Saint Joseph's Young Priests' Society

You Can Help

Origins and Foundation

At the end of the nineteenth century, Olivia Mary Taff became interested in the spiritual and temporal welfare of seminarians in France and as a result, in 1895, she initiated the organisation, known in Ireland as, 'The St. Joseph's Young Priests' Society'. Most people know that the main aim of the Society is to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and to assist seminarians spiritually as well as financially. But there are other, perhaps lesser-known aims, that are just as important, such as:

• promoting a greater appreciation of the role of priesthood;
• fostering a deeper understanding of the Mass;
• promoting the vocation of the laity in the Church;
• and helping members of the society to be Christ's presence in every aspect of life;

Diocesan Foundation

It was the late Archbishop, Dr. Thomas Morris, who in the Summer of 1983 convened a meeting of people from Thurles and a number of adjacent parishes in Saint Patrick's College, Thurles. At that meeting, personnel from other dioceses were on hand to explain the working of the Society, and as a result of that meeting, St. Joseph's became a reality in Cashel and Emly. In the course of the following months and years branches of the Society were formed in virtually every parish in the diocese and each branch had a spiritual advisor, usually the local priest or religious who subsequently provided an invaluable source in steering the different branches in the direction of the Society's aims.

Requirements for Membership

Committed members of each branch volunteered to act as promoters and invited others to join the Society, while each member promised to pray each day for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and to contribute a nominal sum of 50p per month. These same requirements for joining the Society remain in place today and the funds raised go to support seminarians across the country and across the continent. Members are very much encouraged to attend the monthly branch meeting, where they can become more familiar with the working of the Society.

Other Activities

The Society aims to develop and support groups at parish level, which will allow people to pray and reflect on the word of God, while the Society also promotes Eucharistic Adoration, retreats and pilgrimages.

Responding to vocation has a lot to do with the way we listen. Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, one can choose to ignore, hide, or run away from reality. But as Christ joined them and asked them to face it, the two disciples responded by listening to him. The call of God today is no different from the past, and His presence in our lives, is as active as ever, if only we listened and acted accordingly.

The mission statement of the Society, formulated in its centenary year, reflects this: "We believe, that at this critical time, our Society is called to a renewal of faith, to proclaim boldly the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to work in partnership towards creating a greater understanding of Christ's call, 'Come follow me.'"

It is very encouraging that the diocesan agm of our Society, which is usually held in St. Patrick's College in May, seems to be a focal point each year for members from all over the diocese. And long may it continue, thereby helping to ensure that ever-increasing numbers may become aware of this praiseworthy apostolic work in our midst.

You Can Help

In recent times, candidates for the priesthood in Ireland have not volunteered in such large numbers as previously. This fact puts into perspective the necessity of boosting membership in this Jubilee Year. Now more than ever we need more people invoking God's aid for priests and religious so by becoming a member of St. Joseph's Society, you can play your part in supporting your Church and the priests, both of the present and of the future.

If you would like further information contact your local St. Joseph's Young Priest's Branch or your local priest/religious for further information.

The above was first Published in Foundations Winter 2000.