St Mary's College, Oscott

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St Mary's College, Oscott

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St Mary's College Oscott has been at the heart of the renewal of the Catholic faith in our country and exists to form those who will go out to preach the good news. Mary's College, Oscott, the home of the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham serving the dioceses and religious orders of England and Wales.

08/06/2026

Are you coming to WeBelieve? Tickets not booked yet? There’s still time. 🙌

This July, WeBelieve Festival 2026 gathers Catholics from across the country for four unforgettable days of worship, inspiring talks, prayer, music, community and joy. Whether you’re coming with friends, family or on your own, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something special!

24–27 July | St Mary’s College, Oscott
Book now! https://bit.ly/4vFMLHX

05/06/2026

Last month was a busy one at the college!

Alongside lectures and upcoming exams, numerous events are taking place...

In early May, we held a funeral for Professor Judith Champ, a noted Catholic historian who devoted much of her life to Oscott as a lecturer, Director of Studies, historian, and trustee. Judith’s body rested in Oscott’s chapel for a final night before her Requiem at a full St Chad’s Cathedral. Presided over by Cardinal Nichols, the service was attended by Archbishop Bernard, bishops, abbots, and over 100 priests she taught, alongside family and friends. Judith was laid to rest in Oscott’s cemetery, followed by a college reception.

We also hosted a public theological conference on St John Henry Newman to mark his elevation as a Doctor of the Church. Newman was confirmed in our chapel and preached his famous “Second Spring” sermon here. The event featured insightful speakers and engaging discussions. A week later, we held a discernment weekend, including a daytime event for under-18 discerners. This coincided with our annual Quarant’ore (40 Hours) devotion, featuring continuous day and night prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in our beautifully decorated chapel.🌟

Oscott on the Ground | Fr Andrew Allman | Vice-Rector

21/05/2026

"What's evident is the failing of many ideologies that the younger generation are beginning to see the holes in." Is the answer a faith that demands all - a "full fat faith"?

After many dioceses and parishes seeing record numbers of people becoming Catholic, it's a question worth asking. Watch our latest episode of Oscott Answers and join the discussion. https://youtu.be/3rjqWJ1HogQ

Have you watched it? What are your thoughts?

08/05/2026

Harry Clark, winner of The Traitors 2024, recently met Pope Leo XIV — and in his documentary Harry Clark Goes to Rome, which aired on Easter Sunday and is still on iPlayer, Oscott also makes an appearance! If you watched it, you'll know our very own Fr Andy Richardson was Harry's parish priest when Harry was growing up, and featured in the documentary along with our seminarians during Harry's visit.

In this thoughtful feature, Fr Andy Richardson reflects on Harry, young people, and why so many are searching not for an easier faith, but for one worth giving everything to. Read the full article here:

“Swimming Against the Tide”: Fr Andy Richardson on Harry Clark, young people, and a faith that asks for everything: https://bit.ly/4e322fy

04/05/2026

"Christ's whole life is about self-giving. There's strength and leadership... it's not about self-interest or dominating."
Many have watched the "Manosphere" documentary, and taken part in essential conversations surrounding masculinity today. We're adding even more essential Christ-centred input into the ring with our Oscott Answers Episode 4.
Watch it now: https://bit.ly/4mPiO4e

29/04/2026

Experience a beautiful programme performed by Cathy Lamb on Oscott’s original college organ - gifted by Birmingham industrialist John Hardman - in the breathtaking Gothic chapel designed and adorned by A. W. N. Pugin. An acclaimed recitalist and former Joint Director of Music at Lichfield Cathedral, Cathy has performed at major venues across the UK.

Refreshments will be served afterwards, and those who wish to stay for Evening Prayer with the community are warmly invited.

A wonderful chance to enjoy music, beauty and hospitality in one of Birmingham’s hidden treasures.

Get your ticket here or on our website: https://bit.ly/4u1QVbg

23/04/2026

Join us at Oscott for a special symposium celebrating the elevation of St John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church.⠀
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Across two days, leading scholars, clergy and guests will explore Newman’s theology, education, imagination and enduring relevance for the Church today.⠀
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Begins Friday 1 May with a free public lecture by Fr Guy Nicholls⠀
Full symposium continues Saturday 2 May with papers, Mass, lunch, panel discussion, Adoration & Vespers⠀
Free parking | Lunch included | Limited accommodation available⠀
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Set in the very place where Newman preached his famous Second Spring sermon, this promises to be a rich and memorable gathering.
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🎟️ Booking essential: https://bit.ly/4vDZdYx ⠀
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15/04/2026

Can you be a Jewish Catholic? 🤔

Join us at Oscott for the launch of "From Sinai to Rome: Jewish Identity in the Catholic Church" - an evening that explores one of the most profound and often misunderstood questions at the heart of faith.

With insights from Dr Angela Costley (Lecturer in Wisdom, the Prophets, and New Testament Greek at Oscott), Prof. Gavin D’Costa and Prof. Lawrence Feingold, and an introduction by Bishop Timothy Menezes, this promises to be a rich and thought-provoking conversation.

Rooted in Scripture and the Church’s living tradition, we’ll reflect on identity, fulfilment, and what it means to belong to the one People of God - “grafted” into the same olive tree.

🍷 Drinks reception to follow
📍 St Mary’s College, Oscott

All are warmly invited: come along, listen, and be part of the conversation. Entry is free, but sign up is required to book your place.
oscott.org/events

07/04/2026

Members of the Oscott community are praying for the repose of the soul of Professor Judith Champ, who died peacefully in the early hours of Easter Sunday morning. Judith was a Dame of the Order of St Sylvester, an academic who devoted herself to studying and promoting Catholic History, and author of a number of books. She served Oscott over several decades, as a lecturer, member of the formation staff, Director of Studies and, after retirement, as a trustee and supporter of the college.

Judith was also a friend, colleague, and mentor to so many, through her work in research and in the formation of men for the Catholic priesthood. We give thanks to God for the gift of her life and for her unwavering dedication to the research and preservation of Catholic history. She had a particular gift for bringing history to life to illuminate the mission of the Church in our own times, a gift which she generously shared in her work in the formation of men for the priesthood.

We pray for the happy repose of her soul. She left this life on the day of the Lord’s resurrection; may she now share in the fulness of His risen life.

27/03/2026

“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”

What does learning to sing have to do with becoming a priest? In our latest article, Fr Craig reflects on why liturgical music is central to priestly formation, shaping how seminarians listen, pray, and serve the liturgy. At a time of renewed interest in chant and sacred music, he reminds us that music at Mass isn’t about performance, but about raising hearts and minds to God.

Read the full piece via the link in our bio!

Address

Chester Road
Sutton Coldfield
B735AA

Telephone

0121 321 5000

Website

https://www.oscott.org/

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