Called to Serve the People of God
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit.”
— John 15:16
Vocation
Men and women are called, in every age, including ours, to give their lives in His name as priests and religious. Responding to this call demands commitment and trust along with the support and prayers of many along the journey.
In the bible we hear about a son being sent to the vineyard and being rejected but we also know God sends his own Son, Jesus, into the fields of this world. Jesus wants sons to go forward now as priests into the fields of today. In hospitals, schools, colleges and parishes, Christ the Priest needs new priests to act in his name.
Do you feel called to be with Him and to bring Him to others? If you do, please contact Fr. Tony Gonoude, Meath Vocations Director. 044 9373923.
Vocation Director
Diocese of Meath
Very Rev Tony Gonoude, Parochial House, Ballynacargy, County Westmeath.
Tel: 044-9373923.
Understanding Holy Orders
- Through ordination, the priest is configured to Christ the Head, Shepherd and Spouse of the Church.
- The ordained minister acts “in persona Christi” (in the person of Christ) when celebrating the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation.
- Holy Orders confers a permanent spiritual character – a priest is a priest forever.
- The three degrees of Holy Orders are: Bishop (fullness of the sacrament), Priest (co-worker of the Bishop), and Deacon (ordained for service).
- The permanent diaconate is open to married men. Priests and bishops in the Latin rite are called to celibacy.
Discerning a Vocation
How Do I Know if I’m Called?
A vocation often begins with a quiet but persistent sense that God may be calling you to something more. Signs may include a love for the Mass and the sacraments, a desire to serve others, a sense of peace when thinking about priesthood or religious life, and the encouragement of others who see qualities of a vocation in you.
Steps to Discernment
Pray regularly and listen for God’s voice. Speak with a priest you trust. Contact the Diocesan Vocations Director. Attend a vocations retreat or discernment group. Seminary formation in Ireland typically involves 6–7 years of study, prayer and pastoral experience.
The Permanent Diaconate
The Diocese also welcomes enquiries about the permanent diaconate, open to men aged 35 and over (married or single). Deacons serve the Church through preaching, baptising, witnessing marriages, and works of charity. Formation takes approximately 4 years.
Preparation & Arrangements
1
Initial Discernment
Pray, reflect, and speak with a priest or spiritual director about your sense of calling.
2
Contact Vocations Director
The Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Tony Gonoude, will meet with you to discuss your vocation and guide you through the application process. Phone: 044 9373923.
3
Seminary Formation
Candidates for priesthood enter seminary for 6–7 years of spiritual, academic and pastoral formation.
4
Ordination
After completing formation, candidates are ordained by the Bishop through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration.
Requirements
- Must be a baptised and confirmed Catholic man
- Must be in good standing with the Church
- Priesthood candidates must be unmarried and willing to embrace celibacy
- Diaconate candidates must be aged 35+ (married men may apply)
- Must complete the full seminary or diaconate formation programme
- Must be recommended by the Bishop
Documents Required
- Baptismal and Confirmation Certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Medical and psychological assessments
- Garda vetting / safeguarding clearance
Get in Touch
If you have an interest in finding out more about the path to priesthood or the permanent diaconate in this diocese, you are very welcome to contact our Diocesan Vocations Director.