Vocations News and Events: Enquirers' Night
Enquirers' Night: Penshaw House of Hospitality, 24th May
Fr John James writes:
On this night one new enquirer joined us for the first time at the House of Hospitality, Penshaw.
On this occasion we prayed together in a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament for vocations.We began in greeting and acclamation in God’s Name, who is Father, Creator, Teacher. Spirit and Guide of all. Then, listening to God’s Word in the Beatitudes, we were attentive to the different life situations of people in which they are called “blessed” by Jesus as they live out their vocation.
Fr. Michael (McCoy) led us in prayer of the imagination, based on the meeting of Jesus with Peter and six other disciples by the lake of Tiberias, and his invitation “Come and have breakfast”. [John: 21:1-19] We were reminded that we are called by Jesus to be disciples (Follow me) first, and only then can we be Apostles. Our vocation then is first to “be”, not “do”. This we can only see in time of prayer and companionship with Jesus. In response to the call of Jesus we are invited to care for one another, not be pre-occupied with our own limitations and fears of inadequacy. We then each received a lighted candle and presented it to Christ exposed in the Blessed Sacrament as a sign of our acceptance and willingness to give of self to Him in love and service.
In prayer we expressed our promise to accept our ministry in the Church, praying to become more aware of our own calling so that we are enabled to lighten the burdens of others, assisting and encouraging them in their triumphs and struggles. In prayers of intercession we thought specifically of all Christians, Pope Benedict, Bishops, priests, missionaries, those in Religious/Consecrated life, the married, and young people.
There followed a reflection on the pope’s message on Jesus’ invitation to Peter to “Put out into the Deep”, and Fr. Michael candidly shared thoughts on his own vocational path to priesthood and life experience since, stimulating discussion among us all. Our Holy Hour ended in asking God to send us forth in His name, praying the Diocesan Daily Vocation Prayer, and Benediction.
As always we then enjoyed a splendid meal. Three enquirers took part in the Discernment Weekend at Ushaw College on 1/2/3/ June.
The last Enquirer Night before the summer holidays will be on Thursday, 28th June, 7-9pm at the House of Hospitality, Penshaw. Anyone wishing to attend please contact Fr. McCoy.