New project highlights role of lay people in the church

It will address the diverse and different ways parishioners in their local parishes, according to their calling in life, can assist priests.

The multi-media initiative, including an insightful DVD, looks at the meaning of the word vocations within the church.

“We are looking at the concept of vocation in the broadest sense of the word,” said Father Peter McAnenly, Director of Vocations in the Archdiocese of Armagh.

“So often, the word vocation is associated only with priesthood, but the church is changing rapidly and now lay people are being invited to play a much greater role in the life of the church. This initiative outlines some of the roles and how the entire church congregation will benefit.”

Commenting on the new DVD, which will be distributed to all parishes, schools and pastoral councils in the Archdiocese, Cardinal Sean Brady said: “The church needs lay people more involved in the life of the Church than ever before. We are extending an open invitation to people to become more involved and active in the running of their parishes and churches and we will see a lot more of this in the future.”

The new DVD entitled ‘A Calling For Everyone’ captures the essence and importance of active participation in the church in a modern Ireland. It features personal reflections from ordinary people and demonstrates the extraordinary devotion within the church.

‘A Calling For Everyone’ gives an intimate insight into the homes and hearts of people from the Archdiocese of Armagh as they fulfil their calling in life and how they are passing on their faith to their families, friends, communities and future generations.

The DVD looks at the different and diverse vocations in life - priesthood, diaconate, religious life, marriage and single life and reminds us that by virtue of baptism everyone has been called to play a part in the life and future of the Church.

‘A Calling For Everyone’ will be launched by Cardinal Sean Brady at 8pm at the following locations: Thursday, 20 September, Armagh City Hotel; Friday, 21 September, Greenvale Hotel, Cookstown; Monday, 24 September, Ballymascanlon House Hotel, Dundalk.