World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the priesthood and religious life is this weekend.
This day invites us to give thanks for the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese, and to pray earnestly for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
The Archdiocese has sent posters to each parish, encouraging anyone who may feel that they have a vocation to the priesthood or religious life to explore it.
Each parish has also recieved prayer cards so please take one home with you and pray for vocations:
Heavenly Father, in your mercy you give to your people every good gift. We turn to you in faith, asking that you bless our Archdiocese with vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Inspire us with your Holy Spirit to help young men and women hear your call and respond with joyful hearts. Bless our young people with the gift of courage to respond to your call. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
There will be a special collection for Ecclesiastical students at all Masses this weekend. Your donation helps cover tuition fees and living costs for seminarians. Donations can also be made online at bit.ly/eccstudents25
We give thanks for the men and women in the Archdiocese who have generously answered God’s call to serve His Church. Please pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that more hearts may be open to hearing and responding to the Lord’s call. pic.twitter.com/pNq1hX039E
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) April 23, 2026
Matthew McCafferty, a seminarian for the Archdiocese, said: “Knowing that the faithful of the Archdiocese are supporting us—both spiritually and in practical ways—gives great encouragement. It’s a reminder that this vocation is something we share together as a Church.”
Matthew (pictured top) is to be ordained to the priesthood at his home parish of St Mary’s in Bathgate on Friday 3 July.
If you think you may have a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, explore it. Get in touch:
Men: frpatrick.burke@staned.org.uk (01334 472856).
Women: religiousvocations@staned.org.uk (0131 623 8902).
Diaconate: deaconronnie.macaulay@staned.org.uk (01501 740348).
