A Personal Invitation

When Jesus called the Apostles to follow him, He did not pin a notice on a tree and ask for volunteers. Instead, he met each person, looked them in the eye and asked them personally to join him in his work.

We believe that God is calling men to join us as priests in our Diocese. If you are interested, then our advice is “Be not afraid”.

The process for becoming a diocesan priest is taken slowly and carefully. The first step is usually a chat with the Vocations Director, or any other priest. This is an opportunity to ask questions and to learn more about the priesthood. If you remain interested, then the following process begins.

Accompaniment: This is a series of regular meetings with a priest over several months. During each meeting, the priest will guide you through a process of discernment. This enables you to figure out what your vocation might be.

Introductory Year: This is spent with a group of others, sharing in prayer and community life and studying the basics of the Catholic faith. It also includes regular spiritual direction, which a more in-depth form of your personal discernment process.

Seminary Studies: This will be done at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth (or possibly part of it at the Irish College in Rome). It begins with two years study of Philosophy of a 3-year degree course, followed by four years of Theology, one of those being spent in a Parish, working with the priests there. In the third year, one becomes a deacon, committing oneself to a life of celibate service in the Diocese, and at the end of the fourth year, one is ordained a priest. The individual over these years has time to further discern if their calling is to the diocesan priesthood. The seminary and diocese also have the role of evaluating the individual’s progress through each year of the formation programme and their calling to the priesthood.

You are invited to phone or write to the Vocations Director. He will send you information and answer any questions you many have and can meet you for a chat.

Vocations Director – Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnois

Fr. Simon Cadam PP,
St. Mary’s,
Granard,
Co. Longford.
Tel: 043 6686550