My first day of real work began early this morning at 7.40 a.m. with a celebration of the Eucharist. Some of the older students were permitted to read the Epistle and Gospel (?) and even administer the chalice! I hope that towards the end of my time here, I too may be permitted to participate in this way. Unfortunately I could smell the breakfast cooking, so my stomach rumbled in a most undignified manner during the Peace, so I suspect that I will not be given the honour of assisting at worship for a long time to come.

Breakfast itself was most enjoyable, with a choice of cereals and a further choice of cooked items, though not liking fried bread it was a bit unnerving to find that I got a slice automatically. I didn't say anything to the young lady serving it in case she might think I was trying to chat her up, and I always feel embarrassed when talking to girls.

There was no time to clean my teeth or brush my hair before the first lecture at 9.00 a.m., so I raced along the ground floor corridor to find out where the session was to take place. Most of the college was looking at a blackboard like travellers at an airport do when waiting to see what flight they are on. A fellow priest-in-training pulled my leg saying that it is always like that because although it is a College there are hardly any rooms suitable to lecture in, and staff juggle rooms around at the last minute, so that everyone is rushing around frantically. I replied with a stony stare so that he would realise that although I am new I am not that gullible.

The first lecture turned out to be an introduction to the study of the Bible. I have always used "Daily Notes" so I should be ahead of some of the more spiritually-lax students. However, I was concerned to hear that during the course we will be criticising the Bible! This seems a very dangerous and ill-advised path to take, and I shall have to resist any tendency to pull the Bible apart. Once you start looking too closely at things, you never know what you may find.

After an number of other, less remarkable lectures I retreated exhausted to my room with only time to write this brief entry in my diary. Only two days gone and I feel worn out. It's hard work being an ordinand!