Discerning a Vocation to Priesthood
Anyone who has felt God’s call knows that the process is anything but simple; it is challenging, demanding, confusing, and exciting too.
But throughout the noise, it is important to make time and space for prayer – to reflect on what it is God is asking of you and to seek the courage to respond.
Reflecting on the theme of vocation, Bishop John reminds us of that wonderful reflection from St John Henry Newman: “God has created me to do him some definite service. He has committed some work to me, which he hasn’t committed to another. I have my mission.”
If we think about that, each one of us should really be asking ourselves, what is my mission? What is God asking of me? Now, it might be any manner of activity or ministry, but it might be a vocation to the priesthood.
Perhaps, as you read this, you are already thinking “No, this couldn’t possibly be for me”, but it’s important that we challenge ourselves, to ask the question and to meditate on it, and give that process of discernment an opportunity to grow.
The good news is that you are not alone. Our dedicated Vocations team is on hand to listen, support, and guide you through process.
May God bless you during this period of discernment and please take a little time to explore the drop downs below to find out more about discerning a vocation to priestly life.
The first port of call for any man who thinks he may have a vocation to the priesthood is his parish priest, or a priest he knows and would find it easy to talk to.
This should allow for a relaxed exploration of the idea and give the man a chance to be affirmed in his sense of vocation. Our Vocations Team, made up of Fr Michael Deas and Fr Mark Paver, are here to support anyone from that point.
Feel free to get in touch by emailing michael.deas@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or mark.paver@dioceseofsalford.org.uk, or call 0161 817 2226
To supplement the individual meetings, we also have an enquirers’ group which meets every two months, where we pray together, eat together, and listen to a guest speaker who will talk about the theme of priesthood.
The purpose of this group is for those with a genuine openness to a vocation to the priesthood to know that they’re not alone, and to share experiences with and get the support of others going through a similar journey.
The enquirers’ group currently has between 8-10 men who are all at different stages of exploring the possibility of a vocation.
There is no hurry in discerning God’s call and no pressure. After at least a year, if the call continues to be strong, a discerner will then begin to meet with Fr Mark and, together with Fr Michael, a decision will be taken about whether it is the right time to make an application to begin a programme of formation to the priesthood.
One of the best ways of promoting vocations is something that we all can do: pray that more people recognise their calling from God.
This can come in the form of the Deanery Masses that will be taking place, or in a parish Holy Hour or any event on a more local level.
Hopefully, by being more visible in our desire for more vocations, we will then create a culture where people feel comfortable talking about the idea of vocation, and it then feels natural to continually encourage and talk positively about priesthood in particular.
As well as the parish community, those on the younger end of the age range may like to engage in our young adult community in the diocese.
From our diocesan monthly Masses for young adults, regular events and pilgrimages to connect with other young Catholics, and a whole range of fantastic opportunities in parishes across the diocese – this is a great way to help our young people focus their minds on what God is asking of them.
Follow us on Instagram by searching @salfordyouth to find out more