In Lancaster Diocese at the Parish of St. Mary’s, Cleator, Bishop Patrick O’Donoghue has founded a House of Formation and he has requested the assistance of our Order to help support and develop this initiative:-

• To prepare men to enter major seminary.
• To give them an opportunity to experience the daily life of priests working in parishes.
• To provide hospitality and encouragement to all those enquiring about or discerning a calling to priesthood.

St. Mary’s is a House of Hospitality for all those enquiring about priesthood. They welcome men who wish to learn more about priesthood and discuss their own vocation. There is an opportunity for anyone interested to come and share the life of the community and use its facilities – the beautiful grounds and grotto, the oratory and the library. Throughout the year residential events are organised that bring together priests and seminarians and enquirers.

During the year the students, together with the priests, are given the experience of living and praying together in community. They participate fully in the running of the House. Through this experience of communal life it is hoped that the students will grow in love of God and charity towards each other.  Such growth provides the essential foundation for their future formation in the priesthood.

Study Programme

The course of study is adapted to the needs of the individual.  The aim is to provide a foundation that will enable the student to benefit fully from future major seminary formation.  The following courses are common to all:-

1. Prayer and Worship.
2. Introduction to the Gospels.
3. Introduction to Vatican 11.
4. Communications Course and Reflection on Pastoral Experience.

All these courses are related to the student’s pastoral ministry in the parish so that the study, prayer and ministry are integrated.

Pastoral Work

Students experience a wide range of pastoral situations.

Young People

The students visit the local schools leading assemblies, class prayer and school liturgy.

Sacramental Preparation

There are opportunities to work alongside the parish catechists in preparing the young both for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.  The students are also encouraged to play a full part in both the preparation and celebration of Baptism throughout the year.

The Sick and Housebound

The students take Holy Communion to the sick each week and visit parishioners in the local hospital.

The Bereaved

There are around 50 funerals in the parish each year.  The students participate in the funeral liturgies and play an important role in visiting and comforting the bereaved.

Evangelization

Through systematic visitation and a variety of projects the students are given an experience of the challenge of evangelizing and contemporary culture.

Prayer

The Oratory and grounds, including the Grotto and Shrine to Our Lady, provide an ideal environment for discernment and prayer. The students follow a daily routine of Morning Prayer, One hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, Mass, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer. In addition there are a variety of devotions and regular spiritual conferences.

St. Mary’s whilst being in a beautiful rural setting, is a large and busy parish with some 4,000 parishioners. Hence it combines the space and setting conducive to prayer and study with the opportunity for a whole range of pastoral experiences.

If you feel called to the priesthood and would like more information or you would like to help in any way please contact:    Fr. E. Gribben on Tel; 01946 810324  or  e.gribben@merseymail.com