THE
P RTAL
November 2018
Page 21
Vocations and Formation
The Ordinariate’s Director of Vocations & Formation, Fr Michael
Halsall, explains part of the formation course at Allen Hall
O
ne of the questions I am often asked by new seminarians is, ‘Why do we have to study Philosophy?’
My answer is fairly standard: Philosophy – the love of wisdom in Greek – opens up to us some of the
great thinkers of the pre-Christian era who have, in various ways, informed and inspired great Christian
theologians such as SS Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Bonaventure, to name but a few. Even St Paul’s first
letter to the Corinthians, and the language of St John’s Gospel, owe much to pre-Christian language about
the world and true reality. A study of Philosophy helps to give a language and voice to the great mysteries of
our faith, such as the Trinity, the Incarnation, and our participation in the Mass.
Interestingly, studies in Philosophy of Religion - via
A level religious Studies - is becoming a very popular
option in secondary school, and is a feeder subject to
some of our top universities. Many popular films have
philosophical themes which support the plots and
characters, and open up possibilities for Christians
to engage genuinely and intellectually with popular
culture. Admittedly, they tend to be toward the
science fiction and fantasy end of the spectrum, but
nevertheless help us to interpret the world with a sense
of mystery and enchantment, so lacking in recent
debates around religion and science.
in the ‘things of God’, I am reminded by the words
of St Paul: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing
you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and
acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2).
There are some very accessible courses for both
clergy and laity in philosophical studies. I am thinking
particularly of the School of the Annunciation at
Buckfast Abbey in Devon, and the Maryvale Institute in
Birmingham. Both offer options in distance learning,
and also runs summer schools. I am currently working
with the Franciscan University of Steubenville (USA),
The recent directive for formation of priests – the in order for us in the Ordinariate of Our Lady of
Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis 2016 Walsingham to access a large number of online courses
– requires seminarians to spend a minimum of two which will help form our lay ministries in our groups.
years in philosophical formation, helping to form More of this next month.
their minds alongside a study of Sacred Scripture and
Fr Michael Halsall is on the permanent staff
Latin. In terms of seminary formation, this phase is
at Allen Hall Seminary, London
called Discipleship: the disciple is one whom the Lord
has called to “stay with him” (Matt 3:14), “Staying
Stepping into ADVENT
with Christ becomes a pedagogical-spiritual journey”
… “Listening to His Word, keeping it in his heart and
Day of Formation for Laity & Clergy, exploring the
putting it into practice” (paras 61-62).
mass readings and Advent themes
A comprehensive study of Philosophy may appear a
strange way of exercising Discipleship, but it opens up
the human mind to later possibilities of understanding
how the unbroken chain of Scripture and Tradition relies
on how we speak of God, and worship the unknown –
becoming known in Christ. As a lecturer in Philosophy,
it is thrilling to see the faith of our seminarians enriched
by their studies, much to their surprise. As seminary
life is a ‘stepping out of the world’, in order to be soaked
Saturday 24th November 2018
10.30am – 3.30pm
Our Lady of the Assumption & Saint Gregory,
Warwick Street, London.
Led by Fr John Hemer MHM
The day will include three talks, mass from Divine Worship: The
Missal, and will end with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
There will be a suggested donation of £10 to cover costs
Forms of words for Making a Bequest in favour of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in your Will
I GIVE to the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, 24 Golden Square, London W1F 9JR,
the sum of ______ pounds (£
) and I DIRECT that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of the
Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham shall be good and sufficient discharge to my Executor.
or I GIVE the residue of my estate to the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, 24 Golden
Square, London W1F 9JR, and I DIRECT that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of the
Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham shall be good and sufficient discharge to my Executor.