminary today. End the afternoon with tea and cake in the refectory. Everyone is welcome. |
|
| | Pray with us
Join the seminarians and staff at Oscott for a Sunday Holy Hour, including sung Vespers (Evening Prayer of the Church) and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. An opportunity to pray before the Lord Jesus, present in the Eucharist, in the beauty of Oscott's chapel. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Did you see us in the recent BBC documentary, Harry Clark Goes to Rome? |
|
| | Viewers can see a few minutes of Oscott, Fr Andy Richardson and some of our seminarians in the hour-long documentary covering Harry Clark’s journey to Rome - and meeting Pope Leo XIV. The documentary has been well received, and looks at Catholicism through a positive, thoughtful lens amidst the narrative through-line of Harry’s own upbringing, thoughts and journey. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Our latest blog:Fr Andy Richardson on Harry Clark, young people and a faith that asks for everything
In this thoughtful feature, following his meeting with Harry Clark and the fiming of the BBC documentary at Oscott, Fr Andy Richardson reflects on Harry as a young parishioner, young people, and why so many are searching not for an easier faith, but for one to which it is worth giving everything.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Our organ is 188 years old - and in need of your help! |
|
|
|
Our chapel organ has been at the heart of our daily worship since 1838 and is in urgent need of restoration. Will you help us raise £150,000 to preserve its music for generations of seminarians and all who pray here? |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
