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The Vocation to the Priesthood | ||||||||
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“What will bring us happiness, many say?” (Psalm 4:6). Whilst philosophers throughout history have attempted to answer this most fundamental question, the Christian response is that it is only communion with God that can fulfil us. It is Jesus Christ, the “light shining in the darkness” (John 1:5), who brings us salvation. All baptised Christians participate in the priesthood of Christ, exercised through a life of faith, hope and charity. |
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However, the need for teaching, divine worship and pastoral guidance has meant that from the beginning of the Church there has also been a ministerial priesthood (Titus 1:5). While baptism is for oneself, ministerial priesthood exists for ministry to others. By virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, the priest acts in the person of Christ for the whole community. Like Christ he comes not to be served but to serve. In common with other seminaries, the English College seeks to discern the validity of an individual man's call to priesthood and prepares him for the exercise of priestly ministry. If you believe that God may be calling you, the vocations service of England and Wales has a comprehensive list of diocesan vocations directors who can advise you.
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