Priesthood …Consider the Call
“Do not be afraid of what God asks of You!
It is worth saying “Yes” to God.
In Him we find our Joy!”
Pope Francis.
Hearing the Call
Today, the world needs priests just like it always has. Do you think God is calling you to live the wonderful life of a priest?
Where does it start?
Becoming a priest has its beginnings in a personal invitation from God. A Vocation is the will of God, discerned by you hearing and responding to His call. Come follow me.
Praying and reflecting about priesthood
It is important to pray and reflect on the invitation you are hearing in your life ….
We invite you to contemplate the stories of call in the Old and New Testament:
Book of Ruth 1:15-18
1 Samuel 3: 1-21
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Matthew 19: 16-30
Luke 1: 26-38
Luke 14: 25-33
John 1: 35-51
“Speak Lord, your servant is listening” 1 Samuel 3:9
How do I know if I have a vocation?
Ask Yourself…Do I have a desire to respond to the recurring thought in my heart, to serve God and His people as a priest?
- Do I have a desire to give my life in service to God’s people?
- Do I have a desire to celebrate the sacraments for God’s people?
- Do I have a desire to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to God’s people?
- Do I have a desire to serve the people of God as a servant-leader; after the example of Jesus?
- Do I have a desire to listen to others and bring compassion and healing presence of Christ to them?
- Do I have a desire to deepen my relationship with God through daily prayer?
- Do I have a desire to witness publicity to my Catholic faith in the world?
- Do I have a desire to share my time, talents and gifts with others?
If I say Yes what next?
Contact one of the priests whose details are on this website, and they will talk to you about discerning your vocation further
The Training….
Similar to any other vocation or calling in life training and preparation is involved. A person preparing for priesthood attends the Seminary. During the years of training, the student priest focuses on four main areas of growth and formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.
Priesthood in the Diocese of Cork and Ross
In the Diocese of Cork and Ross there are 67 parishes, with 350,000 Catholics. The diocese stretches from Cork City to the Southern and Western parts of the county. Priests serve the diocese in many different ways where they minister in our parishes, hospitals, secondary schools, third level colleges, prisons, teaching at the seminary, pastoral development and other administrative functions at diocesan level. Every day is different in the life of a priest. In his ministry he will encounter many people and respond to many different situations each day.
The Challenge!
Christ invited us to ‘Do this in memory of me’, “There is no church without the Eucharist and no Eucharist without the priest” (Bishop John Buckley – Pilgrim Steps 2005.)
Jesus said to them ‘Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or sisters, or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive back an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come.’ (Luke 18:29-30) 2,000 years ago Jesus said to those who were thinking of following him to “Come and see…”
In the Diocese of Cork and Ross we repeat the same invitation to you today “Come and see…”
Pope Francis says:
“Priesthood is about imitating the way Jesus lived, talked and showed God’s mercy to those around him”
Vocations aren’t the result of planning, but an encounter with God that changes your life”
Further information in confidence:
Rev. Michael Keohane,
Cork and Ross Diocesan Office,
Redemption Road, Cork.
Telephone 021-430 1717
Email: secretary@corkandross.org
Canon Bertie O’Mahony
Telephone: 021-434 6940
Msgr. Aidan O’Driscoll
Telephone: 023-883 3165
Fr. Charles Kiely
Telephone: 021-453 7603
or your local parish clergy.
Prayer for Vocations
Heavenly Father, we praise you and we thank you for all that you have done for us. We thank you especially for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to visit and save us. We ask you to bless our families and all those who are dear to us, especially those who are suffering in any way. Give courage to those in our parish whom you invite to become priests and religious, and grant them the generosity of mind and heart to follow your call.
May they bring good news to our world today.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Website: www.corkandross.org
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Click here to go to Ordination Overview
Click here to go to Permanent Deaconate Overview