We are delighted to announce that the Catholic Union will be holding a Summer Gathering on Saturday 23 July 2022 at St Mary’s College, Oscott, the famous seminary in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham. The present home of Oscott dates from 1838 and is largely the work of the great Catholic architect, AWN Pugin. He was given a free hand in its design, especially in the chapel where his purpose was to create a glorious visual and spiritual experience for the visitor and worshipper. It was from the pulpit in this chapel that St John Henry Newman preached his famous sermon in 1852, later published as “The Second Spring”.
The Summer Gathering will begin at about 11am. There will be a talk and discussion about the current political scene and the work of the Catholic Union, followed by a buffet lunch in the Refectory. After lunch, there will be a second talk, followed by a tour of the chapel and historic buildings, Mass in the chapel at 4pm and the day will conclude with refreshments and cakes at around 5.15pm. We are expecting our President Sir Edward Leigh and our new Chairman Rob Flello to be joining us and we are also hoping for bright, sunny weather on what should be a very enjoyable day out!
We have managed to keep the price to an exceptionally reasonable £28 per person. This includes lunch, refreshments, the tour and tea and cakes. All members of the St Thomas More Circle of donors are entitled to a complimentary ticket.
Transport
Members are responsible for their own transport. There are good road links and there is ample parking available at the college. The nearest train station is Chester Road and can be reached by a short local train service from Birmingham New Street. The College is a 10-15 minute walk from Chester Road station. Buses and taxis are also available from Birmingham City Centre. More details about transport and options for overnight accommodation locally are available to download below. The full address is St Mary’s College, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5AA.
Booking
If you would like to book to attend, please contact the office at info@catholicunion.org.uk or telephone on 020 8749 1321, and give your name(s) and any dietary requirements. It would be helpful if you were to copy your email to me at director@catholicunion.org.uk. Payment should be by cheque payable to “The Catholic Union of Great Britain” and sent to Catholic Union, 63 Jeddo Road, London W12 9EE, or by bank transfer with your name and “SG” as a reference to our account at:
HSBC
Acc. No. 40217492
Sort Code 40 05 20
Places are limited so we strongly advise early booking.
We hope that many of you will be able to join us for our first Summer Gathering since 2019!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me in the first instance.
Nigel Parker
Director
director@catholicunion.org.uk
07930 955692
