Fr Billy Swan
Next Sunday, 8th May is Vocations Sunday or the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. At 3pm, Bishop Ger will lead a holy hour of prayer for vocations at St Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy. All are welcome. More on this soon on 'The Hook of Faith'.
‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so pray to the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest’ (Matt. 9:37).
These words spoken by Jesus in the gospels find particular resonance today. We are acutely aware of the fall in vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. And yet the harvest remains rich – so many who need support, hope and who wait to hear the Good News about the God who loves them and cares for them.
In the synodal Church of today and tomorrow, the role of lay people will become even more important. This means that the service of ministerial priesthood will be needed more, not less as the Church becomes more missionary - sustained by the ministry of Word and sacrament for which priests have a special responsibility.
For this reason, we need to hear again Jesus’ words and pray to the Lord of the harvest for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We must respond to his invitation generously and collectively as a diocesan family. One important way we can do this is to pray for Vocations. In these days that lead up to the International Day of Prayer for Vocations or ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’ on 8th May, you are encouraged to make time and space to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
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