Sunday May 3rd. 2009
Message from Bishop Toal for Vocations Sunday
to be read at all the masses
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In his message for this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Benedict stresses that prayer for vocations should be continuous and trusting.
He says:
"The Christian community can only really have greater faith and hope in God's providence if it is enlivened by prayer. Our first duty, therefore, is to keep alive in families and in parishes, in movements and religious communities, the appeal to God with unceasing prayer. We must pray that the whole Christian people grows in its trust in God, convinced that the "Lord of the harvest" does not cease to ask some to place their whole existence freely at his service so as to work with him more closely in the mission of salvation."
Our prayers in this Diocese have been answered in a special way this
past year as a man came forward quite unexpectedly to offer his life
for service as a priest in Argyll & the Isles. He will begin his seminary
training shortly and our prayers will accompany him and our other
seminarian, David Connor, in their continuing journey towards
priesthood. Let us pray today that others will follow in their footsteps.
I would also ask for your financial support for their seminary
formation by contributing generously to today's special collection for
the Ecclesiastical Students' Fund.
The month of May has been traditionally kept as a time of special
devotion to Our Lady, so as we offer our rosaries and other devotions
to Our Blessed Mother throughout this month let us pray in a special
way for all priests, for those studying for the priesthood and for those thinking about it. The Holy Father ended his letter by reflecting upon Mary, her continual "Yes" to God, .and her care for those who feel called to priesthood and religious life.
He says:
"An emblematic human response, full of trust in God's initiative,
is the generous and unmitigated "Amen" of the Virgin of
Nazareth. Her prompt "Yes" allowed Her to become the Mother of
God, the Mother of our Saviour. Mary, after this first "fiat ", had
to repeat it many times, even up to the moment of the crucifixion
of Jesus, when standing by the cross she participated in the
dreadful suffering of her innocent Son. And it was from the cross,
that Jesus, while dying, gave her to us as Mother and entrusted us
to her as sons and daughters; she is especially the Mother of
priests and consecrated persons. Jesus want to entrust to her all
those who are aware of God's call to set out on the road of the
ministerial priesthood or consecrated life. "
May Christ the Good Shepherd be always with you, and may Mary watch over the Church with motherly love and self-giving.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+ Joseph
Bishop of Argyll and the Isles.
Roy Bridge Pupils– Action Drama
There was a replay on Wednesday afternoon in Roy Bridge Hall of the
Action Drama written and composed by Margaret Sargent. It received
great praise from the adjudicators at this year's Music Festival in March,
and parents were delighted to have another opportunity to see it again.
All the various toys in the box come to life, and with their colourful
costumes (a bride, a soldier, a fairy, a pirate, a rabbit, an alien etc..) it
was highly entertainimg. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Retreat postponed.
I have had to postponed joining the clergy at the annual retreat at
Pluscarden monastery this week, but will make my own retreat later
in the year. Masses during the week will be at the usual times.
