Becoming a priest of the Diocese of Cork and Ross

The world needs priests just like it always has. Do you think life as a priest may be for you? We hope you’ll find helpful support for your questions here.

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.

Who can I talk to?
You can talk, in confidence, to

• Fr Cian O’Sullivan, whom Bishop Fintan has asked to support people with information about priesthood in our diocese. He is based in Ballincollig, and you can email him at vocations@corkandross.org
• 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 Cork and Ross
In the Diocese of Cork and Ross there are 67 parishes, with 350,000 approx Catholics. The diocese stretches from Cork City to the Southern and Western parts of the county. Priests serve in parishes, hospitals, secondary schools, third level colleges, prisons, teaching at the seminary, pastoral development and other administrative roles at diocesan level. Every day is different in the life of a priest. In his ministry he will encounter many people and respond to many different situations each day.

Have a look around this site’s menu (above)

There you can find

• Info about Fr Cian, Vocations contact for the diocese.
• And other resources.

Prayer for Vocations

Heavenly Father, we praise you and we thank you for all that you have done for us. We thank you especially for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to visit and save us. Give courage to those whom you invite to become priests and religious, and grant them the generosity of mind and heart to follow your call.
May they bring good news to our world today.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen