This Sunday is the annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood, also called Good Shepherd Sunday. A pastoral letter from Archbishop Richard will be read at all Sunday Masses. In addition, John Hennessy, a second-year seminarian for our diocese studying at Allen Hall Seminary in Chelsea (pictured), will give a talk on vocations and the Priest Training Fund (PTF).

John says: “My calling came late after a career in hospitality, five-star hotels and cruise lines which I loved. I had the ability to travel and experience exciting destinations and meet some truly wonderful people. Opening up yourself to a vocation is a wonderful experience with many, many blessings. Although there are challenges along the way—including intense studies in Philosophy and Theology—God is good and accompanies us on our journey.”

The second collection at all Sunday Masses this weekend will be in support of the PTF which benefits the parishes and the Diocese of Westminster by providing us with new priests. The PTF pays for the training and education of our future priests (there will be 20 seminarians for the 2026-27 academic year). It costs on average £25,000 per man, per year of formation – that is about £150,000 to form and educate a new priest, who makes a lifetime commitment to Christ and the Church. So please support the PTF.