About

The National Office for Vocation is an Office of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales. Our mission is to:

  • Build a culture of vocation in the Church in England and Wales
  • Promote the calls to specific vocations, including priesthood, the diaconate, marriage, the religious life and all other forms of consecrated life.

The inspiration for the creation of the Office came from the Church document of 1997 entitled ‘New Vocations for a New Europe, (In Verbo Tuo.)’ This offers a vision of the Church as a community of the called whose task is to call others.

Chairman: Rt. Rev. Terence Drainey – Bishop of Middlesbrough

Staff

fr.christopher.jamisonDIRECTOR – RT. REV. CHRISTOPHER JAMISON OSB

Fr. Christopher joined the Office as Director in 2010. He is a former Abbot of Worth and a former headmaster of Worth School. He is known for his appearances in the media and for his books which bring wisdom from the monastic tradition to a contemporary audience. As Director, Fr Christopher is responsible for the overall strategy of the Office, its interface with vocations directors and its public relations.

 

Sr ElaineRELIGIOUS LIFE PROMOTER – SR. ELAINE PENRICE

Sr. Elaine is the newest member of the office, having joined in June 2016. She will support the vocations personnel of religious congregations, particularly those setting up discernment groups (e.g. Samuel and Compass). She will also respond to enquiries from those making initial steps to discern religious life, and assist in promoting a balanced representation of consecrated life on social media. 

 

Juliet2VOCATIONS ADMINISTRATOR – JULIET CHIOSSO

Juliet joined the office in 2011. She is responsible for producing the office’s newsletters, keeping the website up-to-date, maintaining the applicants for priesthood database and helps create video materials.