Vocations roadshow heading for Gloucestershire

A unique roadshow seeking to encourage those with an interest in joining the Priesthood will begin a visit to Gloucestershire this evening. Its first stop with be St Patrick's Catholic Church in Brockworth at 7.30pm. Following the successful launch of a poster campaign in August, the Clifton Diocese Vocations Director Father Robert King, is touring the Diocese, which covers Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Bristol, to meet with people with an interest in becoming a Priest. Fr Robert said: "It is a wonderful opportunity to visit the Gloucester Deanery to speak about the priesthood. The response to our poster campaign - which has seen the unique designs on display in all Churches and schools in our diocese and beyond - has been superb. God is calling men for service as priests and we need to be proactive as a Church in ensuring that God's call is heard and in encouraging those called to offer themselves for ordained ministry." Matt French, a 22 year old Catholic, plans to attend the event in Brockworth. He said: "I enjoy working with Fr Robert at the Chaplaincy and am keen to learn more about his work as Vocations Director and his promotion of the priesthood." The event in Brockworth begins with a special Mass celebrated by the Dean of Gloucester, Canon Michael Fitzpatrick during which Fr Robert will preach on vocations and the urgent need to respond to God's call. After Mass there will be a reception where people will have the chance to meet Fr Robert to discuss this special vocation and look at a display of articles about the priesthood by the late Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI as well as local priests. Posters designed by local children to promote vocations will be exhibited and judged as part of a Deanery competition. Tim Behrsin, 22, designer of the Clifton Diocese Priesthood Posters series said: "I am very pleased that the posters have had such an effect in the Clifton Diocese. We need priests and it is good that the campaign has been a catalyst for prayer and discussion in the parishes and schools that make up the Clifton Diocese." After the visit to St Patrick's the roadshow will roll on to other parts of Clifton Diocese over the coming weeks. For more information about becoming a priest in the Clifton Diocese visit www.cliftondiocese.com where you can also download the poster series.