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Here is Sister Mirjam Hugens FSO describing helpful ways you can find this out.
Watch more videos on our YouTube playlist.
Congratulations to Matthew McCafferty and Kieran Burt who were ordained deacons in Rome by Archbishop Cushley on Saturday 10 May.
The ceremony took place at St Paul Outside the Walls and represents their final step on the path to priesthood. Matthew, from Bathgate, is a seminarian of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, while Kieran is from Motherwell Diocese.
Archbishop Cushley told them: "To be a deacon is to serve; to be Christlike is to serve; and you are called to embrace both, in a life of perfect service: a joyful, constant, self-emptying gift to the Lord and His people."
Archbishop Cushley, centre, flanked by Deacon Matthew (left) and Kieran, along with Bishop Joseph Toal and College staff.
If you are a young woman wanting to find out more about the Religious Life, we are hosting a monthly gathering of socialising, reading, discussion and prayer.
We will use text from Vita Consecrata, an apostolic exhortation from St John Paul II.
It takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, 7-9pm, at the Convent at 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN.
To take part or to find out more please email Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO: religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
Thinking about a vocation to the religious life? Join other young Catholic women to chat and explore God's will in monthly get-togethers in Edinburgh.
Led by Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO, the final one takes place on Sunday 25 May, 4:00pm - 7:00pm, at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street, EH9 1SN.
It is a chance to pray, share and discuss in a relaxed environment, and refreshments will be served. The series continues on the last Sunday of each month at the same time/venue:
To register or find out more, please email religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
Here are some useful resources to help discern your vocation.
Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, ‘What do you seek?’ And they said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see’.- Gospel of St John 1:39.
Since the days when the Lord Jesus ascended into heaven, his disciples have met on the first day of the week to celebrate Sunday Mass. The Holy Eucharist on the Lord's Day is a unique way to remember Christ, he who is risen and alive among his friends.
That is why the Holy Eucharist is the source and the summit of all that we do as a Church. Without the Holy Eucharist, we would be infinitely diminished as a Christian people. Without the Priesthood, there would be no Eucharist. Without the Eucharist, there would be no Church.
That is why from earliest times, men of faith and good character were set aside and ordained to offer this sacrifice for the people. To this day the sacred priesthood remains an essential part of our identity as a Church.
It is eminently possible and desirable to be a priest today and to have joyful, challenging and fulfilling life at the service of God and his people.
There is no career that is more loving, heroic or noble than giving yourself for the life - the eternal life - of your fellow Christians and for the good of the whole world.
I would say to you what Christ himself said to a curious, youthful St Andrew upon their first encounter: Come and see! Think about it, pray about it before the Blessed Sacrament and let the voice of God's grace speak to you of it in your inmost heart.
With Every Blessing,
+ Leo Cushley,
Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh
Feel called to serve the church as a permanent deacon?
Contact:
Offering a gift of the Lord’s nearness, a religious sister visits a grateful, elderly neighbour living alone.
Administering the Sacraments at a border, a missionary father humbly and diplomatically smooths intercultural challenges.
Another religious sister feels inspired by the women in her community who are a constant example and support for religious life.
Preaching, nursing, teaching, serving the poor, youth ministry and contemplative life are a few examples of God’s call to men and women considering a vocation to consecrated religious life.
God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission.
- St. John Henry Newman.
Often, first thoughts about a religious calling begin with questions: What can I do for my Father in Heaven? What is He asking me to do?
From Baptism, each person is given a special grace, a unique work, a universal call to holiness.
Some the Lord calls to belong to Him exclusively—to consecrate their lives in chastity, poverty and obedience for the good of the Church and the salvation of souls. It is an invitation to an intimate relationship with God. It is a pure gift.
From apostolic beginnings to present times, religious priests, brothers and sisters have been joyful witnesses to Heaven’s presence on earth.
Men may discern to serve as priests in a religious order or as a brother taking vows and living a fraternal, communal life rooted in prayer. Some are more monastic, others apostolic.
Consecrated religious women also live within a community focused on a tradition of prayer and work based on the vision of their founder. All serve specific needs of the Church within a ministry focused on Christ.
As a first step towards exploring religious life, we warmly invite you to virtually visit the religious communities serving the Archdiocese of Edinburgh. Click on the tab ‘Meet our Communities’ for a glimpse of their love for Christ—and neighbour—at work. Or, contact us directly for more information.
The Archdiocese is home to different religious communities serving in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.
The Archdiocese is home to different religious communities serving in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.
