This is where you'll find information on the
upcoming 'Priesthood Sunday'
25th September 2011
In 2012, it will be 30th September;
In 2013, it will be 29th September;
In 2014, it will be 28th September;
Priesthood Sunday was origionally part of the
'Year of Vocation' initiative
(2008/09). It is an opportunity to highlight and promote particularly, the vocation to the priesthood. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church as a central one.
Vocations Sunday / Good Shepherd Sunday (4th Sunday of Easter) has had a broader focus in recent years, where successive Papal Messages have also honed in on the priesthood of the baptised and the witness of Religious Orders, as well as that of priests. With Priesthood Sunday, we have an opportunity to highlight that the bare fact that God is still calling men to become priests, and that those answering this call can be happy, content, and fulfilled, as they make a meaningful contribution to modern society.
The Church in Australia and America have been celebrating this for many years. While we are 'borrowing' from their leadership in some ways, we also want to make this idea our own. There is a need to bring priesthood 'back on the menu', and make it a meaningful option so to speak, for men - especially younger men.
Priesthood Sunday sends a message to all that the sins of a few (In the wake of the clergy sex abuse scandals) do not reflect the innocent majority, and that the priest in the parish, as the instrument of Christ's ministry on earth, is loved and respected by those in the parish community.
What happens on Priesthood Sunday?
It is hoped that the lay faithful of parishes in the country will develop their own special way of marking the day and honouring the priests in their parish, both at Mass and other parish events, such as social celebrations and school activities. Priesthood Sunday is designed to be an event led by the laity, but your parish priest can participate by talking about how he experienced and answered his own calling; tbout priests who have inspired him.; and the need for new vocations to keep the priesthood fresh;
Priesthood Sunday will also offer an opportunity for priests and their parishioners to build a stronger working relationship for the future. Together, they can dialogue to take an honest look at the challenges ahead, and how they can collaborate to meet those challenges as a united force.
Other Collaborators
As the initiative origionally happened within the context of the Year of Vocation, Initiative, we acknowledge the support and encouragement of that committee, as well as the Vocation Directors from the Dioceses of Ireland. Religious Orders, and especially their Vocation Directors who also supported this initiative (many parishes are administered by Religious Order priests).
Two other groups offered support;
The Knights of St. Columbanus - are constant friends of vocations promotions. They will be working in their 12 council regions to continue to promote the priesthood.
St. Josephs Young Priests Society - were major sponsors of the Year of Vocation, and this part of the project was a part that suited most effectively their charism. They exist to help student clerics on their journey to priesthood.
- The Society fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
- It assists students for the priesthood both financially and by prayer.
- It promotes the vocation of the laity and fosters a greater understanding and love of the Mass.
We look toward the members of the society to continue their work of encouraging and supporting the priests in their locality. This will be a key part of Priesthood Sunday.
Priesthood Sunday