“Dear friends,
This weekend (4th Sunday Easter) we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, when the Church prays especially for vocations to the priesthood. I want to ask you to join me in praying today that all those whom Our Lord is calling will respond with courage and generosity to his invitation to serve their brothers and sisters as priests in our Archdiocese.
If you feel that the Good Shepherd might indeed be calling you – and if you are 18 or over – I would ask you to write to me directly at archbishop@rcaob.org.uk.
I shall be happy to meet you, with our Vocations Director, Fr Craig Szmidt, and to hear your story as you try to discern what the Lord is asking of you today and in the years ahead. Please pray for me and for all our priests.
With my prayers and kindest wishes.
+Bernard Longley
Archbishop of Birmingham”