Vocations to the Priesthood
The Church needs men who are passionate, set afire by their encounter with God, redeemed in their humanity and capable of proclaiming in their lives the happiness born of their vocation.
- Pope Francis
Vocations Director Father Brian Fitzpatrick's story
Vocations Director for Dromore Diocese
Father Brian Fitzpatrick is very happy to hear from from anyone seeking guidance or help with a call to priesthood. You can contact him by telephone or email. Contact details below.
Father Brian Fitzpatrick, Parish Priest, Parishes of Moyraverty and Seagoe
Tel: 028 3834 1901
Email: pp.moyraverty.seagoe@gmail.com
Click here for information about the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Dromore.
Are you...
- Prayerful
- Reflective
- Approachable
- A Good Listener
- Adaptable
- Empathetic
- Forward Thinking
- An Effective Communicator
If so.. is God calling you to a life which entails
- Celebrating the Eucharist / Sacraments
- Living a life of prayer, fulfilment and joy
- Communicating the Word of God
- Ministering to people
- Building community
If you feel that you may have a vocation to priesthood then please contact Fr. Brian Fitzpatrick, details below, who will be happy to talk to you more about your calling. You could also contact a priest in your parish, or a priest that you know, who can help you with your discernment. Watch the video below to learn about Fr. Brian's vocation.
Vocations Director for Dromore Diocese
Father Brian Fitzpatrick
Parish Priest, Parishes of Moyraverty and Seagoe
Tel: 028 3834 1901
Email: pp.moyraverty.seagoe@gmail.com
Click here for information about the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Dromore.
Vocation stories
Father Callum Young - Archdiocese of Armagh (Ordained 2021)
Father Juan Jesus Gonzalez Borrallo - Archdiocese of Armagh (Ordained 2021)
Fr Damien Nejad - Diocese of Raphoe (Ordained 2016)
Qualities of a Priest
The qualities and characteristics of a perspective candidate for the priesthood:
- A personal relationship with God integrated through prayer and seen as an important and vital part of his life
- Has the ability and willingness to talk about his faith
- Has some involvement in his local parish
- Has a desire to serve others and make a difference in people’s lives
- Motivated by the mission of Jesus and ability to articulate it
- One who is approachable
- Has the ability to collaborate with others
- Takes initiative and assumes responsibility for his actions
- Recognizes the importance of the Church and the role of the Church as teacher.
- Has shown the capacity and evidence of living a chaste celibate life
- Has healthy relationships with men, women and children
- Has average intelligence, common sense
- Recognizes the need to both give and accept support from others
- Possesses a keen sense of empathy
- Has leadership skills
- The celebration of the Sacraments are important to him
- Has the ability to nurture another person’s growth
- He is open and respectful of all people
- A person of integrity
- An awareness of God’s presence
- Others have mentioned that he would make a good priest
This list does not exhaust all of the qualities needed to be an effective & holy priest.
How to Make a Decision
Often when we are making decisions we want to know what God wants us to do. Sometimes we can get confused and worried. Apart from ‘listening to God’, knowing the ‘characteristics of God’ and praying, there is a simple method St Ignatius offers for trying to “work it out”:
| Five Attitudes | Working It Out |
| Trust God is at work in your hopes and desires | Be clear about what you are deciding about |
| Believe God works through your daily events and people | Seek advice and information |
| Try to be free and not lean toward a particular choice | List and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option |
| Give time and energy to “working it out” | Try to notice which option seems to bring either peacefulness or uneasiness |
| Have a basic commitment to follow God’s will as it becomes clear | Make a decision and have God confirm it in prayer |
Some other questions might be answered in the following websites:
www.vocations.ie
www.sacredspace.ie
www.vocation.com
If you feel you may have a vocation to priesthood then please contact Fr. Brian (details at top of page) who will be happy to talk to you more about your calling. You could also contact a priest in your parish, or a priest that you know, who can help you with your discernment.