An innovative project to be launched this evening by the Armagh Diocesan Vocations Team addresses the diverse and different roles of lay people in their local parishes, according to their calling in life. The multi-media initiative, including an insightful DVD, looks at the meaning of the word ‘Vocations’ within the Church.
“We are looking at the concept of ‘Vocation” in the broadest sense of the word, commented Fr Peter McAnenly who is Director of Vocations in the Archdiocese of Armagh. “So often, the word vocation is associated only with priesthood, but the church is changing rapidly and now lay people are being invited to play a much greater role in the life of the church. This initiative outlines some of the roles and how the entire church congregation will benefit” he said.
Commenting on the new DVD, which has been distributed to all parishes, schools and pastoral councils in the Archdiocese, Cardinal Sean Brady stated “The Church needs lay people more involved in the life of the Church than ever before. We are extending an open invitation to people to become more involved and active in the running of their parishes and churches and we will see a lot more of this in the future,” he said.
The new DVD which is being circulated throughout the diocese at present and which is entitled ‘A Calling For Everyone’ captures the essence and importance of active participation in the church in a modern Ireland. The insightful and moving DVD demonstrates how ordinary people are doing extraordinary things for their Church.
‘A Calling For Everyone’ gives an intimate insight into the homes and hearts of people from the Archdiocese of Armagh as they fulfil their calling in life and how they are passing on their faith to their families, friends, communities and future generations.
The DVD looks at the different and diverse vocations in life – priesthood, diaconate, religious life, marriage and single life and reminds us that by virtue of baptism everyone has been called to play a part in the life and future of the Church.
The DVD features interviews with people who are living out the various vocations in life.
Speaking about the production Pierce O’Reilly from IRISH TV, the company that filmed the DVD stated “The Church is embracing and welcoming change and this DVD is certainly looking to the future,” he said.
A Calling For Everyone will be launched by Cardinal Seán Brady in Armagh, Cookstown and Ballymascanlon on 20, 21 and 24 September.
