By Natashya Fernandez
Leader of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross, the Very Rev Mgr Harry Entwistle PA has said that we need to identify and encourage young men and women to explore which vocation God is calling them to.
In a special Pastoral Letter to members of the Ordinariate community, Mgr Entwistle named the first Sunday of Advent (3 December 2017) as Vocations Sunday and highlighted the need to support current and future clergy and provide for the needs of the communities.
Mgr Entwistle said that the Ordinariate OLSC needs priests, religious and lay ministers in order to be able to bring people to love and serve God in the future.
“In the five years since our establishment, we have laid some good foundations that now need to be developed,” he said.
“We all need to pray for vocations to Christian service. We need to identify and encourage young men and women to explore which vocation God is calling them to. We need to provide the financial requirements that will enable these young people to discern their vocation.”
Monsignor Entwistle added that in the lead up to Vocations Sunday, the Ordinariate had coordinated a campaign via the Ordinariate OLSC website and in parishes, inviting members and friends to pray, identify and donate.
“Advent is the time to announce the coming of our Saviour. Our Vocations appeal will make it possible for those whom God calls to ministry to do this is in the future,” he said.
“Through your prayerful and financial support you, will be adding your voice to the Advent chorus proclaiming the good news that ‘God is with us.’”
In his video message on the website, he asked members for their support financially, and in spirit for the increasing work of our church.
“Now more than ever, people are looking for an answer in the face of an increasingly chaotic society. Many people are troubled by challenging and traumatic situations in their own lives, in the lives of their family, neighborhood and work,” Mgr Entwistle said.
“Without doubt, each one of us is looking for an answer, now that answer in my experience is Jesus Christ who said that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
“The Ordinariate is taking on this task of sharing the words of Christ with people as a way to bring balance to their lives. We cannot do it alone and we need your help.
“Your gift, however large or small, will enable us to undertake our mission in Australia and beyond.
“It will help us support our future priests and provide for the needs of our current clergy and our communities.”
To help support the Ordinariate at Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Click Here or visit the Vocations website at www.itsyourcall.net.au/appeal