Portsmouth: seminarian plans leap of faith

A seminarian from Portsmouth Diocese is planning to skydive from 10,000 feet for charity early next year. John Paul Lyttle, 22, is in his second year at Oscott in Birmingham. He said he hopes to show people that the priesthood is adventurous. During his jump, John Paul will skydive strapped to an instructor.

He said: "I'm the Justice and Peace co-ordinator for the seminary and have decided to raise some money for the charities we fundraise for. The charities are: CAFOD, Aid to the Church in Need, the Fireside Centre, (a homeless project in Birmingham) and a Uganda project. John Paul, who is from Guernsey, used to work in IT for a bank. He said he had felt called to the priesthood for quite a while before he applied and is really enjoying his training.

He said: "I had the privilege of having a pastoral placement in the Isle of Wight for a year with Fr John Catlin."

If you would like to sponsor John Paul please contact him at johnpaullyttle@hotmail.com or contact the seminary direct: Oscott College, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 5AA , Tel: 0121-321 5000