The St Augustine of Canterbury School
Believing, Belonging, Becoming through Christ
Student Priest visits St Augustines
Matt Anscombe is training to be a priest for the Catholic diocese of Clifton and as part of a three-week pastoral placement in the Taunton Catholic deanery area, he was shown round St Augustine's by Catholic Chaplain, Father Bob Rainbow, on Tuesday June 3rd.
Originally a native of Taunton, Matt's family moved away when he was about 14 and he has since lived in various areas including Manchester where, after a short career in commerce, he began training to join the Redemptorists Order.
Now 37, Matt's back in Somerset as part of his studies for the priesthood.experiencing the full pastoral life of a priest. He has enjoyed time at St George's parish in Taunton and the Sacred Heart parish in Minehead, as well as visiting Father Bob's parish of Wellington and Wiveliscombe.
During his visit to the school, Matt joined staff and students for lunch and was then taken on a tour of the premises, including the chaplaincy room, various classroom sessions, the library and other facilities. Matt had an opportunity to chat to Headteacher Gail Crees and other senior staff. A chance encounter revealed that he and the school's business manager, Michael Morgan, had both been at St George's primary school at the same time many years ago.
Matt said: "It was great to have the opportunity to visit St Augustine's with Father Bob. It's always good to get a flavour of what's going on in this deanery, and working with young people is a crucial ministry."
Matt now returns to his studies at St John's Seminary at Wonersh, near Guildford.
Clifton Diocese Vocations Director, Father Robert King, said:
"Pastoral placements are an excellent opportunity for seminarians to get to know the diocese as they develop their pastoral skills.
"Matt's placement this year is deanery based - exposing him to the diverse nature of priesthood in the Clifton Diocese. To find out more about our seminarians or being a priest in the Clifton Diocese visit the 'Vocations' section of the Clifton Diocese website at: www.cliftondiocese.com where you can watch Matt and other students in our popular 'Vocation Conversations' video series."
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