The Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood began on

Vocations/Good Shepherd Sunday, 30 April 2023

Have you ever thought that the Lord might be calling you to be a priest? Five priests from around Ireland share how they followed their vocation to the Diocesan priesthood, explaining what a priest is and his sublime

mission in the world.

Take the risk for Christ

On March 7th 2023 Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan and a number of seminarians, priests and bishops announced a Year of Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood on the theme: ‘Take the Risk for Christ’.

Bishop Cullinan said, “A key objective of this Year of Vocations is to start conversations within families, with priests and in parish communities on the beauty of the vocation of priesthood. Feedback from newly ordained priests indicates a strong correlation between their calling and encouragement received from a priest about their ministry, in other words taking the risk for Christ.”

Here in our own parish we have a young man, Stephen Ward, whose ordination to the Diaconate took place in St Columb’s Church on Friday January 6th. You can read more here about Stephen and his journey to Priesthood.

Fr Sean O’Donnell, recently of the parish, has also appeared in a vocations video in which he shares his experiences and journey to Priesthood.

Below is a link to the Derry Vocations website which will assist if you wish to seek further information.