Our Lady’s Island: A Day of Prayer and Peace
A day of prayer and peace at Our Lady’s Island Yesterday, members and friends of the Vocations Society of St Joseph gathered for our annual pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Island
Vocations Society of St. Joseph
Supporting the next generation of priests across Ireland and abroad through daily prayer, community, and financial support.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT...
“Welcome to the Vocations Society of St. Joseph. Since 1895, our society has supported thousands of young men on their path to the priesthood through daily prayer and practical assistance. Today, across 250 parish branches in Ireland, we continue this vital work. With St. Joseph as our Patron, we invite you to join us in supporting the priests of tomorrow.”
– Marian Fennelly, Society President
Impact Last Year
24
Countries Supported
470+
Seminarians Supported
€500,000+
In Education Support
130+
Years Fostering Vocations
Impact figures based on total support provided to seminarians in 2025 thanks to our members.
By supporting a seminarian today, you help ensure future generations continue to receive the Sacraments and the gift of the Eucharist. Your donation directly assists men discerning the priesthood in Ireland and overseas.
Leaving a gift in your will is a powerful, lasting way to support the Church for generations to come. Your bequest helps sustain our mission of educating and caring for future priests.
Fr Tomás Surlis
Rector of Maynooth National Seminary
I have been aware and appreciative of the work of the Society since I was a young boy because of the involvement of my parents at local level. Since becoming Rector of the National Seminary, I have witnessed first hand how important the spiritual and financial support offered by the Society is on the ground. It is also a privilege and a joy for the Seminary to host the Society each May because it allows the Seminary Community the opportunity to say thanks in person to members whose prayerful support and encouragement affirms and strengthens the work of priestly formation and the life of the community at St Patrick's College, Maynooth. Go mbeannaà Dia sibh agus bhur gcuid oibre!
Fr Tiernan Burke
Cloyne Diocese - Ordained 2026
I will be forever grateful to the Vocations Society of St. Joseph for their prayers, encouragement, generosity, and financial assistance throughout my seminary journey. Meeting members of the Society at local level over the past few months has made me appreciate even more the esteem and support they have for seminarians and priests. I will continue to remember all the members in my prayers, and may the Lord reward them abundantly for their kindness and generosity.
Archbishop Dermot Farrell
Archbishop of Dublin
There are hundreds of members of the Vocations Society of St. Joseph who, in addition to financial support, daily pray for vocations to priesthood in our diocese, and to them I want to express my deep gratitude and appreciation. Since a vocation to the priesthood and religious life is sustained by the wider faith community, there is need for all the baptised to pray that the Lord will open hearts to hear and respond to his call.
Fr Stephen Sherry
Clogher Diocese - Ordained 2026
I have found the Vocations Society of St Joseph to be a great source of support throughout my time of discernment. It is a real comfort to know that there are people some whom I know personally and many whom I may never meet who faithfully pray for me and for my vocation. Their quiet encouragement and prayerful support is reminder that a journey of a vocation is never lived in isolation.
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan
Chair of the Council for Vocations
I am delighted and honoured to thank the Vocations Society of St Joseph for the work they do in promoting and supporting vocations to the priesthood. To have such support is a tremendous gift, and the love of the Society for the priesthood was made evident to all who attended the Annual Vocations Society of St Joseph Mass in Knock on 27th June 2026. To hear the several hundred in the basilica reciting the prayer for vocations by heart was truly inspiring. May their work grow and flourish.
Bishop Phonsie: The Story of Fr Donal O’Sullivan’s Chalice
At the Vocations Society of St Joseph, our core mission centres on praying for priestly vocations. Sharing sacred objects, like the chalice of the heroic Fr. Donal O’Sullivan, is just
A Prayer for Vocations
O Jesus, send labourers into your fields, which are awaiting holy apostles, saintly priests, heroic missionaries and dedicated sisters and brothers. Enkindle in the hearts of men and women the
Prayer for Guidance
Holy Spirit give me wisdom to discern the path of life you wish me to follow. Help me to see clearly the things that matter and the things that don’t.
