Monday, 4th to Thursday, 7th April 2016 (Low Week).
PRIOR PARK
Prior Park, which currently houses an independent Catholic school, is set in 28 acres of parkland, and was built in the 1730s as a country mansion for a local quarry owner named Ralph Allen. Its architect, John Wood, used Bath stone from Ralph Allen’s quarries to create a building in the Palladian style on a hillside site that overlooks the city. The grounds contain several of impressive features, including an ornamental bridge, also in the Palladian style, over an artificial lake.
After the death of Ralph Allen, the property passed through a number of owners, and in 1828 was purchased by Bishop Baines, the Vicar Apostolic for the Western District. His intention was to establish a seminary on the site, which he eventually did, along with a school. It was also his intention to build a cathedral at Prior Park, but this never happened, due to the ever present shortage of money. However, a fine chapel was added.
The seminary closed in 1856, with the students transferred to Oscott College. The school continued until the buildings were occupied by troops during the First World War. A fresh attempt was made to establish a boys’ boarding school at Prior Park in 1925, which is the fore-runner of the present school.
Prior Park College is very suitable for the needs of the LMS training conference. There is plenty of sleeping accommodation in single rooms, and common rooms will be available for relaxation at the end of each day. Also, Prior Park has a reputation for serving excellent food. The chapel is particularly beautiful, and retains its original High Altar and reredos in a spacious sanctuary very suitable for the traditional liturgy. It also has four side altars, which will be used to give tuition to small groups.
TUITION
Tuition will be given by experienced priests and laymen in Low Mass, Missa Cantata and Solemn Mass according to the requirements of each student. Full board is included in the package, although day visitors can attend for a reduced fee.
MASSES DURING THE TRAINING CONFERENCE
Mass will be celebrated daily throughout the Conference. Held in the chapel at Prior Park College, these are public Masses and are open to all to attend.
Monday 4th April
5.00pm Solemn Mass of the Annunciation
Tuesday 5th April
11.00am Mass of Vincent Ferrer
Wednesday 6th April
11.00am Solemn Requiem Mass
Thursday 7th April
11.00am Solemn Votive Mass of Our Lord Jesus Christ
COST
The following prices are inclusive of board and lodging at Prior Park College.
Standard fee: £110
Full-time students: £55
Seminarians attend FREE OF CHARGE
HOW TO GET THERE
Address: Prior Park College, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH. Directions to the college can be found on the college's website.
HOW TO APPLY
Bookings are now being taken from priests, deacons and servers to attend the conference at Prior Park. To make an application, please complete the form here.
Photo credit: Prior Park College