by Paul Pimblett

​

There has been a great deal of change within the Church recently. I hardly imagined in January when I began my studies for this term that we would have a new Archbishop and Holy Father so soon, however, the changes give us cause for joy and thanks.

 

As a result of the busy past few weeks I have not had a chance to mention my Holy Week placement. I was once again with Fr Michael Harwood in St Mary and St Thomas of Canterbury, St Helens, as well as St Julie’s, Eccleston. It was a great joy to be back with Fr Michael, who took very good care of me and helped to ensure I got the most out of every opportunity during the busy week. It was equally a privilege to spend time with familiar parishioners and enjoy meeting new ones. I am very grateful to you all! I have mentioned before that all too easily seminarians can forget why we spend years in formation for the priesthood, not for our own benefit but to properly and faithfully minister to the people of our diocese. Our studies are vital because they prepare us for the pastoral situations we will encounter when we meet with parishioners and the wider public. I always find it incredibly helpful and important to constantly remind myself of the people I believe God is calling me to serve. However, this does not always make it easier when writing philosophy essays or trying to learn Greek conjugations!

 

Next year, I will enter my Year of Pastoral Theology alongside my brother seminarian at Allen Hall, Rhys J. The purpose of this is to prepare us for our four years of theology studies by placing us back in the diocese for a year. From September, we will travel to and from London, completing courses in various topics and from December until June, we will spend time in a parish. I am very much looking forward to being back in Liverpool. I love seminary, I love my brother seminarians and I love the opportunities of community life. However, I am looking forward to the break and the chance to spend time learning theology practically and encountering the Lord in those I meet.

 

As Rhys and I enter this next stage of our formation, please continue to pray for us.

 

Our Lady Queen of the Clergy, Pray for us.