Today we said another goodbye: James Baxter was here for his last Sunday. In September he will start his formation as a seminarian with the Institute of Christ the King in Gricigliano. James first experienced the Extraordinary Form Mass here at St Joseph`s as part of a group expedition from the Newcastle university Catholic chaplaincy who came one Sunday, led by the then chaplain, Fr Dominic White OP, to experience the traditional Mass. James liked it so much he came back and got involved. It was fortunate he was here today as our regular organist took ill and so James, an accomplished musician, stepped in. Below is his own account of journey so far. As you will see, this is part of a gofundme page as seminarians are expected to contribute to the cost of their training. The link for donations is here.
So we will miss James at St Joseph`s but look forward to hearing about his progress and hope he will come to visit to keep us up to date on his progress!
Hello. My name is James Baxter, and in September
I will be joining the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest
(ICKSP) seminary in Gricigliano.
I’m 22 years old and from Bradford (West Yorkshire). I will shortly graduate in Linguistics from Newcastle University. My time at university has taught me many things, but most importantly, it was there that I encountered Mass in the Extraordinary Form. Then, during my year abroad in Spain, I met the Institute, and I have spent a significant amount of time over the past year in the House of Discernment in Preston. Here is a picture of us in recreation:
Having spent time there, I will commence studies at the seminary and continue to discern my vocation to be a priest. Formation consists of one year of spirituality, followed by two years of philosophy and four years of theology. In addition to the intellectual development, much of the time is dedicated to physical and practical works, ensuring that future priests are down-to-earth, hard-working and humble. Here is another picture of me serving Mass. I am the Acolyte on the far left:
The Institute is not a religious order, and so, as with other seminaries, the seminarians of the Institute are asked to fund their own priestly training and basic necessities such as books, cassocks, other clothes, and transportation costs. Unfortunately I do not have the means available to finance my studies and the other aspects necessary for seminary training.
The seminary fees are approximately €8500 (or £7000) each per annum, and the studies last for seven years. So I would be most grateful for any material support you are able to offer. I also greatly appreciate your prayers, and you can be assured of mine.
May God bless you!
I’m 22 years old and from Bradford (West Yorkshire). I will shortly graduate in Linguistics from Newcastle University. My time at university has taught me many things, but most importantly, it was there that I encountered Mass in the Extraordinary Form. Then, during my year abroad in Spain, I met the Institute, and I have spent a significant amount of time over the past year in the House of Discernment in Preston. Here is a picture of us in recreation:
Having spent time there, I will commence studies at the seminary and continue to discern my vocation to be a priest. Formation consists of one year of spirituality, followed by two years of philosophy and four years of theology. In addition to the intellectual development, much of the time is dedicated to physical and practical works, ensuring that future priests are down-to-earth, hard-working and humble. Here is another picture of me serving Mass. I am the Acolyte on the far left:
The Institute is not a religious order, and so, as with other seminaries, the seminarians of the Institute are asked to fund their own priestly training and basic necessities such as books, cassocks, other clothes, and transportation costs. Unfortunately I do not have the means available to finance my studies and the other aspects necessary for seminary training.
The seminary fees are approximately €8500 (or £7000) each per annum, and the studies last for seven years. So I would be most grateful for any material support you are able to offer. I also greatly appreciate your prayers, and you can be assured of mine.
May God bless you!
Check punctuation before posting, please.
ReplyDeleteHow sad to make such a comment at such a glorious time.
DeleteAll the best James you will be in our prayers.
ReplyDelete