A Message from the Cardinal

Dear Reader,

I warmly welcome these pages on vocations to the priesthood. It is not always clear that the ever growing number of lay people who are taking responsibility for the life of the Church means that there is an even greater need for the ministry of the priest.

We live in a time of change and therefore the life of the priest is a very challenging one today. Firstly, there is a challenge of leadership because the priest is engaged with the people in the building of an authentic Christian community. Ordination makes the priest a pivotal person in the parish and the way he assumes his responsibility of spiritual leadership is crucial. Then there is a challenge to the priest to develop a collaborative style of ministry with his Bishop, fellow priests, religious and lay people. This is not always easy but it is the key to fruitful priestly service in the Church.

There is also a challenge to the priest to develop and maintain a spirituality suited to his active apostolic life. Although of service to his people, a priest must also have time and space to pray, study and be nourished by the Word of God. It is not easy to be a priest today and no one knows better than the priest himself that he, too, is weak and sinful. As St. Paul says, he is 'only the earthenware jar that holds this treasure to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us' (2 Cor. 4:7). But it is good to know that he can always be assured of the support and affection of his people and fellow priests. Quite simply, the life of a priest is a demanding but a most rewarding one.

At this stage you may not know what you want to do with your life. Perhaps you feel that you have little to offer. But, if your faith means something to you, and you would like to share it with others, then maybe these pages are for you.

Be open to the possibility that God may be calling you to the priesthood. Be generous in offering yourself to Him, and remain faithful in your prayer life. Do not be afraid but trust in Him. And in words from The Ordination Rite, 'May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfilment'.

Yours devotedly in Christ,

Former Bishop of Arundel and Brighton