Vocations Team Mission Statement
To create an environment in order to promote, identify, and assist individuals in discerning their baptismal call to holiness, as is lived out, through the vocation of the priesthood, diaconate, religious (brothers and sisters), married and single life. To support the clergy and religious through prayer and inspire the diocesan community in fulfilling its mission to foster vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory.
As Catholics, in the past we have been spoiled by the number of men and women who have chosen to heed the call to religious vocation. This trend has diminished. Members of the Church today must recognise this reality and create an awareness of the importance of encouraging God’s people to serve as priests, sisters, brothers, deacons and laity in full time Church ministry. Like Samuel, some of the people in our family and diocese may have a call from God, but are unable to hear or understand what our Lord is asking them to do. Let us pray and encourage each individual to hear this call.
Programme 2011.
1. Visitation of all Secondary Schools in the Diocese. (Powerpoint presentation on being a priest in the Diocese of Ossory)
2. Secondary School Discernment Programme for Fifth Years.
3. First year presentation: ‘Confirmation and Vocation’ (Called to Witness: PowerPoint Presentation)
3. Visitation of Ossory Students in Third Level Colleges.
4. Primary School Programme on ‘Vocation to the Priesthood – Jesus is Calling’
5. Parish Visitation re: Vocation Promotion.
6. Parish Cluster Awareness Programme/Weekend vocations workshops
7. Programme for Lourdes/Medjugorje/Wyd/Youth Groups.
Parish Weekend Programme:
Friday, 8 pm: Adoration and guided prayer on ‘Vocation and Call in the New Testament’.
Saturday 11am – 12.30pm: Open Workshop on ‘Vocation to the Priesthood in our Diocese’
In collaboration with the Diocesan St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society.
1. Retreat for the Society with the Theme ‘We are called to give witness’ (Spirituality of Olivia Mary Taffe, foundress of the Society)
2. Conference on ‘Restoring a Vocation Culture’
Diocesan Prayer for Vocations
Loving God, You speak to us and nourish us through the life of Your Church community. In the name of Jesus, we ask you to send your Spirit to us that men and women among us, young and old, will respond to your call to service in the Church. We pray especially in our day, for those who hear your invitation to be a priest, sister or brother. May those who are opening their hearts and minds to your call be encouraged and strengthened through our enthusiasm in your service. Amen.
The Vocations Director is available for Workshops and Seminars for Parish and community groups.
For further information please contact:
Father Willie Purcell
Tel. 056-7770261 Mobile: 087-6286858
Email: ossoryvocdir@gmail.com
Ossoryvocations.blogspot.com