A note from our Vocations Director

September 5th, 2014

At the beginning of this new school year, we think in a special way of Stephen Wilson from the parish of Coalisland who entered seminary last week and who has just set out on the path towards to priesthood, in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. We pray that the Lord may bless Stephen at this time and we pray that he may also bless the other seminarians from our diocese who are preparing to return to college over the coming days.

On Monday 8 September, we are having another evening of prayer and reflection for those who are quietly thinking of priesthood and the gathering will take place in The Servite Priory, Benburb. A number of men have attended these in the past and there are always newcomers who join with us at each gathering. They’re always very pleasant evenings when those who gather learn something more about seminary life and the life of the priest. Many have said that they enjoy meeting with one another and sharing their own personal stories with each other. Again, if anyone is interested in attending on the evening, they will be most welcome and you might just contact me in advance.

I’d also like to bring to your attention two special evenings which the Diocesan Vocations Team have organised. They are two evenings which have been titled “Who’s calling and Who’s being called?” The evenings will be an opportunity for people to come together to reflect on our Christian calling and on our own personal calling in life. The evenings will include music, prayer, personal witnesses/testimonies and discussion and they’re open to all and it’s hoped that many will respond to these special gatherings.
The evenings will begin at 8pm on:
Tuesday 30 September in Drumcree Parish Pastoral Centre, Garvaghy Rd, Portadown and
Thursday 2 October in Armagh Diocesan Pastoral Centre, The Magnet, The Demesne, Dundalk.

As we continue to pray for more vocations to priesthood, let’s pray that each one of us will continue to be faithful in living out our own personal vocation, to follow Christ more closely.
With every good wish and blessing

Fr Peter McAnenly