Introduction:
Longer Explanations
Brief Suggestions
Vocations Guide to Priesthood
Please share your successes
email opm@onetel.com
Material in these pages has been heavily influenced by the comments/articles of such authorities as The Cure D’Ars, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Popes St Pius X, John Paul the Great, Benedict XVI and other experts (e.g. The Congregation of the Clergy) on the subject of vocations that have come to our attention. Many of their ideas have been condensed and tabulated on a number of templates that contain worthwhile suggestions that have been gleaned from various Catholic Diocesan web sites across the world.
The need to foster vocations in our parishes has never been greater, as is well illustrated by the current example of the Archdiocese of Dublin which currently has 199 parishes. At the close of the year 2009 the Archdiocese had 46 priests over the age of 80 but only two younger than 35. In the same year just six men entered the seminary.
Can we find reasons to be hopeful? Yes! There are reasons for great hope. Surveys conducted over the past seven years in America, Australia, Ireland and Italy have revealed that10% of young people questioned (see the lost generation) replied in the affirmative when asked “Are you interested in talking to someone about the possibility that God might be calling you to the Priesthood or Religious Life?”
It is hoped that this web site will be a great help to Bishops, Priests, Families, Seminaries, Schools together with the Sick and Housebound. It contains marvellous ideas for dedicated Director of Vocations.
Now is the time for fostering more vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.
The various suggestions contained herein are intended to “stand alone” in order that they may be photocopied and distributed to willing priests and laity who are keen to foster a culture of vocations in their parish.
UK PARISH CELEBRATES THE YEAR FOR PRIESTS