Catholic Church launches Year of Vocation on Sunday next 13 April 2008

09 Apr 2008

PRESS RELEASE
9 April 2008

Catholic Church launches Year of Vocation on Sunday next 13 April 2008

You, or a representative, are invited to attend the official launch of the Catholic Church’s “Year of Vocation”. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, will launch the “Year of Vocation” in the Pro Cathedral, Dublin. Details:

Date and Venue:
· 5:00pm – 13 April (Vocations Sunday) Media launch of the Year of Vocation in the Pro Cathedral Boardroom, Marlborough Street

· 5.30pm – Photo opportunity with Archbishop Martin and young people with the specially commissioned Year of Vocation candle

· 6.30pm – Special Mass in the Pro Cathedral dedicated to the Year of Vocation, chief celebrant Archbishop Martin.

Notes to Editors:

In attendance:
– Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland
– Bishop Donal McKeown, Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor and Chairman of the Irish Bishops’ Commission for Vocations
– Fr Paddy Rushe, National Director for Vocations
– Representatives from dioceses and religious orders throughout Ireland
– Seminarians from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth
– College Volunteer Corps
– Catholic Youth Care, the youth service provider in the Archdiocese of Dublin
– Representatives from ACCORD, the Catholic Marriage Care Agency
The Catholic Youth Care World Youth Day Choir and the College Volunteer Corp will be participating in the Mass. A “Year of Vocation” candle will be blessed by Archbishop Martin during the Mass. The readings and prayers will be read by representatives from religious orders, diocesan groups and school children. A specially commissioned “Year of Vocation” hymn will also be performed at the Mass. 

The “Year of Vocation” will run from Vocations Sunday on 13 April 2008 to Vocations Sunday on 3 May 2009. The aim of the “Year of Vocation” is to raise awareness of the common vocation that we all share through baptism as expressed through witness, love and service. Within each of these themes and throughout 2008 – 2009, the specific vocations of marriage, the religious life, the single life and priesthood will be highlighted and promoted.

Some highlights of the year will include: a national prayer campaign for students at examination time; a rally for World Youth Day to coincide with the events in Sydney on 15 – 20 July; and, collaboration with the national pilgrimage centres to reflect on the theme of vocation during their seasons.

A special team is managing the planned activities throughout the “Year of Vocation”, representing the Conference of Religious of Ireland, the Irish Missionary Union, Vocations Ireland, St Joseph’s Young Priest’s Society, the Irish Bishops’ Conference, the Knights of Columbanus and lay personnel.

Ms Brenda Drumm has been appointed Project Manager for the “Year of Vocation”.

A dedicated website will be launched on Vocations Sunday and it will hold all details and resources for the year – www.yourvocation.ie

Further information:
Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer 087 233 7797