Sunday 30th April is Good Shepherd Sunday, a day of special prayer for vocations to the work of service in the Church. There is an enduring command of Christ to his Church to go out and preach to all people. There is a need for people of faith to respond to that command, people who are prepared to dedicate their lives to this work for the sake of the Gospel. 

This year, The Irish Bishops’ Council for Vocations is launching a special "Year for Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood". This will run from Vocations/Good Shepherd Sunday – this Sunday, 30 April – for one year. Over the next twelve months, it is planned to host events in parishes and at pilgrim sites around the country and to provide resources for homes and schools. 

During this year, you might consider:

• Praying the Prayer for Vocations daily;

• Praying the Rosary and/or offering time before the Blessed Sacrament with the extra intention of an increase of vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life in our Archdiocese;

• Supporting the work of our local branch of St Joseph's Young Priests Society with your prayers, financial contributions or by joining the group;

• Pray for the priests and consecrated persons that you know, and for those who are discerning their vocation;

• Encourage those you know who might be called to priesthood or consecrated life to consider such a vocation;

• Consider whether God might be calling you to the priesthood or consecrated life.