Holy Orders

When he had washed their feet and put on his clothes again he went back to the table. ‘Do you understand’ he said, ‘what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. If I, then the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.’

[John 13:12-15]

‘Becoming a Priest is not primarily our own decision ….. Rather it is the response to a call and a call to love.’ [Pope Francis]

Discerning a Vocation to the Priesthood

If you are discerning God’s call of love in your life and you feel he may be calling you to Priesthood or religious life please contact:

Diocesan Vocations Director:

Fr Conor McGrath

191a Upper Newtownards Road

Belfast

BT4 3JB

T: 028 90 654 157

Email: c.mcgrath@downandconnor.org

 

This link will take you to the Vocations section on the Diocesan website.

 

Permanent Diaconate

The Acts of the Apostles describe how, in the 1st Century, the Church was faced with the challenge of responding to the needs of those who were at risk of being marginalised, either through culture or through material poverty. Keeping in mind the example of Jesus, the Apostles selected and ordained a number of men specifically for this service.

For a number of centuries, Deacons ministered in close co-operation with the Bishops of the Church, assisting at the Eucharist, preaching the Gospel and exercising a ministry of charity.

Gradually in the Western Church, the functions of Deacons were absorbed into the ministry of the Priest and the Diaconate became a transitional order, for those on the way to Priesthood.

The Second Vatican Council envisaged a renewal of ministry, both lay and ordained, in the Church. The Council’s Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, explains that the lay faithful, by virtue of their Baptism, are commissioned to an active apostolate and states that ‘every opportunity be given them so that, according to their abilities and the needs of the times, they may zealously participate in the saving work of the Church’.

The Second Vatican Council also proposed the restoration of the Diaconate as a ‘distinct ministry of service’ to be exercised ‘in communion with the Bishop and his group of Priests’.

For more information on the Permanent Diaconate in Down and Connor, please click here.

 

Prayer to know God’s will

Lord, let me know clearly the work which you are calling me to do in life,

And grant me every grace I need to answer your call 

with courage and love and lasting dedication to your will.

Amen. 

 

Pope Francis has also said: ‘Behind and before every vocation to the Priesthood there is always the strong and intense prayer of someone – a grandmother, a grandfather, a mother, a father, a community …’

 

Prayer for our Priests

You came from among us to be, for us, one who serves.

We thank you for ministering Christ to us 

and helping us minister Christ to each other. 

We are grateful for the many gifts you bring to our community –

For drawing us together in worship,

for visiting us in our homes,

for comforting us in sickness,

for showing us compassion,

for uniting us in marriage,

for baptising our children,

for confirming us in our calling,

for supporting us in bereavement,

for helping us to grow in faith,

for encouraging us to take the initiative,

for helping the whole community realise God’s presence among us.

For our part, we pray that we may always be attentive to your needs 

and never take you for granted.

You, like us, need friendship and love, 

welcome and a sense of belonging, 

kind words and acts of thoughtfulness. 

We pray also for the Priests who have wounded Priesthood.

May we be willing to forgive and may they be open to healing. 

God our Father, we ask you to bless our Priests 

and confirm them in their calling. 

Give them the gifts they need to respond with generosity and a joyful heart.

We offer this prayer for our Priests, who are our brothers and friends.

Amen.