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Vocations Week - 7th Sunday of the Year - 24th February 2019

Vocations Week - 7th Sunday of the Year - 24th February 2019

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Priesthood

The Church has always taken particular care of vocations to the ordained ministry, in the knowledge that holy order is a constitutive element of the Church's identity and is necessary for Christian life. Hence, she has always devoted special attention to the formation and accompaniment of candidates for the priesthood. The concern of many churches for their numerical decline demands a renewed reflection on the vocation to the ordained ministry and on the pastoral care of vocations so as to convey the fascination of the person of Jesus and of his call to become pastors of his flock.

Final Document of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment (89.)

Scripture

Lk 6: But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Intercessions

That God, who is rich in mercy, will bless those called by Jesus to serve Him and His Church as priests, with faithfulness to their vocations, Lord hear us.

That in union with Mary, the Mother of God, we who have received Spirit of her Son into our hearts, will pray with zeal for holy vocations to the priesthood, Lord hear us.

Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters, in the finest traditions of the Church in this country, may you also be the first friend of the poor, the homeless, the stranger, the sick and all who suffer. Act as beacons of hope, casting the light of Christ upon the world, and encouraging young people to discover the beauty of a life given completely to the Lord and his Church.

—Pope Benedict XVI, Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, 2008

Prayer

Diocesan Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, gentle shepherd, You know your sheep, And you know how to reach their hearts.

Give to the people of the diocese of Derry Hearts that are open to the call of the Holy Spirit.

Speak to the hearts of the people of our diocese That they may hear your call To follow you and serve your people as priests or religious. Awaken in them the courage to answer: 'Here I am, Lord, Send me.'

St Eugene, pray for us. St Columba, pray for us. St John Vianney, pray for us. 

Seek his face - Know his love - Serve his people. 

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Homily - World Day of Peace - Bishop McKeown

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Diocesan Offices
St Eugene’s Cathedral
Francis Street, Derry
BT48 9AP

Tel: 028 7126 2302

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