Fourth Sunday of Easter, 25 April 2010,

Good Shepherd Sunday

This Sunday is traditionally called Vocation Sunday. It is the day when prayers are offered that women and men may answer the call to religious life. Prayers are offered that men may answer the call to priesthood. Please God those vocations will be responded to in a generous way.

The majority of believers are not priests or religious but are in the lay state. Many are married or in a relationship, widows, widowers, some are single, and others are separated following the end of a relationship. The call to holiness is the same for all, laity, religious and priests. We assist and encourage each other on the journey through life.

There are two very special groups in our midst who are also following their vocation and the call to holiness. Our young people who are preparing for First Communion and those preparing for Confirmation are also part of this Vocation Sunday. On 8 th May (Marymount School) and on 22 nd May (CCD, St Joseph’s) young people will receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. What a blessing for them, their families, relatives and the whole Church. It is impossible to imagine the joy in the heart of Jesus as He comes to them as the Bread of Life for the first time. What a joyful calling (vocation) for these great young people as they approach the altar for the first time to receive Jesus.

On Pentecost Sunday, 23 rd May, young people from Marymount School and CCD, St Joseph’s, will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will be given them as the Breath of God gently comes upon them. It is impossible for me to imagine what this must mean to God as the Holy Spirit comes afresh upon these wonderful young people. It was my privilege to be with them on 30 th January for their Confirmation Retreat. Theirs is a greatly needed vocation in the Church and the World today. They are witnesses among us.

All vocations are shrouded in mystery. In a few months time I will, with God’s grace, complete 40 years as a priest. Where have those years gone? Looking back now, all I can do is recognise how all that was worthwhile in those years was the work of God. Without Him I could have done nothing. The good achieved belongs to Him and not to me. I am so grateful to God for allowing me be part of building up His Kingdom over the years. All I can call my own are my sins. Thanks be to God that His mercy is always there for us.

This year will be my second time to witness the wonder of First Communions and Confirmations since coming to St Joseph’s. The preparation and formation of the candidates is of the highest order. Thanks to all concerned and to you, the families.

One little request - it can only be a request – could we voluntarily celebrate both these Sacraments without photographs being taken during the ceremony? No one can capture the moment of Jesus coming into the soul of a young person or of the Holy Spirit descending. Before the ceremony and afterwards for as long as you wish, in the church, at the altar and outside, you can take all the photos you wish. If you choose to invite one of the priests to stand with you for these, please just ask. My dream is that these sacred ceremonies would be marked by an absence of any photographs or videos that might distract. This year I have asked that St Joseph’s Church not take any pictures during the ceremony but only before and after. If any person chooses to take photos or to use a camera during these ceremonies, nothing will be said as a family’s decision has to be respected. May God bless these great young people as they prepare for the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Any consideration you give to this request will be greatly appreciated.

Aidan Troy, C.P. [Aodhn Troighthigh, C.P.]