‘Come and See’ Mayo event for men discerning a vocation to priesthood
The annual ‘come and see’ inquiry day for men discerning a vocation to the diocesan priesthood will take place this Sunday, July 13, at Knock House Hotel.
Ahead of the 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 Fr. 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 day begins with tea, coffee and welcome at 11 a.m., followed by a range of reflective and engaging conversations.
Fr. Michael McCullagh will be the main guest speaker, 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 offers participants meaningful insights into the life and ministry of a diocesan priest.
The full programme is: 11 a.m., tea/coffee, meet and greet; 11.30 a.m., a vocation story; 12 p.m., praying the Angelus; 12.01 p.m., session on discernment; 1 p.m., lunch; 2 p.m., visit to Knock Shrine with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession); 3 p.m., questions and answers; 4 p.m., 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, visit vocations.ie or email carol.king@vocations.ie.