St Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The work of promoting and supporting vocations to the priesthood commenced in 1895. A secondary objective of the Society is to promote a greater understanding and love of the Mass.

The Society nowadays works through branches, generally attached to parishes. Each branch usually consists of four officers and around 15 members. These members keep in touch with a number of people who pray for vocations and also make regular monetary contributions. In addition some of the Society’s income comes in the form of bequests.

As a lay association, the initiative to form a branch comes from a small group of committed Christians. Branches normally meet on a monthly basis to pray together and to organize Society activities in their own community such as prayer vigils, pilgrimages, seminars and retreats. Branches are encouraged to cooperate with parish clergy in initiatives to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the life and ministry of priests.

Students preparing for priesthood are helped by the Society in two ways: the prayers of the members support them spiritually and they are assisted financially by the Society. Financial support is important so that seminarians can complete their formation without placing an economic burden on their families.

Applications, proposed by seminary authorities, in respect of named seminarians, are examined by a Board of Priests whose recommendations are passed back to the Central Council of the Society for ratification.

With the reduction in recent years in the numbers attending Irish seminaries, the Society has supported more seminarians in some other countries where the need is greatest. In the year 2003/4, 717 students were assisted (105 Irish, 612 overseas). 100 seminarians were ordained (14 Irish and 86 overseas).

The drop in numbers coming forward in recent years has meant that increased emphasis has to be placed on vocation promotion. It’s an area where lay people must be increasingly involved, for all in the Church have the responsibility to look after vocations.

The Dundrum branch meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month after the 10 am Mass in the Parish Offices.

If you are interested in getting more information, attending or becoming a promoter, you will be most welcome. Please contact the local branch president – Tony O'Connor direct at 087-2399414 or the Parish Secretary at 01 - 2983494 Email: parishofficedundrum@eircom.net. Alternatively contact the Head Office of SJYPS at 23 Merrion Square, Dublin.2. Tel: 01-6762593 Fax: 676 2549 email: sjyps@eircom.net