Rev Paul Grogan
Diocesan Priestly Vocations Director
Trinity And All Saints College
Brownberrie Lane
Leeds
LS18 5HD
Tel 0113 283 7199
Email dolvocs@aol.com
Welcome to the Diocese of Leeds Priestly Vocations website.
During the recent World Youth Day in Australia, which was attended by a large group from our diocese led by Bishop Roche, Pope Benedict asked the young people of the world a very simple question: "How are you using the gifts you have been given, the 'power' which the Holy Spirit is even now prepared to release within you?"
He continued: "Open your hearts to that power! I address this plea in a special way to those of you whom the Lord is calling ot the priesthood and the consecrated life. Do not be afraid to say "yes" to Jesus, to find you joy in doing his will, giving yourself completely to the pursuit of holiness, and using all your talents in the service of others!"
In response to the Pope's words, the diocesan vocations service will continue to help young people in our diocese to discern God's will. On this new website, you will be able to find details of a wide variety of initiatives aimed at fostering a true culture of vocation inlcuding the monthly discernment group for men, the youth discernment group for boys, a three-day Vocations Fair for 11-year-olds, deanery prayer services for vocations, the ongoing parish preaching mission and the high school visiting programme.
I invite any young man (or indeed middle-aged man) who wishes to explore the possibility of the priesthood to get in touch with me. As the Pope makes clear, there is no reason to be afraid.
Rev Paul Grogan
Vocations Director, on behalf of the Diocesan Team for Promoting Priestly Vocations
The youth discernment group went for a seven mile health-giving walk in the snow around St Cuthbert's College Ushaw last month during a 24-hour stay at the seminary.
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The Mass is the re-enactment and re-presentation of the passion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, Fr David Smith reminded members of the monthly discernment group recently.
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A simple and "very human" strategy for promoting vocations to the priesthood was outlined by Fr Grogan in a speech to the Catenians last week.
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The "highly provocative" symbol at the heart of Christianity - the crucified Christ - was explored by Mgr William Steele last week in a talk to the monthly discernment group.
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1. Focusing on the Person of Christ
We should only listen to people who are speaking about the Christian faith if they centre what they are saying on the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, Fr John Wilson told members of the monthly discernment group recently.
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The time for the monthly Mass for Vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious life at St Joseph's Home, Headingley, which is run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, has changed in order to make it more convenient for people to attend it.
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