St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

Mission Statement
We believe at this critical time our Society is called to a renewal of faith, to proclaim boldly the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to work in partnership towards creating a greater understanting of Christ’s call: ‘Come Follow Me’

http://www.stjosephsyoungpriestssociety.com

Mrs Maura Murphy is the current president of the Armagh Diocesan St Joseph Young Priest Societies and she is based in Armagh Cathedral Parish.

St Joseph’s Young Priests Society exists to help student clerics on their journey to priesthood. The Society fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It assists students for the priesthood both financially and by prayer. It promotes the vocation of the laity and fosters a greater understanding and love of the Mass.

The Society holds prayer meetings for the vocations, and arranges pilgrimages, eucharistic adoration, vigils, seminars and retreats so that its members may give witness of Christian living.

The Society works through a branch group formed in the parish with the approval of the parish priest. Each branch meets monthly to pray and to organise the Society’s activities in it’s community.

The Society is important as we need priests to celebrate the Sacraments. There is a shortage of priests, and we must look to the future of our children and grandchildren. We have the responsibility to hand on the Faith – to hand on a love and understanding of the Eucharist.

The Society helps all students for the priesthood from any diocese in Ireland who are recommended by a Board of priests appointed by the four Archbishops of Ireland. We also help students where the need exists worldwide. The Society helps seminarians both spiritually and financially.

The work of the Society is so important as we need priests and religion. The task of fostering vocations depends on the whole Christian community. By being involved in St Joseph’s Young Priests Society we can help in this important work and we can also support our priests.

Pope Francis said: “The Church today is called to foster among young people a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for the Gospel mission.” He went on to say: “Creativity is needed in inspiring young people in our parishes and schools to have the same high ideals, generosity of spirit and love for Christ and the Church.”

Archbishop Eamon: ‘I encourage you to avail of every opportunity to encourage young people in their faith and in particular, to encourage young people to consider giving of their lives for service in our Church as priests or religious.  Whilst I thank the Diocesan Vocations Team and members of St Joseph’s Young Priests in the different parishes in the diocese, I am very aware that we are all called to work for more priests. I’m confident that our efforts will bear much fruit and we ask God’s blessing on all our efforts at this time.’