Year for Priests

June 19 2009 - June 19 2010

Archdiocese of Birmingham

To round off the year there will be a week long vocations rally at Oscott College in Sutton Coldfield from Wednesday 30th June 2010, culminating with a closing outdoor celebration of Mass on Sunday 4th July 2010 celebrated by the Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols.

Each day provides a focus on vocation for different groups within the Catholic community. On Wednesday we invite primary school children. On Thursday we invite Secondary school children. On Friday we invite educators, governors, catechists and youth leaders. On Saturday we invite young adults aged between 16 and 30. On Sunday we invite all, from parishes, schools and every part of our Catholic community.

Wednesday 30th June 2010

Primary Schools Year 5

The aim of the day is to provide an opportunity for primary school children from year five to experience creative workshops on the theme of vocation, to meet and share time with priests and religious from contrasting walks of life and communities whilst engaging in a “big sing” style setting arranged and delivered by CJM music. The day is free of charge and will be offered to complete year five classes on a first come, first serve basis and limited to 2000 children.

If you would like more information or would like to arrange for your year five to attend the day, please click here ASAP!

Thursday 1st July 2010

Secondary Schools Year 9

The aim of the day is to provide an opportunity for secondary school pupils from year nine to experience creative workshops on the theme of vocation, to meet and share time with priests and religious from contrasting walks of life and communities and culminating with a large open air mass. The day is free of charge and each school can be represented by 50 pupils on a first come, first serve basis and limited to 2000 pupils max. It is encouraged that the pupils who attend will share and create opportunities within their own school afterwards to provide follow up  experiences for other pupils within their own school.

If you would like more information or would like to arrange for your pupils to attend the day, please click here ASAP!

Friday 2nd July 2010

Educators, Governors, Catechists, Youth Leaders

The aim of the day is to provide an opportunity for all from our Catholic community whose roll it is to teach, encourage, inspire and accompany our young people on their journey of faith. It is a chance for you to celebrate your vocation and will enable reflection through workshops promoting a culture of vocation,. These will be delivered by priests and religious from contrasting walks of life and communities alongside engaging creative prayer sessions. There will be a nominal charge for the day and invites will be sent out shortly by post from the diocesan Re Department Director - Fr Jonathan Veasey.

If you would like more information, please click here

Saturday 3rd July 2010

16+ with overnight camping

Do you have questions about your own personal journey in faith? Is your purpose and direction in life clear? Our reflective escape in the country grounds of Oscott college might be just what you need.

During seekers@oscott, you can find peace with God, chill out, meet new people and reflect with a wide variety of extraordinary priests and religious from contrasting walks of life who have purpose, mission, inspiration and experience. The day/night retreat is taking place in the grounds of the Catholic seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham - Oscott College in Sutton Coldfield. It'll include a range of workshops, life-changing services, reflective music concert, candlelight rosary procession and time for quiet prayer and discernment.

The flyer and poster will be available shortly

Who is this day for?
Young adults in their late teens/twenties who want to find their place with God, find out how to make a difference and discover your purpose in the world.

How do I book?
More information will be available shortly. For specific queries click here.

The campover options?
Bringing your own tent
This is a popular option. Oscott has large rural grounds. The field contain portaloos and there is always lots of room to pitch your tent in either the male or female designated area. The tent area is situated right next to the main building and provides easy access to all that will be going on during the day and evening.

Staying in one of the marquees
If you don't have your own tent, there are two giant marquees in which to sleep – again, one for men and one for women. If you choose this option, we strongly recommend that you bring a roll-mat or airbed and a pair of ear plugs, as you will be sharing the tent with quite a lot of other people (although there's always enough space!).

Sunday 4th July 2010

All are welcome

Following a time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament there will be a large open air Mass in the grounds of Oscott College, Sutton Coldfield, starting at 3pm. The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols will be returning to concelebrate with other Bishops and clergy from across the country.

The Mass will be the closing event of the “Year for Priests” across England and Wales and will be a celebration of priesthood and a time for praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It is a chance for all of us to join together in the Catholic community and show our continued support for all those who dedicate their lives in such a special way, whilst offering us all the chance to reflect on our own journey of faith and vocation.

Why not organise a coach from your parish or school.

Click here to let us know how many of you are coming.

A poster to advertise the closing Mass will be available shortly.