As part of the Derry Diocesan Vocations Week, Bishop Donal hosted a series of interviews with guests from throughout the diocese discussing how they have answered God's call and how they understand their life as a vocation.

Vocation conversations with Bishop Donal 

The annual celebration of Derry Diocesan Vocations Week has been extended this year to a nine-day festival of prayer, beginning Saturday, 17th April and concluding on Good Shepherd Sunday, 25th April.

The theme for this year's Vocations Week is based on "Patris Corde" ('With a Father's Heart.'), Pope Francis' recent publication for the year of Saint Joseph. Included are a series of daily reflections based on the themes, which Pope Francis highlights in his document.

Bishop Donal's twenty-minute interviews were broadcast live online every evening at 7:00pm Monday, 19th April - Friday, 23rd April, followed by a broadcast of the celebration of the Daily Examen. At 8:00pm, after each evening Mass, Bishop Donal will lead the Rosary before concluding with night prayer.


Each interview is listed and can be played back below. 👇👇


Bishop Donal's conversations

Vocation to Marriage 

Monday, 19 April 7:00pm. Guests: Emma-Jo and Emmet Mullen
Bishop Donal explores what it means to live a commitment as a young couple setting out on married life.

Youth Ministry 

Tuesday, 20 April 7:00pm Guest: Martin McLaughlin - Derry Search Youth Group
Martin has been involved with Search in Derry for over forty years and various other youth initiatives. Bishop Donal discusses with Martin his own faith life, and his vocation to Youth Ministry.

Derry Search Youth Group: https://derrysearchyouthgroup.org

https://www.facebook.com/derrysearchyouthgroup

Parish Ministry 

Wednesday, 21 April 7:00pm Guest: Fr Daniel McFaul, St Mary's Parish, Creggan.
Fr Daniel shares his own experience of living a calling to priesthood, having entered seminary from the world of work.

Youth Ministry 

Thursday, 22 April 7:00pm Guest: Hollie Frystal, student at Holy Cross College in Strabane, Co Tyrone.

Hollie is a participant in the Pope John Paul II Award, Papal Cross and is applying to Saint Patrick's College Maynooth, to pursue a career in teaching.

Parish Ministry 

Friday, 23 April 7:00pm Guest: Bishop Donal McKeown

Bishop Donal shares with Dr Nicola Duffy, his call to priesthood, the gift of strong family support, the wonderful experience of working with young people and the importance to listening to the call to vocation in all of us.

Conversations with Derry Youth 

A conversation on Vocation with Baroness Nuala O'Loan and Fr Chris Ferguson 

Lizzie Rea, Derry Youth Ministry in conversation with Baroness Nuala O'Loan and Fr Chris Ferguson, Vocations Director, Diocese of Derry discussing the challenges and descisions they have faced and the paths they have chosen.

"The Lord will take you where He wants you." - Baroness O'Loan

A conversation on Compassion with Ann & Caron, Claredon Night Shelter and Fr John Farren, Parish of Iskaheen, Co Donegal

Ann and Carol share their very personal stories of how the Clarendon Night Shelter helped them gain control of their lives and how it continues to help others.

Fr John shares his personal experience and shock of grief, explains Jesus' message of compassion and why no one should be or feel excluded from the Church... God loves every single one of us.

You Are The Now Of God with Elma Walsh and Bishop Donal McKeown

Elma Walsh, Donal Walsh #LiveLife Foundation shares her son Donal's message of life.

Bishop Donal shares how important it is to make a space for our young people to be part of the life of the diocese.

Conversations with the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre

Margaret Mizen

Margaret is a mother of 9 children and with her husband Barry established The Mizen Foundation in memory of their beloved son Jimmy. Margaret reflects on the joys and sorrows of her vocation as a mother which led to this outreach, promoting peace and forgiveness. 

View more conversations on vocation

This Parish Vocations Programme has been designed to be adapted to daily and weekly parish routines. The programme includes daily introductions and Prayers of the Faithful for daily Mass, as well as devotional reflections based on the Angelus, Daily Examen and the Mysteries of the Rosary.

Download in PDF format: Liturgy and Prayer Booklet