Vocations to the Priesthood

Click here to find out more about our common vocation as Christians.


Why do people become priests?

• to lead from the heart of the community
• to follow in Christ's footsteps
• to bring hope to the disillusioned
• to give courage to the afraid
• to share our strength and weakness
• to celebrate the gift of eternal life

•  Vocations Prayer Card - prayer for priests (134.8 kB)
•  Vocations to the Priesthood brochure (742.07 kB)

Priesthood?

A Life of Service

It is said that a diocesan priest is someone who lives with the people and each becomes a part of the other’s life. Diocesan priests work and serve within parish communities that are part of a diocese. They serve individuals and families within our parishes and are the spiritual leaders of our communities. Diocesan priests are very active people, with friends, hobbies and recreational activities like other Christian people. Some serve the diocese in schools, as university teachers, chaplains or campus ministers, working in media, in hospitals or in prisons.

The Diocese of Wollongong is rapidly growing: we now have a Catholic population of about 200,000 in 31 parishes with 43 schools across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Macarthur and the Southern Highlands. 

• How is God calling you to serve others? 
• Do you know of someone serving others who may be called to priesthood?

A Special Role

Jesus in the Eucharist is the centre of a priest’s life and ministry; we serve God and others through: 

• Offering pastoral care – visiting the sick and troubled, counselling individuals, married couples or families, animating parish projects and activities.
• Proclaiming God’s word – through the witness of our lives and through homilies founded on daily reflection and prayer.
• Ministering the Sacraments – celebrating Eucharist and baptism, witnessing marriages, leading funerals, and bringing God’s healing presence to people through the Sacraments of Penance (Confession) and the Anointing of the Sick.

• How do you care for others, proclaim God’s word and foster church life?
• Do you know someone possessing these qualities who could be called to priesthood?

More Than a Job

Deciding on a priestly vocation is, in one sense, a career choice like any other. Skills and attributes include:

• Prayerfulness
• Strong interpersonal abilities
• Leadership
• Charity towards others
• Positive self-image
• Good health and emotional stability

At the deepest level priesthood is about union with Jesus Christ: the goal is to become more and more like him. Being a priest is more than a job - it’s a way of life, requiring strong personal and professional commitment that is reflected in all that you do, all that you are. The opportunity to serve God and bring hope, joy and healing into the lives of many people brings with it a deep happiness and a sense of peace.

A diocesan priest commits himself to a celibate life, and gives respect and obedience as he collaborates with his bishop. Celibacy reflects the selflessness of Jesus and is a sign of the ultimate call to union with God. These commitments are a reflection of God’s enduring faithfulness to us.

• Are you searching for something more? 
• Do you know someone seeking fulfilment who could be called to priesthood?

What can I do?

If you feel drawn to this life of service, share your questions with others. You may also know of someone who may make a good priest. Have you told them? Could you share this website with them?

Ordained Ministry Team

The Diocesan Vocations Team was newly created in 2007 to help promote the need for prayer and support for all who may consider answering the call to the Diaconate and Priesthood within our Diocese.
Supporting those discerning a vocation to ordained ministry (priesthood and diaconate), seminarians for the Diocese and recently-ordained priests, the team consists of 4 priests: Fr Mark O'Keefe, Fr Patrick Vaughan, Fr Mark De Battista and Fr Richard Healey.

For more information, call Fr Mark O'Keefe on (02) 4271 1068.

A prayer for priests

Lord of all and giver of life, 
call to the priesthood men on fire with your divine love.
Call them to be the voice of the Good Shepherd to a scattered flock.
Bless us with holy priests: through their ministry
may your life-giving presence in the Sacraments always be present in your church.

Raise up men filled with your power 
and with missionary zeal, so that all 
who dwell in darkness may come to
live in Jesus’ light.

Send your Holy Spirit upon the men
you have chosen for priestly ministry. 
May they answer your call and 
follow you with generous hearts.

Lord of the harvest, 
send labourers into your harvest.
Amen.

Immaculate Heart of Mary: pray for us.
Blessed Mary MacKillop: pray for us.