World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2009

Pope Benedict XVI has decided that today shall be World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2009.

Not only is today about Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life, but also to other professions.However i am going to promote Vocations to the Catholic Priesthood. Our website has a regular updated section on Vocations to the Priesthood which features Booklets, Prayers, Videos and links.
The Section on the Priesthood can be accessed if you click here.

It’s All About Prophets is the tagline for this year’s poster that is being sent to parishes and schools all over England and Wales for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Sunday 3rd May.

The image (above) shows a number of men and women around a board-room table; some of them have name-plaques indicating the vocational choices they have made and others are writing down possible choices to indicate that they are ‘discerning’. The business setting is a timely reminder that a vocation is an active decision not necessarily to pursue money, power or fame but to follow Christ use our talents in the service of others.

In addition to the poster, schools will have access to resources that will encourage students to reflect on the varieties of vocation in today’s Church and their own faith journey.

Usefull websites:

www.ukvocation.org

www.ukpriest.org.uk

www.lancastervocations.blogspot.com

Vocations – The Cochrane Chalice:

Tomorrow is Good Shepherd Sunday, when we pray worldwide for vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious life. I would like to start a scheme where a different name each week takes to their house Canon Cochrane’s chalice, and prays each day for a week that God will send us more priests. If you would like to be part of the scheme, please put your name on the form at the back of church.(more info on vocations can be found on our website here or on the Diocese Vocations Blog here)

What is it like to be a priest?

What is it like to be a priest? If you would like to spend a year seeing how priests live, and assisting them in day-to-day parish life, then in September 2009 places will become available at the House of Formation for Lancaster Diocese.

For those interested in the priesthood who are accepted at the House, it provides an ideal environment for you to discern your vocation and for the Church to discern it too. Through the months spent at St Mary's, Cleator you will be guided in your own spiritual, human, pastoral and intellectual formation.

Since the House was established in 2003 by Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue, those who have participated in the programme have found it fulfilling in itself and a solid grounding for their next steps.

Are you interested? Contact Fr Manny Gribben at e.gribben@merseymail.com
If you you would like more info on the Priesthood have a chat with Canon Alf.

Information and Resources about the Priesthood are available on our new website click here, or take a look at the Lancaster Diocese Vocations Blog - www.lancastervocations.blogspot.com

Lancaster Diocese 'What does a Priest do?' Leaflet - Click here to view