From Exeter to Valladolid: Sam Mapletoft

My period of preliminary discernment on the Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) came to an end in July and, at the time of writing, I am now preparing for the next stage of my discernment and formation, participating in the propaedeutic programme offered at the Royal English College of St Alban in Valladolid. But first let me share with you my thoughts about my enriching time in Exeter.

Simply said, I had a wonderful time at the parish of the Sacred Heart in Exeter. Under the watchful and caring supervision of Fr Petroc and his curate, Fr Albert, the year I spent there taught me many things about the realities of the priesthood in the twenty-first century, and the many aspects of pastoral ministry that it necessarily entails. I will certainly treasure the many connections and friendships I have made there, as well as the opportunities to become a part of a welcoming and vibrant worshipping community. 

From leading prayers and liturgies in public, to visiting the sick and the housebound with Holy Communion, chatting with young professionals and their growing families, and even sharing the time of day with those ‘doing time’ at HM Prison Exeter, I’ve certainly had a rounded taste of ministry in this vibrant city-centre parish. Getting involved with the young people and their families through the ‘GIFT’ group catechesis and socials (Growing in Faith Together), and the wider programme of faith-based events across the Diocese were other highlights of the year. Certainly, for anyone considering the priesthood, but unsure of what it entails, MES gave me the unique opportunity to see the faith in action and develop my ‘hands-on’ pastoral skills with a wide range of people from varying backgrounds, often those who are hidden from the broader gaze of society.

The priest has a unique and privileged access to the vulnerabilities and complexities of people’s lives. Challenges included visiting those in prison, sharing with inmates their often-complex life stories, typically thwarted by the inequalities they have faced growing up in our towns and cities, their experiences of ‘gang culture’ and broken families, only now coming to terms with the outcomes of choices wrongly made. At home too, the priest will be there supporting people through the difficult periods of their life, including chronic sickness and ultimately bereavement. But these challenges were balanced by the celebrations I was able to take part in, joining weddings and baptisms, and other family celebrations in a parish that gave me a perennial warm welcome.  

In the end, it was difficult to say goodbye to a parish that had welcomed me so warmly, but now I am ready for the next stage of my formation in Valladolid, Spain. I hear from many in the Diocese that it will be a wonderful experience, and I am excited to meet the other men from across the UK and Europe who are joining me there. The programme offered by the seminary is extensive and will be a good foundation to what is a lengthy period of formation at major seminary. I am especially looking forward to the spiritual formation that they can offer, enriched by trips to many of the holy sites of Spain and the chance to develop a devotion to Our Lady Vulnerata. Our Lady Vulnerata is the mother of the college, the mother of our saints and martyrs and a daily help and protection to those who live alongside her. I entrust myself to her maternal care and at the Sacred Heart, Exeter, to whom I will be always grateful for their support, encouragement and prayers.

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