At our recent year 9 Vocations morning (4.3.26), students were given a powerful insight into the many ways faith can shape a life of purpose and service. We were delighted to welcome a range of visitors who shared personal stories of how their faith has guided their choices, influenced their careers and inspired their commitment to supporting others.

Speakers such as Canon Michael Loughlin, Fr Phil Cunnah and Sr Ann Stafford spoke about responding to a calling to ordained and religious life, including giving their lives to the priesthood and joining the Congregation of Jesus as a CJ Sister. Their stories highlighted courage, trust and a deep desire to serve God and community. Students were particularly inspired by hearing how this vocation is lived out in joyful, practical service each day.

Others shared how their faith has shaped different paths of service. We heard from those such as Bob Lavery whose commitment to Catholic education is significant having been a school governor for 30+ years and who has been a supports young people and pilgrims in Lourdes. He described how a highlight of his life of service was leading the St Bernadette Relic Tour in 2022. Deacon Tom and Mark Dias (who is the Chair of NPCAT Trust Board and who is training in deaconate) spoke of their ministry within the Church and the privilege of serving both parish and wider community.

We also welcomed professionals working in education and in the NHS, who reflected on how their faith underpins their commitment to dignity, compassion and justice in their daily work. Their examples showed that vocation is not only about religious life, but about living out Gospel values in every career. Others described their involvement with environmental charities, explaining how caring for creation is a vital expression of their faith in action.

Throughout the morning, students were encouraged to reflect on their own gifts and consider how they might use them in service of others. The message was clear: a vocation is not simply about what job you do, but about who you are called to be. Whether through ministry, healthcare, teaching, volunteering or caring for our common home, faith can be a powerful foundation for a life lived generously for others.