The Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow has launched its vocation drive with a powerful message: “Next Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday, the day we pray for vocations.”
This message was accompanied by a moving interview with Fr. Paddy Boyle, the Vocations Director.
In a recent interview with Flourish, the Archdiocesan newspaper, Fr. Boyle revealed that “we have recently provided new options for those under 18 who wish to discern their vocations.”
Fr. Paddy Boyle, Vocation’s Director, Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow. Credit: Archdiocese of Glasgow.
At a time when many people seem worried about the dwindling of vocations in the UK, Fr. Boyle noted that, “We are seeing more and more younger men coming forward to express an interest in priesthood and we have recently offered new options for those under 18 who wish to discern their vocations.”
He also informed the general public that candidates who are considering ministry or who feel God is calling them should feel free to contact him.
2026 Holy Mass of Chrism at St. Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Glasgow. Credit: Archdiocese of Glasgow.
“If anyone is out there wrestling with the idea of a vocation, it’s not a problem to get in touch. I’m happy to chat and offer any help I can,” the Parish Priest of St. Eunan’s Clydebank assured.
On the programmes lined up for candidates, the Vocation’s Director explained that, “We have also developed a Holy Hour which parishes can integrate into their 40-hour celebrations, bringing the issue of vocations to their prayer and making parishioners more aware of the need for more priests.”
Providing context, the Archdiocese of Glasgow underlined that “The need for more vocations to the priesthood has arguably never been greater,” adding that, “despite few ordinations in recent years, there are signs of hope on the horizon.”
This year’s solemn liturgy of the Chrism Mass. Credit: Archdiocese of Glasgow
The Archdiocese disclosed that currently, there are “five seminarians in training, four in Rome and one in Spain, while a group of eight young men are meeting monthly to discern their vocations with a view to training for the priesthood.”
This year’s Vocation Sunday will feature a vocation drive by priests and consecrated men and women in all parishes around the world.
In Scotland, it is expected that the special celebration of Holy Mass would encourage more candidates to consider embracing the vocation to the priestly and religious life, in response to Jesus’s call, “The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
It is important for everyone, especially pastors of souls, consecrated men and women, parents and Catholic educators, to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38).
Editor’s Note: Featured photo is courtesy of the Archdiocese of Glasgow.
