A new monthly newsletter has been launched to showcase the life and work of St Mary’s College, Oscott, the Diocesan Seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Oscott stands at the heart of Catholic history in England, a place where generations of priests have been formed, and continue to be formed, to serve Christ and His Church. 

Oscott’s story is not just one from the past. It is, as all seminaries are, actively shaping the future. 

And as part of its strategic planning, the College has embraced digital pathways to share its mission.

Its website and social media platforms have recently been revamped, and the launch of a monthly newsletter is a further way to engage with past, present, and new supporters.

Each edition is set to include:
•    Personal testimonies from seminarians sharing their journey of responding to God’s call or from staff, sharing insights into life at Oscott.
•    Historical insights into Oscott’s rich Catholic heritage, showcasing the stories of those who came before using artefacts from the extensive museum collection.
•    Spiritual reflections from the Rector, offering wisdom on discernment, mission and faith.
•    Behind-the-scenes glimpses into daily seminary life, revealing the joys, challenges and purpose of formation.
•    Opportunities for involvement: event invitations, ways to pray for vocations and support Oscott's invaluable mission.

And over the next year there is set to be a focus on developing content specifically focused on discernment, as well as opportunities and content for broader Catholic formation - resources, tools, FAQs. 

College Rector, Canon Michael Dolman, said: “Oscott is described as a ‘hidden gem’ by many, and we want to find ways of placing the variety of these treasures at the service of the wider Catholic Church.    

“The newsletter was created as one of the digital pathways to share Oscott’s mission by broadening the understanding of the beauty of priestly vocation, discernment, and the urgency of fostering new vocations. 

“It is an invitation to step inside the world of seminary life, to see the vibrancy of faith in those preparing for ordination, and to witness to the unfolding response to Christ’s call in the next generation of disciples who live under Oscott's roof. 

“The newsletter is a gateway to the website, its social media and of course to Oscott itself.”

The newsletter is aimed at anyone who believes in the future of the Church and it takes just seconds to sign up.

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Photograph taken at the Diaconate Ordinations, December 2024