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
Youth Discernment Group
This group was set up by the Bishop six years ago at the request of some teenagers who felt that God might be calling them to the priesthood and who wanted some support. Some have since gone on to seminary, others to university; others have begun work. It is coordinated by Fr Paul Grogan, the Vocations Director. It meets on average every two months and member engage in a variety of activities: from pilgrimages to fun days out at theme parks. It is open to boys and young men aged between 13 and 17. Each meeting involves prayer and there is often a talk. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. All outings are free. Diocesan child protection guidelines are always rigorously upheld.
Any young man who takes his faith seriously is bound to consider the possibility that God may be calling him to the priesthood. This group aims, with all due sensitivity, to help such young men to take the next step forward. It provides a small community in which the idea of vocation can be explored. Regardless of whether members ultimately go on to apply for seminary, the group provides them with a solid and wholesome Christian formation.
Boys and young men who wish to join in the activities of the group need to gain the permission of their parents or guardians beforehand. A parental consent form is sent to the household of each member before each meeting. Fr Grogan visits the home of boys or young men who have expressed an interest as soon as possible after the initial contact. Please see below for this year's programme, plus an account from one member of a recent event - an overnight pilgriamge to Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley.
The group currently has about six members. If you are interested in joining in, please contact Fr Grogan - Tel: 0113 2837199; Email: dolvocs@aol.com.
2009/10 Programme
Saturday 6th March: Meet 10.30am Cathedral House; 11.00am: Ten-pin bowling; 12.30pm: Mass in the cathedral; 1pm: Lunch in Leeds
Friday 14th - Saturday 15th May: Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley. Depart Wheeler Hall, 6pm, Friday. Accommodation: Osmotherley Youth Hostel. Walk on Saturday morning. Lunch in a pub. 4pm: Vigil Mass at the Shrine. Return Wheeler Hall: 7pm
Friday 18th - Saturday 19th June: Visit to Scarborough. Depart Wheeler Hall, 6pm Friday. Supper at St Peter's Rectory, Scarborough. Mass and coastal walk on Saturday morning. Fish and chip lunch in Scarborough. Talk by Rev William Massie. Return Wheeler Hall: 5pm.
Saturday 4th September: Day at Leeds Trinity University College. Depart Wheeler Hall: 10am; Mass, Wii sports, Chevin walk, pub lunch. Return Wheeler Hall: 3pm
Friday 15th - Saturday 16th October: Visit to St Cuthbert's College, Ushaw. Depart Wheeler Hall at 5pm. Supper. Board games evening. Saturday: Mass and tour of the College; walk; lunch. Return Wheeler Hall: 5pm
Saturday 4th December: Visit to Bradford. Depart Wheeler Hall, 10am. Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Bradford, St Joseph's Church. Meet with Fr John Newman at St Joseph's. Lunch in a curry house. Visit the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Return Wheeler Hall: 4pm.
Report from a recent meeting:
On Friday and Saturday 13 and 14 June members of the group went on a mini- pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley. Here one of the members recounts what happened.
The trip began with Fr. Dennis picking up the two of us at Wheeler Hall in Leeds. We met up with Fr. Paul at the Immaculate Heart Church in Leeds and then proceeded to Osmotherley.
Upon arriving we had a short wait before Evening Prayer, followed by a reasonable meal at the hostel. Then we headed into the village for a small social walk; a range of topics were covered in conversation.
The evening ended with Night Prayer. The hostel beds were a challenge to sleep on but nevertheless they were certainly character building.
The next day commenced at seven; a good breakfast was followed by Morning Prayer. After which we left the hostel and headed for the Lady Chapel. Upon reaching the bottom of the hill we had to climb to reach the Lady Chapel we began to say the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Paul giving every member of the group the opportunity to lead the prayer, the slow rhythmic action of walking aiding the meditation. Upon reaching the summit Fr. Paul lead the Litany of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus after which we had time for reflection.
Fr. Damian Humphries, a Benedictine priest, then gave us a brief but detailed history of the chapel before we left him behind and descended into the unknown with Fr. Paul leading us successfully to the ruins of a Carthusian monastery. After only a brief time one could appreciate the simplicity and austerity of the Carthusian lifestyle: it appeared to be a tough existence.
After visiting a reconstructed cell, we returned whence we had come. This time, certainly, the walk was more character building: we had to climb to steep hills. We disturbed a few sheep as we cut through their fields in an attempted short cut.
At twelve o clock Fr. Paul and Fr. Dennis celebrated Mass, with Fr Paul being the principal celebrant and wearing a beautiful chasuble borrowed from the Benedictines. After Mass, we proceeded to have a pub lunch and by sheer coincidence bumped into parishioners from St. Austin's, Wakefield, many of whom were glad to see Fr. Dennis, their former curate.
After the meal we returned to Wheeler Hall, after what was a very spiritual and entertaining adventure to Osmotherley.
