Seminarian Jude is admitted as candidate for Holy Orders

Published by Keith Morris at June 9, 2017

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Diocese of East Anglia seminarian Jude Belnas was admitted to the rite of Candidacy, the final stage before Ordination to the Diaconate and then the Priesthood, at a Mass at St Mary's College, Oscott, on Pentecost Sunday (June 4).

Bishop of Northampton Diocese, the Rt Rev Peter Doyle, celebrated the Holy Mass in St Mary's College Chapel and officiated at the Rite of Admission to Candidacy. Eleven seminarians from different dioceses were admitted as Candidates for Holy Orders.

At Oscott College, a seminarian is admitted to the ministries of Reader and Acolyte during the first three years of formation for the Priesthood. The rite of admission to Candidacy is celebrated later when it is determined that a seminarian has reached a maturity of purpose and has shown to have the necessary qualifications.

Jude said: "My admission to Candidacy is a significant moment in my vocation. I publicly manifest my will to offer myself to God and the Church so that I may be chosen to exercise a Sacred Order. The celebration was a joyous occasion, not just for my family, and myself, but also for the entire Diocese of East Anglia.

"I am very blessed to have such a loving and caring diocese under the pastoral care of Bishop Alan. Please pray for me and all the seminarians of our diocese, that we may follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ with full trust together with Our Lady of Walsingham on the path to the Sacred Priesthood."

Present at the Mass were Jude's parents Brian and Magdalena Heath, Fr Pat Cleary (Vocations Director) and David and Jen Simcock(from St John the Baptist Cathedral).

Also present were two Diocese of East Anglia priests who are currently philosophy tutors at Oscott, Fr Francis Selman and Fr Bruce Burbridge.

Bishop Alan wrote to Jude: "This is another wonderful milestone to that moment which is drawing ever nearer as you become a Candidate for the priesthood of the Church. I pray that the Holy Spirit will renew your faith, your vocation and your enthusiasm today as you go forward on your journey."

Pictured above at St Mary's Oscott are, from left, David Simcock, Fr Pat Cleary, Magdalena Heath, Bishop Peter Doyle, Jude Belnas, Brian Heath and Jen Simcock.