SECOND COLLECTION: Clergy Training Fund – Vocations Sunday Appeal
 
This Sunday is Vocations Sunday, and there will be a second collection for the Clergy Training Fund. This fund supports the formation of our future priests and permanent deacons for our Archdiocese.
 
The formation of a priest typically takes around seven years and costs in the region of £200,000 per seminarian. This is a significant commitment for our Archdiocese, and it relies entirely on your generosity. Please give as generously as you are able, either in the second collection this weekend or online at: www.vocations.org.uk/ctf
 
For more information about vocations and the work of the Vocations Office, please see their latest newsletter available online.
 
Please also keep in your prayers those currently discerning their vocation, and those in formation, that they may have the courage and perseverance to follow the Lord’s call.  Thank you for your support and generosity.

PRAYER FOR POPE LEO XIV
V. Let us pray for Leo XIV, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the
earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father. Hail Mary.
​
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favourably on your servant Leo XIV,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Thank you to everyone who have worked so hard in the background and generously given their time to prepare the church over these past few days, those who have helped move things around for the various liturgies, Church cleaners, flower arrangers, sacristans, as well as our stewards who have welcomed many people to our Church, those who have read at the liturgies, provided music, our wonderful team of altar servers who have assisted at the altar. Fr Alex and Deacon Andy wish you all a very blessed Easter.

For priests in crisis:
Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

FOR THE EASTER SEASON:
Risen Lord, deepen our trust in the hope of Your Resurrection. Strengthen our faith in times of doubt and fill us with the joy of new life. May we always live as witnesses to Your promise of victory over death. Amen,.