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† About Us » Vocations Group |
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Vocations Group ¦ Cornerstone ¦ COLW ¦ A Day in the Life.. ¦ Friends ¦ Hopes for the Future
"A vocation is the providential thought of the Creator for the creature,
it is His idea-plan, the dream found in God's heart
because the creature is found in His heart."
(In Verbo tuo - Final document of the European Congress on Vocations to the Priesthood
and Consecrated Life in Europe) |
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; religious and priests. Occasional social outings are also
held, as well as weekend retreats.
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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
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Vocations Group with Mgr John Armitage,
chaplain to the group. |
Christians from other denominations and feel that this indicates a real need for informal support amongst young people trying to discern their vocation.
"Heralds of the Gospel are needed, who are experts in humanity, who have
penetrated the depths of the hearts of men and women of today,
who share their joys and hopes, their anguishes and sorrows,
but who are at the same time contemplative, in love with God.
The saints were the great evangelisers of Europe.
We must beg Our Lord to instill the spirit of sanctity in the Church,
and send us new saints to evangelize the world of today.
(Pope John Paul II)
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