St Joseph's Society
I went to St Joseph’s College, Upholland, in September 1966. My family lived in the Isle of Man at that time and, as a thirteen-year-old boy, it was with a feeling of trepidation that I began my time in the Lower Line at the College starting in Low Figures (2nd year). The College to me seemed a million miles away from my home. I stayed in the School until I had finished my A levels and then began in the Upper House studying Philosophy and Theology for three years before the Senior House moved to St Cuthbert’s College, Durham in 1975. During this time my family moved back to Wigan and I was eventually ordained a priest in 1978 at St Jude’s Church, my then home parish.
When I look back at the nine years I spent at the College they were amongst the happiest days of my life. Although the life was quite Spartan there was a real sense of belonging and community. The priests, sisters and staff at the College were extremely friendly and a great example of Christian leadership to all the students. I was from a working-class family (as many of the students were) and so many avenues of education were opened up to me. In the junior years we studied for O and A levels like many children up and down the country but, because we lived at the College, our social lives were bound up with the education.
I was introduced to the enjoyment and joy of classical music, photography and the development of films, I learnt about how to set up print for publications of all sorts. I helped in the production of a magazine which went out to people who were old and house bound. I was able to pursue my love of ornithology as there were so many beautiful birds to be spotted in the extensive and beautiful grounds of the college. In fact, one of the priests occasionally took a few of us around the Ribble valley and other beauty spots, to see some beautiful birds. Father Kevin Snape also began the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme which became successful and in which I partook at the lower level! We also used to produce plays for the theatre and I loved to work in the Green Room and preparing the actors to go on stage. I was able to help in the setting up of a Referees Association for the football which took place in the College and I enjoyed umpiring cricket and volley ball. Once I turned seventeen, I became a referee of the Lancashire Football Association and cycled my way around Lancashire refereeing football matches and being exposed to secular society. There were a myriad of skills and activities that we could be involved in and learn from. All this stood me in good stead to contribute to society and the life of the Church in later years.
After A levels I entered the Senior Seminary and began to study Philosophy and Theology. All of our teachers both in the School and the Upper House were utterly dedicated to the fine teaching of the students and their pastoral welfare. In the Upper House we had a “pastoral day” each week when we went out of the college to begin to practise pastoral work such as visiting old people, visiting and teaching in schools, hospital visiting and the like. I loved to do this work as it was a practical hands-on preparation for pastoral priestly ministry later on. We also went to a college in St Helens to participate in a social casework course and met others who were working in the secular world. I was allowed, and encouraged, to join “The Samaritans” which was an eye-opening experience for me as a young man. This organisation does tremendous good in the country helping people who feel suicidal.
What I have not mentioned thus far was the sacramental and spiritual experience of being in the College. I loved all the services and Masses we attended. We heard some great sermons and the choir was a wonderful thing to be involved in. Father Kevin Snape led the choir and latterly Father (now Canon) Christopher Cunningham. Both of these priests were exceptionally gifted and helped me to be a reasonable alto! The Gregorian chant we used to sing from the “Liber Usualis” was heavenly. I loved all the Liturgies of the seasons and it was wonderful when we had Archbishops and Bishops to confer Holy Orders on some of the students each year. It was an encouragement for me to continue following my vocation.
All these experiences at the College prepared me for the life ahead. I worked as a young priest in Leigh and at the Cathedral in Liverpool. I then spent twenty-eight years in the British Army as a chaplain and then seven years as a parish priest of two International English-Speaking parishes in the Frankfurt area of Germany. Over all those years of ministry I always thanked God for my happy times at Upholland and the education and formation which helped me in my chosen life of the Priesthood. Thanks to the College I love classical music, bird watching and reading history - Father later Dr Peter Doyle was a most inspiring history teacher and his inspiration has given me a lifelong love of history and, ultimately, my love of travel. So many elements of my time at Upholland helped form me as the person I am and I am immensely grateful to God for this and the staff at the College.
Monsignor Stephen Alker MBE