The gates at Oscott swing open in September to a familiar mix of bustle and purpose. Timetables settle, suitcases disappear into rooms, and the chapel gathers the whole community again before the Real Presence.
The gates at Oscott swing open in September to a familiar mix of bustle and purpose. Timetables settle, suitcases disappear into rooms, and the chapel gathers the whole community again before the Real Presence. To catch that “start-of-term” feeling, we spoke with two seminarians at different points on the same road: Anthony (sixth year, entering his final months in college before diaconate) and Olly (beginning year five).
It’s week one of lectures and Anthony is candid about the unusual shape of a final year:
“I’m in sixth year - it’s our last term - so it’s a strange set of courses. Tomorrow before coffee we learn how to be deacons; after coffee, how to be priests. It’s an odd mix, but we’ll get through.”
His earliest memory of Oscott is stamped with the times:
“I arrived in the COVID year. I’d never set foot in Oscott before, so there were nerves. The first thing I did was a lateral flow test in a back building before I could even go through the front door. Strange days - but even then, the community made it feel like it was going to be okay.”
Community, in fact, is what September is quietly building again - rituals included:
“There are little things new men don’t know yet - like at the end of lunch everyone passes plates to the end of the table. Little things. The first week feels like the longest; the first month, too. Then you realise: you’re going to be fine.”
When asked what has most grown in him since those first days, he doesn’t hesitate:
“Prayer. Seminary gives you time to build that life with Christ. I started with a little of the Divine Office; now I pray the full Office daily, the Rosary too. Everything else flows from that.”
His eyes are set firmly on what’s ahead:
“God-willing, we’ll be ordained deacons in December. We’ll promise obedience and chastity, leave the seminary and begin ministry in parishes. It’s close now - and it’s a real moment of commitment.”
And beyond that?
“I’m content to be a parish priest - present, building up a community. In England I’ve seen how the parish becomes a real focal point: at the altar and over a cup of tea. A priest helps gather people, worship with them, and encourage them.”
Advice to someone arriving this week?
“Take it easy. Everything’s new. Let the rhythms carry you and give yourself time to settle.”
Olly has just stepped into year five. The first days are busy, he admits, but the tone is warm:
“September is a little chaotic as we get into the swing of things, but for the new guys it’s about establishing a home away from home. You set up your room, you find your rhythm, and you discover you’re surrounded by men who ‘get’ why you’re here.”
His own first image of Oscott is a window view:
“From my room you could see the Birmingham skyline - beautiful. There were nerves, yes - but also this sense of moving in and beginning.”
What has taken root over four years?
“Applying for formation was a leap of faith. I’d been teaching English in northern Spain and thought I’d stay. But on parish placements I realised: this is where I’m meant to be. The giveaway? On placements I don’t get that Monday-morning feeling. Every day feels life-giving.”
His advice to a first-year - or someone discerning?
“Spend time with God, especially in silence. Get in touch with the deepest part of you. Keep loving the people around you and keep seeking God - He’ll place the right clues in your path and speak in a way that makes sense to you.”
And what is he most looking forward to?
“Honestly? Getting started. Years of preparation make you ready to connect with people in a community and do the ordinary, life-giving things of ministry. I’m excited for that.”
If he could speak to his first-year self:
“Don’t overthink. Learn to enjoy the journey and live in the moment. All we really have is now.”
Between Anthony’s steady focus and Olly’s hopeful energy, a picture emerges of what these weeks really are: a community re-forming itself for mission. The routines (even the plate-passing) are not small; they’re the scaffolding that lets deeper things grow - friendship, prayer, confidence, and a quiet readiness to serve.
That is the September atmosphere at Oscott: busy corridors and full timetables, yes - but beneath them a deeper stillness, where men learn again to place their lives in God’s hands.
Please keep our seminarians - especially those beginning and those entering their final months - in your prayers this term. And if you’re discerning a call yourself, consider this your invitation to take the next gentle step.