Better late than never at Osterley

"Late" vocations need specialist education for the priesthood. Campion House at Osterley has had 1,300 priests through its portals since 1919.
by Fr Denis Mackledge. SJ
WHAT IX) a cross-channel swimmer, two marathon runners, an escapologist, a convert, a master joiner, a policeman, a miner. a group of men with City and Guilds qualifications, a man who left school at eleven, a teacher, a nurse, a man from the dole queue, and a retired ICI employee have in common?
They all want to become priests and are presently students at Campion House.
Campion House, Osterley, which is a College for "late" vocations to the priesthood is run by the Jesuit Order. In the Archdiocese of Westminster, the College is open to suitable candidates for any diocese at home or abroad, or for any religious or missionary congregation.
Since 1919, over 1,300 priests have begun their formation at Campion House. Cardinal Hume recently called Osterley "one of the truly great institutions of the Church in this country". Just now, there are 60 men from 21 dioceses and six religious and missionary congregations undergoing the course.
To say "late" of a vocation is perhaps misleading. God's timing is always just right for an individual who begins to respond to the Lord's loving generosity.
What we are talking about is a man with enough experience of life, who has already shown signs of sufficient maturity, intelligence, generosity, responsibility and commitment befitting his age. Usually a man in his 20s or 30s, or later on in life; on occasion, a younger man of 18 or 19.
Only a fool or an ignoramus would rush into such a venture! There is need to provide sensitive and sensible encouragement, for it is impossible to describe the journey to priesthood — only living experience can show a man the risk, the vulnerability, the total need for trust in the Lord.
So before a man is accepted for Osterley he will have had adequate contact with his local vocations director, or parish priest. Such a time helps a man to know better what he wants. and to become reasonably clear that he possesses the particular gifts needed for such a calling. The "feel" of a man is important ask yourself "would I like to see this man as a curate in my parish?"
Those who come here have enough experience of life to settle seriously into the first step towards priesthood, They can acquire or revive the study skills they will need for their future work, broaden their appreciation of the world they are to live in, and build their prayer life on a firm foundation.
Instruction is given in scripture and Christian doctrine. for the student's spiritual formation and to help him gain the level of knowledge he may already have reached in other subjects.
Much time and emphasis are given to English language and literature, and to spoken English, to help a man to become more articulate, to develop reflexion and critical thinking, and to help him to express himself and communicate with others.
Life at Osterley offers opportunities for strengthening habits of prayer and reflexion. Important here are the introductory course in Christian Spirituality, regular talks on prayer and the spiritual life, an experienced spiritual director on hand for each individual, and learning how to use the Bible for prayer.
Community Mass, "the source and summit of Christian life", is the centre of each day. A man is also helped to deepen his understanding and appreciation of his faith, lived in the Church in the modern world.
As a man is training to work in co-operation with others, accommodation is arranged to enable studens to be divided into small groups, each group with special responsibilities in the house.
A man is encouraged to grow in his sense of service by sharing his talents. By his experience in group living he assesses his strengths and weaknesys in working with others.
"Don't wait till you're certain" is good advice to a man — as long as it is coupled with "Be prepared"! there are plenty more "late" vocations on the market.
Further details from Campion House, 112 Thornbury Road, Osterley. lsleworth, Middlesex.