Vocation Conversations Capture Audience

30 April 2008

The Clifton Diocese published a video series to mark Vocations Sunday (13 April).  Our ‘Vocation Conversations' series tells the story of three men seeking to discern and answer God's call to service.  And the reaction to this innovative series has been resoundingly positive - indicating there’s a ready audience being successfully engaged. 

Chris Deacon who is a Year 11 student at St Joseph’s Catholic College in Swindon said the Clifton Diocese ‘Vocation Conversations’ series are, “an interesting insight into what people feel they are being called by God to do with their life.”

Priests around the diocese were also appreciative of the series which was produced for the Clifton Diocese by top local studio, the Swindon-based Utopia Audiovisual.

Devizes Parish Priest, Father Philip Baptiste MSFS, praised the Clifton Diocese Vocations Director and our students who where interviewed.  He told cliftondiocese.com, “Thanks go to Father Robert and the three young men for sharing their stories.

“Their stories are an injection of hope for our local Church.”

Meanwhile, Father James Finan was also impressed.  Father James is the Assistant Priest in the busiest parish in the diocese - Swindon’s Holy Rood.  He said, “All three videos are well produced and gave viewers an insight into three different men training for the priesthood.

“More importantly the ‘Vocation Conversations’ demonstrate how God calls people from totally different backgrounds to minister in the Church; each calling is unique.”

One of the Deans of the Clifton Diocese - Father Gerry Walsh - says watching the videos reinvigorated and re-inspired his priestly ministry.  He told us they are “absolutely superb”.  You can listen to Father Gerry’s views in our podcast which you can download in the multimedia panel on the right. 

The students featured in the ‘Vocation Conversations’ study at St John’s Seminary in Wonersh near Guildford.  Monsignor Canon Jeremy Garratt is the Rector and he told cliftondiocese.com, “I am grateful to the Clifton Diocese, Deacon Tom Dubois, Matt Anscombe, Ollie Lowson and, of course, Father Robert King, for the initiative behind the vocations videos. 

“I hope they will enable others to see that all kinds of normal young men come forward to train for priesthood from every walk of life, and that the seminary experience, though comparatively long for a course of training, fosters a person’s growth both intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.  It establishes an environment in which a person is encouraged to discover and develop their talents, deepen their love of God and find a fulfilling and rewarding life serving people in the name of Christ.”

Clifton Diocese Vocations Director Father Robert King said, “A number of very positive comments have been made about the ‘Vocation Conversations’ series. Some from expected sources others from less expected sources.

“Men thinking about the priesthood in the diocese commented on how helpful they found the stories.

“Students at the University of Bristol felt a sense of respect for Ollie and Tom as alumni.

“Father James Finan who has featured in our vocations poster campaign reported his own positive feedback and that of the students at St Joseph’s College in Swindon where he is Chaplain.

“I was moved by the way in which Father Gerry Walsh, Parish Priest of St Joseph's, Portishead and Dean of Weston-super-Mare, found the seminarians' stories a help and an inspiration to his priesthood.

“As ever I am grateful for the continued interest of the media - both local to our diocese and the Catholic press.  We were contacted for numerous radio interviews and featured in many newspapers and websites.  As we look forward to World Communications Day, it really does to go to show that positive engagement can often get our important message across to a wide and interested audience. 

“Monsignor Jeremy Garret, Rector of St John’s Seminary, praises the qualities of the men in formation.  I echo that sentiment and encourage others thinking about the priesthood to be inspired by the stories of Tom, Matt and Ollie and to inspire in turn by offering their gifts for the good of the Church.”

You can watch and download the videos in the multimedia panel on the right.

The videos will remain available to all in our 'Vocations' section.

How do I find out more information?
Ask your parish priest or contact our Vocations Director, Father Robert King who will be happy to answer any questions or to help explore a possible vocation to serve as a priest in the Clifton Diocese.   You can write to him at 103 Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LL or call 0117 914 0003.

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