Events for Potential Ordinands

Guest Nights

Our usual pattern of hospitality takes place on Thursday guest nights, during term. The usual pattern for this is:

– Arrival for tea at 4 pm,

– A guided tour of the College.

– Sung Evening Prayer at 6 pm

Followed by drinks in the Common Room and a formal dinner at 7 pm (formal dress).

Potential ordinands are very welcome to stay overnight, with opportunities for further conversation and informal interviews with members of staff on Friday morning.

To help us prepare well for each visit, we kindly ask that you submit a short paragraph introducing yourself in advance.

Please include your age, home parish, sponsoring diocese, academic background, marital status, and any other details you feel would be helpful.

Please send this to our Admissions Secretary at admissions@ssho.ac.uk. This information is required and will allow us to shape a thoughtful, personal, and welcoming invitation for each potential ordinand.

If a Thursday is not convenient,

We are also happy to welcome potential ordinands for a weekend visit. Guests can arrive on Saturday afternoon or evening and then join the community on Sunday morning for:

Morning Prayer at 8.30am in the House Chapel
Breakfast at 9.00am
Sung Mass at 10.30am
Coffee and tea in the Common Room at 11.30am
Lunch at 12.30pm

A Sunday visit also allows time for conversation with staff, and for exploring possible academic and formational pathways in a relaxed and supportive setting.

To help us prepare well for each visit, candidates are invited to send a short paragraph about themselves, including age, home parish, sponsoring diocese, academic background, marital status, and any other relevant details. This will help us shape a thoughtful and personal invitation for each potential ordinand.

Retreats

Throughout the academic year, the College invites potential ordinands, pastoral assistants, and those exploring a vocation to join us for retreats with our community. These are often shared on our social media pages. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with St Stephen’s House news and events.

2025 Advent Retreat Flyer