Called to the Priesthood
The ordained priesthood is a precious gift form our Lord Jesus to minister his people as good shepherds and to guide them along the path that leads to the fullness of life. A priest’s life is dedicated to God and his Church.
He is called to live a simple and humble life. A priest is privileged to accompany people in some of the most important moments of their lives, celebrating their joys and sorrows.
At times, he provides comfort to the dying and sees healing miracles in the anointing of the sick. At other times, he witnesses the joy of a couple getting married. He baptises children and adults and he celebrates the most precious gift God has given to his Church: the Holy Eucharist.
Our Diocesan Vocations Director is Fr Tony McGrath
A year of Discernment with the Diocese of Shrewsbury
The Call to the Priesthood is a beautiful gift, a gift that needs to be discerned well. As part of our Vocations programme we have a fantastic opportunity for young men who feel called to the Priesthood to spend a year in a community of prayer centred around the Most Holy Eucharist, all based at Shrewsbury Cathedral.
We have produced a video that features five men who took part in a year from 2018-2019 and who have all decided to enter priestly formation.
The purpose of the video is not only to give an insight into the discernment programme but also to invite men who would like to consider a possible vocation in such a context to make contact with the Cathedral. The focus of the year is prayer and discernment towards a better understanding of the priesthood and a person’s own particular calling. The programme offers a place to seriously discern the priestly vocation in an atmosphere of prayer and supported by a small community and sharing in the life and worship of the Cathedral. It offers a time for reflection, to grow in the spiritual life with regular spiritual direction and accompaniment, as well as opportunities for retreat, days of recollection and pilgrimage and study focused on the Scriptures, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the lives of the saints.
The Rt Rev. Mark Davies, the Bishop of Shrewsbury, said: “This video offers more than information about a vocations initiative in Shrewsbury…The beauty of its filming opens a window for everyone to glimpse the Eucharistic heart of this discernment year at the Cathedral…I pray it will assist enquirers and also lead many more to pray for this initiative which has proved invaluable for the men who have come to spend time in this discernment community centred on the Holy Eucharist.”
Called to be a Deacon
A Specific Grace
The permanent deacon, who may be single or married, dedicates his life to serving others.
His ministry of service focuses on three areas: assisting at the altar in the celebration of the sacraments; preaching the Word of God and leading people in prayer; and reaching out in loving service to the practical and spiritual needs of others, especially of the poor and those outside the normal confines of the Church.
Traditionally the permanent deacon works closely with his diocesan bishop. Most permanent deacons, in practice, serve the greater part of their time within their home parish.
But there are many who work as chaplains in schools, prisons, hospitals, etc. Others are in full-time employment where their work is itself ‘diaconal’: teachers, social workers, nurses, doctors, etc.
Their ordination brings a specific grace that allows their life of service to be consecrated in a special way.