National Vocations Framework
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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Vocations Pilgrimage to Walsingham
36th Vocations Pilgrimage: Walsingham - 16th June 2012
Organised by the Salvatorians
The Pilgrimage begins 1.30pm in Walsingham, carrying the Statue of Our Lady from Friday Market to the shrine. This is followed by rosary at the shrine and an hour of prayer in the chapel of reconciliation, and ends with 4pm Mass. Those wanting to participate in the vocations pilgrimage should make their own way to Walsingham.
Perhaps those who aren’t able to attend could mark this date in some way with prayers for vocations?
Invocation 2012
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.
Flame 2012
Fr Christopher Jamison OSB, Director of NOV was one of the speakers at the recent Flame event at Wembley Stadium. NOV had an exhibition stand at the congress and several thousand young people stopped by to talk to the Religious Sisters, Monks and Seminarians working on the stand and to enter the competition. If you didn't get a chance to enter, there is still time to do so as the competition is open until April 16th.
One of the highlights of the congress was the inspiring testimony from the paralympic runner Stef Reid. Her recollection of being in an ambulance after a serious accident that left her disabled was that she had never asked God what his plan for her life was. Helping people ask God what his plan for their lives is central to our work at the Vocations Office.
Read Stef's testimony on Independent Catholic News.
To find out more about Flame visit the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation's website:
http://cymfed.org/congress/flame/2012/
