I recently read on the website of the Diocese of East Anglia that they currently have 8 seminarians training for the priesthood. In addition, one new student is due to start training later this year, and another next year. In addition to these, there are said to be 10 "nibblers" (expressions of interest).
Considering that East Anglia is a relatively small diocese, these numbers look impressive, especially when compared with similarly sized dioceses, such as our own Middlesbrough.
Looking at the website in a little more detail reveals that by the time that these 10 are ordained, about 20 of the existing clergy will have reached the age of 75, so the number of priests will continue to decline. Nevertheless, I suspect that East Anglia is doing better with vocations than any other diocese.
Congratulations to Bishop Hopes.
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