A three-year vision for encouraging Catholic vocations in England and Wales has been released by the National Office for Vocation. The 'National Vocations Framework' is the practical expression of the Bishops' desire to "proclaim the universal call to holiness in Christ by promoting a culture of vocation."₁

It takes to a new level the culture of vocation that has been developing in recent years. The desired outcome is for more people to be actively discerning how to respond to the call of Christ by, for example, every deanery or equivalent area having at least one discernment group. This will naturally lead to more people responding to a particular call, including vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.

In essence, the Framework invites those who have been called to call others. This involves outreach to the unbaptised and the lapsed, as well as enabling those active in the Church to respond to their particular vocation. There are a variety of vocations through which the faithful may be sanctified, among them ordained ministry and consecrated life, marriage and single lay life.

The Framework by the National Office for Vocation has been released detailing the key aims for the Catholic Church in England and Wales over the next three years.

• Understanding vocation
• Communicating vocation
• Discerning vocation

Within each aim, it then describes objectives that can be put into practice by parishes and dioceses, religious congregations and movements in their own way, between now and 2015. These aims and objectives are not exclusive or compulsory; they are designed to help those who wish to focus their efforts locally, knowing that they will receive support nationally and regionally. Some of that support is outlined in the action plans that constitute the last part of the Framework. With that support, it is hoped that Catholic communities throughout the country will devise their own action plans.

The Bishops of England and Wales adopted the framework at their April 2012 plenary meeting:

"The Bishops’ Conference endorses the National Vocations Framework prepared by the National Office for Vocations and is resolved at diocesan level to encourage their diocesan agencies and deaneries to work towards the objectives identified in the Framework"

¹Message for the Papal Visit Anniversary from the Bishops’ Conference, 18th September 2011

National Vocations Framework 1.14 MB

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Seminary and Pre-Seminary Entrants from 1982-2011 61.40 kB

Ordinations to the Diocesan Priesthood from 1982 to Present 82.11 kB

Entry into Religious Life from 1982-2011 28.00 kB

Invocation 2012 is a national discernment festival for young adults.  The festival will take place in the grounds of St. Mary’s College, Oscott in the Archdiocese of Birmingham from Friday 6th - Sunday 8th July 2012.

This weekend event is aimed at young men and women aged 16-35, who are looking to deepen their relationship with Christ and who are searching for the knowledge and tools to develop their own personal formation, discernment and understanding of God’s will for their lives, for some this may mean being open to the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. 

The event will provide “Fellowship, Catechesis, Confession and Adoration” with time for prayer, quiet reflection, and discernment through Keynote speakers, interactive workshops and life-changing services, above all the opportunity to encounter the Lord. We hope that you will also take the time to find space and enjoy conversation, accompanied by inspiring priests and religious, who will journey with you sharing their wealth of experience and providing witness to their lives and vocation.

If you are aged 16-35 and are interested in attending the festival book online at the invocation website.

Religious and Priests must book through the Vocations Office. Contact Sr Cathy Jones on 020 7901 4809.

www.invocation.org.uk