Vocations News and Events: Enquirers' Night
News from the latest enquirer night in April 2008
On of the Enquirers writes:
What is a priest?
Most of us are aware of what a priest does but if a man is called to the priesthood to what is he being called? This was one of the deceptively simple questions Fr. John James put to the seven enquirers gathered at Our Lady Queen of Peace during this April meeting.
In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and in a recollected atmosphere generated by the shared reading of the Evening Prayer of the Church this and other questions produced some very thoughtful and considered answers. Perhaps most importantly these “big” questions gave all us present reasons for further reflection and prayer in the weeks to come.
Fr. John added to our own responses that the characteristics of a real calling ought to come from a deep and personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ and a sense of one’s life totally belonging to God. From this intimate relationship should grow a desire to imitate Christ and to play an active role of service in His church.
There followed time to relax and share an excellent meal prepared by the parish. Fr. Michael McCoy, just back from the airport, had now joined the group and was able to inform us of his visit to the seminary in Valladolid, Spain. Amid the friendly and humorous banter Fr. Michael gave enticing insights into the formation of students for the priesthood in a much warmer climate than the North East on a cold and wet night.
This was my first Enquirers Evening and I felt privileged to be warmly welcomed into this group of men sincerely attempting to deepen their understanding of what it means to be “called” by Jesus Christ. The group may be of differing ages and stages of discernment but the common bond of attentive listening and desire to seek the will of God was very evident. Just as we are all members of the Body of Christ it is good to know that the journey of decision-making to the priesthood or religious life is not made alone.
I look forward to next month’s meeting.
The next Enquirer Night Meeting will be on May 15th at the House of Hospitality, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Penshaw.