Pope Francis addressed a conference organised by the National Office for Pastoral Care for Vocations of the Italian Episcopal Conference on 5th January. The theme of the conference was: “Arise, go forth, and fear not. Vocations and sanctity: I am on a mission.” Pope Francis offered several thoughts on ways to increase vocations to religious life and the priesthood.

Father, we are filled with the new light
by the coming of your Word among us.
May the light of faith shine in our words and actions.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever.

Amen.

prayer from: www.catholic.org

Are you wondering which way to go in life?

Come along to beautiful North Wales and join in a programme of 3 linked residential weekends with the opportunity for Spiritual Direction in between. 1^st-3^rd September 2017,  5^th-7^th January 2018 and 23^rd-25^th March 2018.

A chance for 18-35 year olds to spend time reflecting on how to discern God’s desire for their lives. Suggested donation is £120 for students and unemployed, £200 for employed.  Bursaries are available.

For more information please click here.

When a man feels they have a call to the priesthood, they enter a seminary. The process of formation for the priesthood normally takes six years, during which time the seminarians live in a community of formation built around prayer and study. But what is life in seminary actually like? This short video interviews men at Oscott College near Birmingham, who openly describe their experiences and lifestyle as seminarians.

An ex-seminarian, now married and father of five children, shares his interesting reflections on the beneficial experience of seminary for the formation of men in this article. Let us pray for the courage of many more men to offer themselves courageously to service of God’s holy people as priests.