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As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their nets, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you fishers of men’. And they left their nets at once and followed him.
(Matthew 4: 18-20)
Vocations Director:
Fr. Billy Meehan,St. Mary's, Irishtown,Clonmel,Co. Tipperary
Tel: (052) 6122954. or 086 2478866.
It is not easy to put into words what a vocation is. We know the word 'vocation' comes from the Latin word 'vocare' which means to call. It involves a felt attraction to the vision and message of Jesus, and a desire to use ones energies for the kind of ministry that he was about.
The call to Vocation in the Church is a call to use your gifts and talents and abilities to build up the Kingdom of God, depending upon his divine help and inspiration. If you have a Vocation, you are called to give over your life to make Christ's present among the people, through the Sacraments, and especially through Eucharist.
What is a Diocesan Priest?
A Diocesan Priest commits himself to serve the people of a Diocese and cares for every person within his community. He serves the day to day spiritual needs of his people. He uses his own particular gifts to help in the service of others. He visits the sick and supports families in times of bereavement and tragedy. He celebrates Mass and sacraments such as Baptism, Reconciliation and Marriage.
How do I know if I am the right person for Priesthood?
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Do you have a desire to always help others and do you pray?
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Do you enjoy life, people and have a sense of humour?
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Are you concerned for the poor and the vulnerable in your community?
If you answer 'Yes', then maybe you are the right sort of person.
How do I know God is calling me?
God calls us and speaks to us in many different ways. He speaks to us through prayer, through the circumstances that we may find ourselves in throughout life. Maybe you have a sense of fear about making such a committment, but remember there is also a sense of excitement, a challenge, an invitation, and sense of being called beyond yourself to share in a great work.
What should I do if I want to be a Priest?
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Pray
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Listen to God
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Attend Mass and receive Eucharist.
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Talk to a Priest in your local area
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Become involved in your Parish
Encouraging God's Call
(A Pastoral Letter from Bishop William Lee.) 2008
My dear People of Waterford and Lismore,
As I am sure you are aware, the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore had in the past a strong tradition of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We not only supplied the needs of our own diocese, but sent many priests, sisters and brothers abroad. In more recent times, like other dioceses throughout Ireland, we have had fewer vocations.
This is once again a year in which, sadly, we in this diocese will be having no ordinations to the priesthood. Shortly there will be a number of parishes which will not have a priest of their own but will be sharing with other parishes. This gives some idea of how the diminishing number of priests is beginning to affect us. And this ongoing shortage of priests is my reason for writing to you at this time.
The Call to Priesthood.
Those of us who have been baptised are called to live in friendship with Jesus. People respond to that call in different ways. Some marry and raise a family. Others may live in a religious community. Many respond to their call through the work they do perhaps as a teacher or in a caring profession. 2008 is a year in which the Church in Ireland directs our attention in a special way to the vocation of all Christians. However, in this letter I wish to focus especially on the call to priesthood.
Priests don’t come or grow from nothing. They come from real families, they belong to real parishes and they have real friends and neighbours. I became a priest at a time when the role of the priest was more socially acceptable and secure. A rapidly changing world has made things very different today. But the Lord still calls to priesthood. In my youth, it was usually school leavers who answered that call. Nowadays, the Lord calls from a variety of age groups.
Support for those called.
For somebody to hear the call to priesthood he needs the encouragement of people who appreciate priesthood and who help him regard his call as a great blessing. Encouragement and support for those called is more necessary than ever. We need to develop a climate in our parishes and schools where people-young and not so young- will consider a life of service in this particular way. Speaking personally I have never regretted choosing the path of priesthood. Priesthood is not the sort of life that will make one rich or famous. It is a life of loving service, a call to be with people in times of sorrow and in times of joy, a call to lead people closer to the Lord.
Praying that the Lord’s voice will be heard.
I ask all of you today to pray for vocations throughout the diocese and, I invite you who hear or read this letter to listen to what the Lord is saying. In your goodness, join me today in praying that the voice of the Lord will be heard and heeded. And then, give your wholehearted support and encouragement to those who are called or who may be called to serve as priests in the Church. Let those who may be thinking about serving others as priests and religious take courage that there are many people of faith in each community who will support them.
Take Courage.
If any of you feel that the Lord is calling you to priesthood or the religious life, may you be filled with the gift of courage – since courage is the key to taking that positive step. Speak to myself or a priest you know or to the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Billy Meehan, St. Mary’s Parish, Clonmel, telephone no. (052) 6122954 or (086) 2478866. I look forward to the day when with, the Lord’s help, I will be celebrating the ordination of some of you who have heard or read this letter. Pray for that day!
Yours in Christ,
+William Lee
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