Caption Bishop Phonsie Cullinan speaking to seminarians in the College Chapel of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co Kildare (Catholic Communications Office archive)
- The annual ‘Come and See’ inquiry-day for men discerning a vocation to the diocesan priesthood will take place on Sunday 13 July, at the Knock House Hotel, Co Mayo.
Ahead of the ‘Come and See’ gathering for men discerning their vocation to the diocesan priesthood, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore, who also serves as chair of the Council for Vocations of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said, “There is something happening in the Irish Church. An increasing number of young Irish people are seeing that what the world alone has to offer is insufficient. There is a spiritual hunger. Only something authentic will do. As Pope Leo has repeated a number of times quoting from Saint Augustine: ‘Our hearts are restless until they rest in You Lord.’”
Bishop Cullinan continued, “There are also more men enquiring about priesthood. Several Vocations Directors from around the country are receiving more phone calls. It is important to explore such a calling in a deep way, and to do so by making contact with the National Vocations Office (and our new administrator , Carol King) to obtain resources and also to contact their local Vocations Director. I know well from conversations with seminarians, and with newly ordained priests, that they were so appreciative of the witness, encouragement and accompaniment given by another priest during their own discernment process.”
Ossory priest, Father Willie Purcell, who is Ireland’s National Vocations Coordinator, said, “Whether you are at the very beginning of your discernment or seeking clarity after some time of reflection, the ‘Come and See’ day will serve as a valuable stepping stone to see where God is calling you at this time. Feedback from previous years indicates that the day provides an important opportunity for men on the same discernment journey to gather to reflect on their calling. The day offers a welcoming and positive environment to share experiences of how God is drawing each towards diocesan priesthood.”
The ‘Come and See’ day begins with tea, coffee and welcome at 11:00am, followed by a range of reflective and engaging conversations. Father Michael McCullagh will be the main guest speaker on the day, guiding participants through key aspects of discernment and vocation. The day includes personal testimonies, spiritual input, open discussions, and time for prayer and reflection, and so offers participants meaningful insights into the life and ministry of a diocesan priest. Full details of the programme are below:
- 11:00am, tea/coffee, meet and greet
- 11:30am, a vocation story
- 12:00pm, praying the Angelus
- 12:01pm, session on discernment
- 1:00pm, lunch
- 2:00pm, visit to Knock Shrine with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
- 3:00pm, questions and answers
- 4:00pm, celebration of Mass in Knock Parish Church
If you feel you have a calling to the priesthood, irrespective of where you are on your discernment journey, you are invited to contact the National Vocations Office on visit www.vocations.ie or [email protected]
ENDS
- All are invited to pray the following to encourage vocations to the priesthood (source: the National Vocations Office of the Bishops’ Conference):
Prayer for Vocations
Heavenly Father, we ask you to send labourers into your harvest and to bless all who strive to listen to your voice.
Inspire, in the hearts of men and women,
vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and
consecrated life.
Bless our families with a spirit of generosity,
so that those whom you call have the courage
to give themselves to your Church in faith.
Send workers into Your great harvest
so that the Gospel is preached,
the poor are served with love,
the suffering are comforted,
and Your people are strengthened by the sacraments.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.