The Vocations Group (VG) was set up by young, lay, Catholic women to support one another as they discern their vocation in life, especially with regard to consecrated life. Monthly meetings are held at Westminster Cathedral , with guest speakers talking on a variety of vocational issues.

Initially a group of friends came together in May 1999 for a one-off meeting to discuss their vocational journeys. The support and encouragement gained from simply being together, praying, listening and sharing with one another led to a desire to continue meeting. Thus, further meetings were planned and an established pattern of evening prayer, teaching from an invited guest speaker and informal time together came into being. Initially it was a group for young women but the increasing number of young men asking for similar support means that the group has been open to them also since Nov 2004.

So far talks have included prayer, discernment, choice-making, community, marriage etc etc; speakers have been people from all states of life, lay people, religious and priests. Occasional social outings are also held, as well as weekend retreats.

Numerous young people have felt the benefit of the VG, in particular the freedom to come along whenever they feel it helpful. It is widely acknowledged that in today's society seeking one's vocation can often seem isolating, especially as a young person considering devoting her/his life to Christ in one form or another. Members are encouraged, after attendance at several meetings, to begin a parallel journey of vocational discernment with spiritual directors of their choice. The monthly meetings are attended by about fifteen to thirty young adults, with over 230 having attended the group over the years. All concerned have been surprised by the unexpected response from Catholics and Christians from other denominations and feel that this indicates a real need for informal support amongst young people trying to discern their vocation.

Vocations Group with Mgr John Armitage, chaplain to the group.