“The courage to take a risk for God’s promise”

Pope Francis, 2019

In the Bible, God says:

“I know the plans I have in mind for you - it is the Lord who speaks - plans for peace, not disaster, reserving a future full of hope for you.”

Jeremiah 29:11

At St Andrew’s we are passionate about helping the children to understand the meaning of vocation and begin to assist the children in discerning theirs. “Vocare” is the Latin word for “to call.” Our vocation is “the call to holiness” - not just our occupation. Every vocation is a summons to follow Jesus on the path he has marked out for us, for our own happiness and for the good of those around us - it is about being the person that God created us to be. There will be times that what we want to do matches what we are called to do, and there are times that our vocation is not clear to us. We pray that God helps us to see what we are being called to be.

We strive to support children in identifying and developing their God given gifts and talents by providing them with a wealth of opportunities and experiences. Our gifts are not just for us; the gifts that God gives us are there to be shared. This is where vocations come from - we believe that everyone of us has a calling to share our gifts.

In Baptism, we begin our Vocation journey. It is strengthened by the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist and further developed in Confirmation.

Our school saints have made powerful comments about their vocation:

Mary mother of Jesus-Nursery

“I am the Lord’s servant. May this happen to me as you have said.”

St Joseph husband of Mary-Reception

St Joseph faithfully fulfilled his high trust of protecting and guarding God's greatest treasures upon earth, Jesus, and Mary.

St Francis of Assisi-Year 1

“This is what I want, this is what I desire with all my heart.”

St Bernadette-Year 2

“I have prayed much to know if I’m called to religious life. I believe the answer is yes. I would like to enter the congregation if I am accepted. “

St Anthony of Padua-Year 3

“I would gladly put on the habit of your order if you would promise to send me as soon as possible to the land of the Saracens, that I may gain the crown of the Holy Martyrs.”

St Lucy-Year 4

When she was young, she made a vow to God, that she would stay a virgin and only serve him.

St Thomas More-Year 5

“I am the King’s good servant but God’s first.”

St Teresa of Calcutta-Year 6

“By blood I am Albanian. By citizenship, Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the heart of Jesus. “

Our Vocation Prayer

Father, you created me and put me on earth for a purpose.
Jesus, you died for me and called me to complete your work.
Holy Spirit, you help me to carry out the work for which I have been created and called.
In your presence and name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
I offer this day to you.
May all my thoughts, actions and words have their origin in you and be directed to your glory.

Amen.