Diocesan Vocations  

THE PRIESTHOOD  

"He called those whom he desired"  

                                                                           - Mark 3:13  

All Catholics in virtue of their Baptism are called to share in the common priesthood of Christ by which they sanctify themselves and the world around them. However, some men are called in a special way by Christ to the ordained ministry or the sacramental priesthood, in order to teach, govern, and sanctify the people of God in collaboration with the Bishop of the Diocese and so build up the Church and evangelise the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  

In his message on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Benedict XVI asserted that "The Eucharist is at the center of every Christian community and is the source and summit of the life of the Church." We need priests because we need the Eucharist. Without priests we do not have the Eucharist. That is, without priests we would be deprived of what essentially defines us. The absence of priests strikes at the very root of who we are as a Eucharistic people. All of us should ask ourselves, "What would it be like if there were no priests."  

Fortunately, Christ continues to call many men to the priesthood and they respond generously with the gift of their whole lives in the service of Christ and His Church. We seek and embrace men of prayer, courage, and a spirit of sacrifice who love the Eucharist and desire to be a powerful force for good in the Church and in the world.  

It's a great time to be a priest!

If you are a man who thinks he might have a priestly vocation or if you have any questions about the priesthood we invite you to contact the following:  

Vocations Director: 

Fr Emmanuel Gribben 

St Mary's Priory & House of Formation,
Cleator,
Cumbria.
CA23 3AB 

Email:  emmanuel.gribben@googlemail.com

Tel: 01946 810324   

Check out the Lancaster Diocesan Vocations blogspot: 

Other Vocation Links: 

http://www.vocation.com/ 

God Knows Where - A very good vocations site
Serra - Lay organisation promoting vocations
Vocations Group - Discernment for both men and women
National Office for Vocation - Agency of the Bishops' Conference 

The House of Formation 

The House of Formation at Cleator was founded by Bishop O'Donoghue  to provide a place where those not yet ready for major seminary can discern and experience priestly life on a parish setting. The programme is tailored according to the individual needs of the student, however spirituality, prayer, study and pastoral ministry form the core of all the student's development. 

The house also functions as the Diocesan Vocations Centre – offering hospitality and welcome to all who are interested in training for the priesthood.  

Enquires 

Anyone interested in a vocation to the priesthood or religious life should contact Fr Gribben. The role of the Vocations Director is to assist an enquirer in the discernment of the Lord's call and guide them through the process of selection for seminary. 

Prayer for Vocations 

O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love,
impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel
to youth that they may know the vocation
wherein they can best serve God.
Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will.
Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions,
shield their chastity, fashion their minds,
conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards
where they will labour in God's holy service. Amen. 

Please pray a Decade of the Rosary each day for Priestly Vocations among our young people and all our seminarans and priests.  

Please offer up one sacrifice each week for Priestly Vocations.  

Links to the Seminaries 

• Allen Hall  
• Pontifical Beda College  
• The Venerable English College

• Ushaw College