Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin has issued his first pastoral letter to the people of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin on the theme of vocations. The pastoral letter will be read/made available in the 56 parishes of the diocese to coincide with the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Sunday 11 May.
Commenting on the release of the pastoral letter Bishop Nulty said: “On the day of my episcopal ordination I spoke about the importance of every priest being a director and promoter of vocations. I said then, and repeat now that: “diocesan priesthood is a call, not a career; a way of life, not a job; an identity, not just a role”
“With this pastoral I want to continue that conversation and I am inviting parishes to reflect on when was the last time someone was ordained from their parish and asking all parishes to think about how they can actively promote vocations.
“I am also asking parents and friends to encourage, not discourage young people who need permission and reassurance to talk about and consider priesthood – my prayer is that this conversation will now begin.”
Bishop Nulty concluded by inviting people to read the pastoral on www.kandle.ie or to view the video version of it on www.iCatholic.ie.