The Cork and Ross Discerners Group is for Catholic men (aged 18 to 40) interested in discerning diocesan priesthood.

The Discerners Group will help you to explore the diocesan priesthood in a small group where you will find support and fraternity. Together, you will be given the opportunity to pray, discuss the priesthood, listen for God’s voice, and learn how to answer His call.

The group meet monthly, with the next meeting on:

Saturday 8th November

in Mardyke House, Cork City (T12 W8RP).

To register or for more information, contact Fr Cian at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

There is a "Come and See" afternoon for men aged between 18 and 40 who may be thinking about Priesthood for the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

It will take place:

Sunday 25 May 2025
2:00pm to 5:00pm

Mardyke House, Cork City (T12 W8RP)

The afternoon will include time for prayer, reflection, discussion and a social dimension.

For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Watch this video 

to see an invitation from Fr. Marius and Fr. Cian.

Prayer Circles for vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Cork & Ross

Fr Cian O’Sullivan and Fr Marius O’Reilly recently visited the Prayer Circle for Vocations in the Church of the Real Presence in Curraheen Road, Bishopstown.

Prayer Circles for vocations have started in a number of parishes around the Diocese. Parishioners meet once a month to pray and then socialise afterwards.

If you would like to start a prayer circle in your parish for vocations email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will help you to get started.

Learn more about Vocations in our Diocese

People across the Diocese of Cork and Ross invited to form and lead Parish Prayer Circles for Vocations

The Parish Prayer Circles for Vocations is an initiative of the Cork and Ross Vocations Team to encourage, promote and pray for vocations to the diocesan priesthood. Prayer Circles for Vocations have been piloted in four Parishes over the last number of months and it is hoped that these Prayer Circles will be rolled out in all our Parishes in the Diocese during the Jubilee of Hope.

What is a Prayer Circle for Vocations?

A prayer circle is a group of parishioners who come together once a month to pray for vocations to the diocesan priesthood. They meet in the parish Church or another parish venue at a set time and date (e.g. the First Friday or another date that is easy to remember). Some consideration should be given to the time and date. What is the best time and date to encourage the most people to participate. This will depend on your own particular parish (and perhaps the time of the year etc.) Members of the Prayer Circle advertise the meeting and invite people they know to attend. They follow the structure provided and enjoy hospitality together afterwards.

What is the format?

This document will help you reflect on a call to be a priest

These questions might help you to begin the discernment process:

• What is really important to me and gives meaning to my life?
• How has God revealed Himself to me in the past? (This may be through particular scriptures which resonate with you, events, or interactions with others).
• What brings me a sense of peace and fulfilment?
• When do I most feel God is present to me?

Do I feel a desire to be a diocesan priest?

Download the document to guide your prayer and reflection

Sacred vessels used by a priest at Mass