Derry Diocesan Vocations Council


The Derry Diocesan Vocations Council is made up of married people, single people, Religious and Priests. The function of the Council is to increase awareness in the Church of each one's calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, acknowledging that there are different ways in which this call can be lived out.

“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”… Matthew 4:19

“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people”… Luke 5:10

“Rabbi, where are you staying?” “Come and see”… John 1:38: 39

Ever since the call of the first disciples of Jesus, as described in the gospels, every generation has witnessed people leaving their ‘nets’ and following the Lord in a particular way through priesthood and religious life. They have come from different backgrounds, professions, and places as the Spirit of God has moved them to make a commitment to spreading the ‘Good News’ of Jesus Christ to a world that is constantly in need of the joy of the presence of God.

The Diocese of Derry has been no exception to the rule as over the centuries hundreds of young men and women have responded to the call of the Lord and have dedicated their lives in a particular way in the diocesan priesthood and religious life. Every parish in the diocese has a long and distinguished history in the work of promoting vocations, conscious of the request of the Lord: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38. That work has been so successful because it has as its foundation the nurturing strength of the power of prayer and the grace of the sacraments handed on from generation to generation with such great care. Today more than ever, there is a great need for more vocations to continue this work. The Lord is constantly calling and it is so important that we encourage our young people to listen to his voice and respond generously with their lives. For anyone who is interested in finding out more information or who feels that the Lord is calling them in a particular way to his service please contact the following:

Vocations directors
Rev Colm O'Doherty CC
7 Cloonty Road, Drumquin, Omagh,
Co. Tyrone
BT78 7TG

Tel: 028 8166 1475

Rev Paul Farren
Diocesan Catechetical Centre, The Gate Lodge,
2 Francis Street, Derry,
BT48 7DS.

Tel: 028 7126 4087

We also pay tribute to the great work being done by members of the Diocesan Vocations Council, who promote vocations so well every year and also to the members of the Saint Joseph’s Young Priests Society, for their prayerful and financial support to our seminarians and priests.