On top of promoting specific vocations — marriage and single life, diocesan priesthood, permanent diaconate and consecrated life — the office hopes to build a «culture of vocation» and to strengthen its link with evangelization.
Father Kevin Dring, formerly vocations director in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, is the first director of the new office.
«I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside many others in promoting a stronger sense of the calling of every member of the Church,» he said. «It can only be from this deeper sense shared by us all that particular vocations will emerge to nourish and support the life of the community.»
Added Archbishop Vincent Nichols, chairman of the bishops’ Department of Catholic Education and Formation: «The establishment of this national office for vocation was a dream cherished by the late Cardinal Hume. He was so aware that God always calls his people to great things, but that to some extent we were not heeding the call as we should.»
The National Office for Vocation is based at: The Chase Centre, 114 West Heath Road, London NW3 7TX. Its telephone and fax number is 020-8458-6017. Its e-mail address is vocation@nationaloffice.freeserve.co.uk.
