Congratulations to Fr Robert James, who was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday 2nd June by Archbishop George Stack at Cardiff Cathedral.  He will take up his first post for the Archdiocese of Cardiff as assistant priest within All Saints parish in Newport in the coming months.  Please pray for Fr Robert in his new ministry, and for an increase of vocations to the priesthood.

Their Tonic Wine has gladdened people’s hearts since 1890. During the 20th century their particular strain of bees came to be favoured by beekeepers all over the world. But the Benedictine monks of Buckfast Abbey in Devon can trace their history all the way back to 1018, making this year their millennial anniversary. Please click here to read the article published by Vatican News.

Southwark Archdiocese have recently started a new discernment group for men considering their calling in life. A monthly meeting of formation, prayer, Holy Mass and fraternity. Taking place on the first Friday of every month at 6.30pm at St. Saviour’s RC Church, 175 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6AA. Please visit the Southwark Vocations Facebook page for more information.

Flame 2019 returns to the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday 2 March 2019. Flame is a great celebration of the Catholic Church for youth.  We are in a context where social media “likes” can determine self-esteem. There is a far deeper truth to be shared, and we will be exploring that with Flame’s theme: #Significance.

There’s a brilliant line-up of speakers, including GuvnaB and his wife Emma and the inspirational and engaging speaker Robert Madu from the US. One of the Bishops who will have attended the October Synod on Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment will speak to the Arena, and the day will conclude with exposition led by Cardinal Vincent.

Book your place now at https://cymfed.org.uk/flame2019/.

Among the 40,000 runners who will line up to start the 2018 London Marathon on 22nd April is one ‘fancy dress’ competitor with a difference: Sr Theodora Hawksley CJ, 32, has decided to run the marathon in religious dress to promote vocations to religious life.

‘When I told my community that I would be running the marathon this year, my provincial superior said, “Do you want to run it in a veil?” My first reaction was “Gosh, it’s a big enough challenge as it is!” but then I thought, “What a great opportunity to witness!” It’s a great way of showing the world that religious life is alive and well – and even running marathons!’

We are in the immediate run up for The Day of Prayer for Vocations, which is being celebrated on Sunday 22nd April. The theme for this year is ‘It’s Your Call’. Please click here to visit our page of resources.

If you would like to have some guidance on what kind of life God may be calling you to live out, perhaps you would be interested in having a vocation guide. You would meet up on a one-to-one basis once a month and discuss your possible calling. Please email enquiries@ukvocation.org if you would like to apply for a guide.

Alternatively, why not sign up for a retreat with a religious community for quiet reflection and time with God? See a list of upcoming retreats on our website: www.ukreligiouslife.org/events.