NEWS & MEDIA
New Vocations Director for Ireland
"Did you always want to be a priest?" It's by far and away the most popular question I get asked. Anytime I'm giving a Confirmation class in a school, speaking to a group of young adults or even just talking to someone at a wedding it regularly comes up. The simple...
Pilgrimage to Rome
Amazing! Fantastic! Great pizza! These are just some of the words used by the students of Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School to describe their experience during their pilgrimage to Rome last week. It was a packed calendar and a whirlwind tour wrapped up into one. We...
Pope’s Message on Vocations 2012
“Every specific vocation is, in fact, born of the initiative of God; it is a gift of the Love of God! He is the One Who takes the 'first step',” states Pope Benedict in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations due to be celebrated on April 29, the fourth...
1. I’m not a ‘saint’, maybe I am not holy enough to be a priest.
Some people think being a priest is about being removed from the world and distant from the lives of ordinary people. However when we look at the life of Jesus we see someone who lived, loved and shared his faith among all people. We can be as holy in life through our...
2. What is a Vocation?
In the simplest terms 'vocation' means a 'call'. It's about how God is calling you to live your life. We all have a vocation, in that we are all called by God to love Him and others as much as we love ourselves. Some are called to marriage, others to single life and...
3. What does a Priest do?
The priest is called to live out the mission of Jesus through teaching and spreading the Good News, acting as a shepherd for the community he serves and celebrating the sacraments. The faithful expect only one thing from priests: that they be specialists in promoting...
4. Could it be me?
Whoever opens his heart to Christ will not only understand the mystery of his own existence, but also that of his own vocation; he will bear the abundant fruit of grace.” - Pope John Paul II - Message for the 42nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations The call to...
5. While you reflect on these answers here are some questions for you to reflect on:
How have I experienced God's love in my life? How do I celebrate my Catholic faith and participate in my parish? Does the message of the Gospel give me hope and strengthen my faith? How do I share my gifts with others? Do I want a deeper relationship with Jesus...
6. Some Practical Suggestions to Help you in your Discernment
Celebration of Mass – Through the breaking open of the Word and the breaking open of the bread at Mass we are encouraged in our faith and strengthened in our vocation. Daily Prayer – Despite the busyness of our world taking time out to reflect and pray on a daily...
Pilgrimage
Your life is a sacred journey. And it is about change, growth, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly and deeply, listening to your intuition, taking courageous risks, and...