Welcome to the Vocations Society of St. Joseph (formerly St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society). Our Society has been in existence since 1895 when our Foundress Olivia Mary Taaffe, having spent time in France with the Archconfraternity of St. Joseph, decided on her return to Ireland, to help young men in financial need to become priests with practical and prayerful support beginning with two boys. To date, thousands of seminarians have been supported by our prayer and financial assistance, through our Branch network in parishes all over Ireland. Ordinary members continue to dedicate themselves to reciting Pope St. John XXIII’s Vocations Prayer and subscribing or fundraising to support seminarians in Ireland and in thirty countries overseas. Legacies received also help to cover the cost for which we are most grateful.
Our Branches (currently 250) are supported by Diocesan Committees and overseen by the four Provincial Presidents. We are also blessed to have a Spiritual Director: Fr. Bill O’Shaughnessy PP, Lucan and Assistant Vocations Director in Dublin. Three Staff members work diligently at 23 Merrion Square as our backup team, always available to answer queries and organise events.
Ageing and COVID have taken their toll on branches. We aim to rebuild them with parish promotions involving three young men who have agreed to speak on our behalf. It is my great hope that people will respond positively to ensure the survival of our Society into the next century and to see the fruits of our prayer in having more priests to minister to us especially to offer Holy Mass.
We can all say the prayer for Vocations, available free from the office.
As rental income covers our administration expenses, please be assured that all monies donated will go directly toward the education of students for the priesthood and will be gratefully received. You can donate on the website or by bank transfer and cheques to the office. To leave a gift in your Will, please consult your solicitor.
With St. Joseph as our Patron, we will work quietly and successfully long into the future.
Yours in St. Joseph,
Marian Fennelly
President, Vocations Society of St. Joseph
