Becoming a priest of the Diocese of Cloyne
The world needs priests just like it always has. Do you think life as a priest may be for you?
Where does it start?
Becoming a priest has its beginnings in something very personal and unique to each person - having a sense of a personal invitation from God which grows over time. This is strengthened through regular prayer, listening to the Word of God and being part of a living worshipping faith community.
Ordination
Who can I talk to?
You can talk, in confidence, to:
The Vocations Director:
V. Rev. John McCarthy SP
Ballyvourney, Co. Cork.
Tel: 086 8212101
Email:
Or have a chat with any one of the priests whom you may know through your local parish, or any priest of the diocese.
Priesthood in the Diocese of Cloyne
Since the foundation of the Church, Our Lord Jesus has been calling men to serve the Church as his priests. A priest of Jesus Christ is a shepherd of souls, a teacher of the Word of God and a minister of God’s grace through the sacraments. Priests, by the anointing of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, “are signed with a special character and so are configured to Christ the priest in such a way that they are able to act in the person of Christ the head” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1563).
If you think that you may be called to the priesthood, and wish to know how you might respond to this call, please make contact with the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Cloyne (telephone number, and email address, above). All communication will be held in strict confidence.
The Permanent Diaconate
What is a Permanent Deacon?
The vocation and role of ‘Deacon’ in the Church is a specific one. Different to priesthood, it is, however, one of the holy orders. The following excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church describe the ministry of deacons in the Church:
“At a lower level of holy orders are to be found deacons, who receive the imposition of hands ‘not unto the priesthood, but unto the ministry” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1569).
“Deacons have a special attachment to the bishop in the tasks of his ‘diakonia’ (service)” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1569).
“Deacons share in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way. The sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with an imprint (‘character’) which cannot be removed and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the ‘deacon’ or servant of all. Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1570).
Who can I talk to about becoming a Deacon?
For those, in the Diocese of Cloyne, who would like to discuss what a vocation to the diaconate ministry entails, you may make contact with:
Canon William (Bill) Bermingham, P.P. Youghal
Director of Permanent Diaconate Studies
Phone: 083- 8687196
Email:
Fr Joe O’Mahony, Adm. Cill na Martra
Assistant Director of Permanent Diaconate Studies
Phone: 026-41092
Email: