On Wednesday of this week we took twelve members of our Year 7 Chaplaincy Team to St Dunstan’s in Keynsham to participate in the Diocesan Vocations Roadshow. On arrival we were greeted by a mixed group of religious dressed in all black, white habits and ‘normal’ attire. The theme of the morning was ‘I have called you by your name’ taken from the book of Isaiah, with the range of presenters exploring the theme of vocation in their own life and how God called them.
Firstly, the students spoke with a seminarian (trainee priest) about the idea of vocation and how callings are linked to the unique qualities we all possess as children of God. After this introduction, Ann Fowler spoke about the vocation to marriage and family – describing in emotive detail the challenges and incredible benefits that come with this way of life. Our students then moved on to hearing the vocation stories and explorations from a series of religious orders.
Br Huw, a Benedictine Monk from Prinknash Abbey shared the astonishing story of his calling whilst injured in the mountains of Iceland as a youngster resulting in him needing plastic surgery on his face. Sr Hilda, a Bernadine Cistercian Sister from Brownshill Convent, focused on Baptism and our universal calling that is associated with being part of God’s family. Sr Kay, a missionary sister from the Holy Ghost congregation opened up the avenue of following God’s call to far flung parts of the world before Fr Matt, the vocations director shared his personal story of responding later in life.
Our students responded positively to the morning, asking some challenging questions to the speakers. They left with the task of helping create our new display board in reception by interviewing parents and teachers about their personal vocation.
Mr M Robinson
Lay Chaplain
