Registered Charity No. 20002244 | Revenue Charity No. CHY 1508
Our Name & Purpose
Originally founded as St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society, our organization updated its working name to the Vocations Society of St. Joseph following ratification at our Central Council Meeting in November 2023. Under the Charities Act, charities are required to clearly state their core function. Because we are a lay organization supporting priestly vocations rather than a society of young priests, this update ensures clarity for the public, statutory bodies, and those searching for us online.
How the Society is Structured
Executive Committee: Led by our Society President, Vice Presidents and Executive Officers who oversee national operations.
Provincial Councils (4): Coordinating activities across Ireland’s four ecclesiastical provinces, comprising Provincial Presidents, Secretaries, and Diocesan Presidents.
Diocesan Committees: Overseeing and connecting parish branches within each respective diocese.
Parish Branches: Local groups across Ireland (North and South) who gather regularly for prayer, foster vocations, and coordinate local fundraising.
Central Office: Based in Dublin, managing day-to-day administration, governance, and grant distribution.
Grant Allocation & Financial Integrity
To ensure complete transparency and accountability, all financial grants for seminarians undergo a strict verification process:
Application: Grants are requested for students currently in active priestly formation.
Verification: Every application is directly verified and endorsed by the seminarian’s local Bishop and seminary formation directors.
Direct Support: Approved funds are transferred directly toward tuition and educational expenses.
Connect with a Branch or Start Your Own
Active Branches
Our network of parish branches spans across Ireland, North and South. If you would like to find an active branch near you, contact our Office.
Interested in starting a branch in your local parish?Â
Speak to your Parish Priest to receive local approval.
Contact Central Office for assistance and constitution guidelines.
Hold an inaugural meeting to invite local parishioners interested in prayer and support.
Current Executive Committee
National Officers
Role | Name | Diocese |
|---|---|---|
President | Marian Fennelly | Ossory |
Vice President | Tony Melia | Armagh |
Vice President | Peter Tierney | Dublin |
Secretary | Brigid Forde | Cork and Ross |
Assistant Secretary | Marie Dempsey | Galway |
Treasurer | John Rooney | Dublin |
Provincial Presidents
Role | Name | Diocese |
|---|---|---|
Armagh Provincial President | Clare McCullough | Dromore |
Cashel Provincial President | Redempta Furney | Cork and Ross |
Dublin Provincial President | Padraig O’Brien | Dublin |
Tuam Provincial President | Joe Quinn | Galway |
Executive Members
Role | Name | Diocese |
|---|---|---|
Executive | Enda Creegan | Dublin |
Executive | Breda Daly | Cloyne |
Executive | John Murphy | Kildare & Leighlin |
Executive | Marian Nixon | Killaloe |
Executive | Denis O’Byrne | Cork and Ross |
Executive | Gerard Quinn | Editor of The Sheaf |
Central Office Administration
Role | Name |
|---|---|
General Secretary | Brigid Kelly |
