(Sarah Mac Donald - NC Reporter) The church in Ireland is launching a Year for Vocations as it grapples with a steep decline in seminary numbers and with aging priests. Focused on diocesan priesthood, the Year for Vocations opens April 30, on the 60th anniversary of St. Paul VI's launching of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in 1963. It will last until April 2024. "Take the Risk for Christ" is the theme of the initiative, which was unveiled at the national seminary in St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, March 7 by the Irish Bishops' Council for Vocations. It takes place as the Irish church's 26 dioceses implement radical structural changes, including parish partnerships and enhanced roles for the laity, to offset the lack of priests. (...)
