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 the 19th June 2010 young men of the youth discernment group met to go on a day trip to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley. The day began with a nice coffee and piece of cake in preparation of the walk ahead. The group then took to the moors for a pleasant 8 mile walk. The scenery of the area was spectacular and the peacefulness of the place allowed for plenty of discussion. Making it back to the village the group rested whilst eating a very welcomed pub lunch.
After the group was well fed they set off again on a shorter walk to the shrine. As they walked they took it in turn to lead each other in the joyful mysteries of the rosary. Making it to the top of the hill there was just enough time to catch breath before settling down for Mass in the beautiful Lady Chapel. Celebrating Mass there was a Benedictine Priest from the nearby Ampleforth Abbey (pictured to the right with Father Paul).
Members of the group were then welcomed by the parish and enjoyed a cup of tea and scones before setting off once again down the hill to the car and returning home via a picturesque route over the moors.
Written by a member of the youth discernmant group.
