Good Shepherd Sunday 2026
I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full
Dear Friends in Christ,
This year, as the people of our Diocese gather for their Parish Assemblies, is a good time to think about the vocation which each of us received in Baptism. Let’s listen for and respond to the particular call that God has for each of us to play his or her part in the mission of the Church.
Today, on Good Shepherd Sunday, remembering the common share that all the baptised have in the priesthood of Christ, we give thanks for the unique and indispensable ministry of ordained priests.
The Church needs priests for the sacraments, especially the Mass; and for leading and teaching in the way of the Apostles, lest we become just another organisation or club, forgetting our mission and who Christ calls us to be.
Today, I ask you again to pray for your priests and to support them in practical ways. They cannot carry out their ministry without your active contribution to your community of faith.
The cost of educating our priests is a responsibility for everyone: and I invite you to consider prayerfully and generously your donation to this annual appeal.
May I also request your prayers for the five young men who are at various stages of the journey to ordination for our local church. Please remember especially Ha Van Tran, who I will have the privilege and joy of ordaining a priest in our Cathedral on Friday, 1st May.
Yours in Christ,
+Michael McKenna
Bishop of Bathurst
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV FOR THE 63rd WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
