Hello from Peter Ross
Last weekend was the first time that we had returned to having Sunday Masses in the Crypt Chapel and Blessed Sacrament Chapels and having a fuller weekday schedule. It did become obvious at some of these Masses that we would need to wait a few weeks to gauge whether the times and locations were the best and most suitable for people to attend and also before we could begin to feel any sense of a regular routine. It was particularly noticeable that the numbers at the 9am Sunday Mass exceeded our expectations and I would be grateful to hear the opinions from that congregation as to whether they would consider the High Altar or the Blessed Sacrament Chapel as the most suitable location for this Mass. Next Sunday at the 11am Solemn Mass we welcome Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Neylon who will preside at Mass here in the Cathedral for the first time as our newly ordained Bishop.
Canon Anthony O’Brien
Cathedral Dean
‘Hello! My name is Peter Ross and I’m delighted to be joining the community here at the Cathedral. I’m a fourth year student for the priesthood, training for our Archdiocese at Oscott College near Birmingham. I’m from the Parish of St. Margaret Mary in Knotty Ash and outside of term time I live there with my Parish Priest. I’ve been drawn to the priesthood since I was a little boy. However, it was during my teenage years that I became increasingly aware of a calling to priestly life and ministry. After finishing my A-Levels, I decided to go away for a few years and study for a degree. Upon completing my time at university, I applied for seminary and Archbishop Malcolm sent me to the Royal English College, Valladolid, for an introductory year.
After a year in Spain, I received the great news, that I was to continue my formation at St. Mary’s College, Oscott. I am now at the beginning of my fourth year there and my fifth overall year of formation.
In any other year, I would be back at Oscott by now, to recommence my studies. However, formation in fourth year has a predominantly pastoral character, with seminarians embarking upon an Extended Pastoral Placement, running from September till January. Hence why I’m able to be with you all for this time.
As I’m quickly finding out, this place is full of life. After chatting with Fr Tony, it looks like I’ll be spending some time each week at the Hospital alongside Fr Stephen and the lay chaplains. This will be a new experience altogether, as I’ve never been on the other side of hospital chaplaincy. There are other opportunities that have arisen for me as possibilities during this placement and I hope to make the best of them all.
Considering all of that, I have no doubt that I’ll walk away from my time here, having gained a wider picture of parish ministry. Finally, although the Cathedral is a big place and I’m only here for a few months, I do hope to get to know some of you during my stay. So don’t be surprised if I come over and say hello! See you around.’
Peter Ross
