Latest news from our Diocese on vocations

#5 CALLED: WELCOME TO OUR Vocations Newsletter APRIL 2026

An Introduction from Vocations Director Fr Mark Paver On Maundy Thursday this year, as we commemorated the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood, we were inspired to consider the life of Servant of God Fr Ragheed Ganni. Fr Ragheed was an Iraqi Chaldean priest who, along with 3 subdeacons, was shot dead outside his church in Mosul, Iraq at the age of 35 on Trinity Sunday in 2007. Fr Ragheed had studied in Rome and lived at the Pontifical Irish College, celebrating his first Mass there in 2001. Having obtained a Licentiate in Ecumenism he returned to his native Iraq in 2003. A telegram from the Secretary of State of the Vatican to Fr Ragheed's Bishop shortly after his death read: "Ragheed's sacrifice will inspire in the hearts of all men and women of good will a renewed resolve to reject the ways of hatred and violence, to conquer evil with good and to cooperate in hastening the dawn of reconciliation, justice and peace in Iraq." As Maundy Thursday was celebrated this year, the Middle East was in turmoil again. There remains a profound need for reconciliation, justice and peace - although now the focal point is no longer Iraq but Iran. Preaching in Rome this Maundy Thursday, Pope Leo placed emphasis on service and appealed to priests as brothers, "Beloved brothers in the priesthood, we are called to serve the People of God with our whole lives". Fr Ragheed served a minority Christian community in Mosul and would, for the most part, have lived a life of simple service - daily Mass, baptisms, funerals, weddings, teaching the catechism, visiting the sick and all the rest. In all probability, he would be unknown to us were it not for the events of that Trinity Sunday in 2007. And yet it was in carrying out this humble mission that his heart was being conformed to Christ, preparing him to give the ultimate gift of his life following the model that Christ himself showed us at the Last Supper, "Love one another, even as I have loved you...By this all men will know that you are my disciples." (John 13:34-35). As we introduce this 5th edition of "Called", the Diocese of Salford's newsletter on vocations to the priesthood and the permanent diaconate, we invite men to consider if they might be called to give themselves in humble service of the people of God. We will hear from two priests as they approach ten years since they were ordained to the priesthood together, and we will look forward to a day of recollection for those considering the priesthood. Please pray for vocations to the priesthood and permanent diaconate! And for the priests and permanent deacons serving in the Diocese. Fr Ragheed Ganni, pray for us! Contact Us If you would like to speak to a member of our team regarding a possible vocation to the priesthood or permanent diaconate, please get in touch: vocations@dioceseofsalford.org.uk 0161 817 2226 Or find out more by visiting dioceseofsalford.org.uk/faith/vocations/ April 2026 Update by Numbers Men in our enquirers’ group at different stages of exploring a possible vocation to the priesthood. Men currently in formation for the priesthood. Ordained permanent deacons in active ministry in our diocese. Men in formation for the permanent diaconate, with a further 4 exploring a possible vocation. Vocations Day of Recollection A prayerful day of recollection for those who feel called to priesthood. Includes talks from the two Diocese of Salford Vocations Directors; Mass; Adoration; time for personal prayer and strolls around the beautiful grounds. Lunch will be included. Venue: Schoenstatt Shrine, St John Fisher, Manchester Road, Kearsley, Bolton, BL4 8QQ. Date and time: Saturday 13th June, 10am-2:30pm Spaces are limited, so to register your interest, please email michael.deas@dioceseofsalford.org.uk and your booking will be confirmed in due course. The Pope’s April Prayer For Priests The Pope’s prayer intention for April invites Catholics to pray for priests and to "support those who so often support us.” He also prays for the Catholic community around them “Good Father, teach us as a community to care for our priests; to listen without judging, to give thanks without demanding perfection, to share with them the baptismal mission of proclaiming the kingdom in word and deed, and to accompany them with closeness and sincere prayer.” How can you help? Vocations Newsletter A Decade of Ministry: Fr Michael Deas & Fr Richard Howard Recently, we were privileged to listen in as Fr Richard Howard joined Fr Michael Deas for a discussion on 10 years of priesthood, as they shared stories of their ordination and reflected on the rewards and surprising challenges of ministry. We heard insights into what brings them fulfilment in their service of God, the support they find from their brother priests, and more. Scan the QR Code to watch the conversation and share in their memories of the past ten years: Deacon Patrick Tifu’s First Year of Ministry This summer will mark one year since the ordination of Deacon Patrick Tifu, the youngest of our Permanent Diaconate and the latest to be ordained. We sat down with Deacon Patrick to hear about the months since ordination, to reflect on his path to the Diaconate, and to learn more about how his family continue to support and inspire him in his ministry. To read more about Deacon Patrick’s service to the people of God in our diocese, head to the News section of the diocesan website. We ask you to pray for our clergy, those in training and all those discerning their own vocation. You can also help by giving a gift to the Clergy Educational Fund. It costs £25,000 a year to train a priest. Any contribution you can make will support the work of the diocese’s Vocations team, so they can encourage and inspire those who hear God’s call and will support the seminary fees and living costs of our Seminarians and those in formation for the diaconate. Please consider helping the diocese ensure the next generation of priests receive the formation, education and support they need to answer God’s call. To donate, please go now to https://donate.mydona.com/diocese-of-salford and select ‘Clergy Fund’. 0161 817 2226 vocations@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

https://mailchi.mp/04f36c912832/vocations-october-10600556

Latest news from our diocese on vocations to the priesthood.

See the link below

Vocations Newsletter Oct 2025_.pdf