One of the views expressed about the Vocations Initiative when it commenced some years ago was that a more central and common activity would be advantageous over the many variations in diocesan approach.

The publications, issued by the Initiative on behalf of the Catenian Association, were a start and was undertaken on a National basis. That these publications have been very well received is undeniable and it is pleasing that the Bishops' Conference has appreciated the work of the Catenian Association. By their very nature these publications need to be updated or revised from time to time as circumstances dictate and such need is accommodated when reprinting has been, or will be undertaken,

The Bishops' Conference discussed the provision of a National Vocations Process and, following the late Cardinal Hume's initiative, the Bishops made a clear and firm decision to establish a permanent 'National Office for Evangelisation and Vocation' which also includes a permanent 'Office for Vocations' - religious vocations.

This followed on from a meeting held in June 2001 at Oscott College of a committee on Vocations under the chairmanship of Archbishop Vincent Nichols to which the Catenian Vocations Group were invited. A report of this meeting was given at the October meeting of the Vocations Initiative Group held at Hinsley Hall Pastoral Centre, Leeds, when Fr. John Danson, the Administrator of the Diocesan Vocations Service for England and Wales, provided more information about the proposed 'Office for Vocations'.

The Vocations Initiative Group has unreservedly welcomed this advance in the Church's promotion of vocations and, whilst the work of producing new and reprinted publications will continue, the nature and direction of such activities will become a factor within this new structure in the Church.

Past Grand President, Brian Hargreaves' appeal for funds was welcomed. It was a significant step in the work of the Catenian Association in the area of Vocations, especially in the light of the establishment of the new 'Office for Vocations' and benefits can be identified by a modification of the use of funds raised as a result of this appeal. It should be with the unanimous support of the Association that assistance with the costs to run the 'vocations office' can be achieved.

The cost of running the 'Office for Vocations' is currently estimated as being Ł50,000 per year. The Catholic Fund will contribute Ł25,000 per year and other organisations and charities are being asked to contribute towards the balance. Some funding has already been promised by such organisations as the K.S.C. and Serra, and the request to the Catenian Association was for Ł5,000 per year. (The Vocations Initiative Group has not committed the Association to any contributions but the Group is asking for this to be the case.)

In the light of these significant developments the Vocations Group of the Catenian association suggested that the Past President's Appeal be modified to include an annual contribution to the 'Office for Vocations' with the remainder of the appeal money being utilised to maintain the existing work of the publications programme.

We, as Catenians and practising Catholics, have a clear duty to help and support the Church at all times - especially during difficult times such as those that the Church is experiencing at present. The Vocations Initiative Group recommended this proposal and continue to hope that it will receive the wholehearted support, endorsement and action by Grand Council and the Membership. This could be achieved by a simple statement to this effect and at the same time hoping members will support this course of action.

Colin Morrell October 2001.