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Gary is entering his sixth year of seminary formation. He was admitted to Candidacy in May 2023, at a Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson. Gary is currently at Allen Hall in London and says:
'I am from the Parish of St Erconwald in Walton on Thames and am now in seminary at Allen Hall. I studied Theology at the University of Chester for my undergraduate and masters degrees. After university, I worked at the local Catholic secondary school before beginning seminary. During this time, I was received into the Church and eventually began the formal process of discernment for the priesthood (after some years of prayer and many good conversations regarding vocations). I have spent time on placements in Chichester, Worthing, Horsham and Woking and Christ the Prince of Peace, Weybridge.'
Gustavo is in his sixth year of formation and is currently based at Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill Parish. Gustavo was ordained to the Diaconate by Archbishop Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff and Bishop of Menevia in June 2023. Gustavo says:
'I am originally from Argentina born to Italian parents. I completed a degree in English as a Foreign Language back in Argentina where I worked as a teacher. Once I settled in Europe, and after a career break, I moved to the area of Human Resources where I worked as a project manager, a position I held until I started my priestly formation. Due to work commitments, I had the chance to live in various European cities until I finally settled in the UK.'
'I am currently in my sixth year at Allen Hall Seminary; my first four years of formation took place at St John's Seminary.'
Like Gary, Scott was admitted to Candidacy on the Feast of St Augustine of Canterbury, Saturday 27th May 2023. Scott is entering his sixth year of seminary formation and says:
‘I was baptised in the Church of England while studying Law at university, and soon began exploring ideas about vocation. I spent some time working in parishes in central London to try it out, and then began training for the Anglican ministry. During that time I felt the pull of the Universal Church and became a Catholic. After a year’s placement in a Catholic parish I went to the English College in Valladolid, Spain, for an introductory year. I have just finished a year’s placement in Guildford Parish, which was a fruitful, enjoyable, at times challenging, and truly blessed year of active ministry. I return for two more years’ study at the seminary with a renewed sense of purpose and joy in my vocation.'
Eddie is in his sixth year of seminary formation and was ordained to the Diaconate at Westminster Cathedral in June 2023. Eddie says:
'I am originally from the Parish of the Nativity of the Lord in Redhill, Reigate and Merstham. Most of my working life was spent in Adult Education, where I focussed on teaching English to immigrants and refugees. Before starting seminary, I spent a year as a pastoral assistant at St Joseph’s in Dorking, and after three years of study at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, spent a year on a pastoral placement at Arundel Cathedral. I am currently based at Guildford Parish and am completing my training at Allen Hall seminary in London.'
Barnabas Mercer is in his second year at the Venerable English College in Rome, Italy. He says:
‘I grew up in Rottingdean in the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes. After college, I read Theology at university, where I sensed a call to priesthood as my studies concluded. I continued my discernment whilst working in education, primarily in a pastoral capacity, before entering formation. I am currently at the Venerable English College studying Philosophy at the Angelicum.'
