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Dear brothers and sisters,

In the second reading of this Sunday, St John writes of the Christian vocation: "Loved by the Father, called to be God’s children living lives that will take us to see Him". John invites us to think about the wonder of this calling, this journey, to think about the love that God bestows upon us. It is our life’s work to grow in our understanding and true appreciation of the depth and wonder of this gift. It is from this baptismal calling – for this journey begins there – that our very lives flow. This is the starting point for vocation, for discipleship.

We do not make this journey alone – whether our discipleship be expressed in the vocation of marriage, as a single person, in vowed and religious life, or in the sharing in the ministerial priesthood as deacon, priest or bishop. It is God Who calls. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, accompanies us every step of the way, laying down His life for us and the Holy Spirit – in the gifts we receive – is our strength. All is gift. All is the love of God.  

It is this context, in this reflection on God’s love in His call to every one of us, that the whole Church prays on this "Good Shepherd Sunday" especially for vocations to priesthood and to religious life. Please pray for all those across our diocesan family who sense this call, who are discerning their way, those in our Vianney Group. Please pray for our seminary students, for those embarking on religious life; for those preparing for diaconate and those who will join them this year.  

Pray in thanksgiving for all the religious, deacons and priests of our diocese. Give thanks for the response they have given to the specific call they have answered, and for the tremendous gift of service that they are for the Church and the world.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

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