Vocations in England and Wales have been on the rise over the last decade, with nearly 100 men and women entering convents, seminaries and religious houses in 2013.
“These figures highlight the generosity of Catholic women and men in responding to God’s call,” said Fr Christopher Jamison, Director of the Catholic Church’s National Office for Vocation. “They also show that the emphasis on discernment before recruitment is working”.
These entry figures include 44 men to seminary, 22 men to religious life and 30 women to religious life.
This rise in numbers is attributed to various factors, such as the work of diocesan and religious vocations directors. There are also vocations groups which invite men and women to take part in various gatherings. Recently, two dioceses in England have set up residential communities to facilitate the discernment of priestly vocations.
Fr. Jamison adds that there is no room for complacency. “For Vocations Sunday on 11 May we’ve sent out posters and mini cards to parishes and schools up and down the country asking people to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life”.
