Salford diocesan seminarians

There are currently ten men in formation for the diocese of Salford. Some of them give their stories here.

Nathan Horne (Ushaw College)

My day begins with 7.30am Morning Prayer in the chapel of St. Joseph with the college community, followed by the celebration of Holy Mass. The liturgy is at the centre of the life of the seminary.

After breakfast, our morning lectures begin at 9am. I have lectures on philosophy, theology, scripture, and ecclesiastical history. Other classes include human development, pastoral ministry and spirituality. The courses are designed around the four areas of formation which Pope John Paul II endorsed in his Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis: human, pastoral, intellectual and spiritual. Lunch is served at 1pm. The afternoons are generally free for private study allowing time for reading and essay writing.

Once a week we spend an afternoon on a pastoral placement, giving us the opportunity to experience an element of pastoral ministry at first hand. This placement allows us to put into practice not only the pastoral skills we have learnt, but also the theology and teaching of the Church.

Each seminarian is allocated a specific responsibility in the community, from sacristan to librarian, enabling each member of the community to contribute towards the life of the college. Private tuition is offered to develop musical gifts already present, or to encourage those eager to learn. The college has a Schola Cantorum which complements the liturgy of the seminary and occasionally gives recitals for a wider audience.

At 6pm the community gathers for Evening Prayer followed by supper. We have free time in the evenings for private study and prayer. On Sundays and Wednesdays the community comes together for a holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament.

Seminary life is just as broad as life outside the college. In addition to prayer and study, there are plenty of opportunities for recreation not least via playing for, or supporting, Ushaw Athletic, the college football team. Set in the County Durham countryside, the surroundings encourage seminarians to go on walks, or to explore the sights of Durham and the wider region.