Here you will find information on the steps towards Diocesan Priesthood, from early
discernment to seminary formation. You will also find a personal reflection on Living
Diocesan Priesthood from Fr Dominic Howarth, Vocations Director.
“I think of all those priests who quietly present Christ’s words and actions
each day to the faithful and to the whole world, striving to be one with the Lord
in their thoughts and their will, their sentiments and their style of life.
I pay tribute to their apostolic labours, their tireless and hidden service, their
universal charity. I praise the courageous fidelity of so many priests who, even
amid difficulties and incomprehension, remain faithful to their vocation as “friends
of Christ”, whom he has called by name, chosen and sent”
— Pope Benedict XVI,
Letter proclaiming the Year for Priests, June 2009
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people,
that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into
his marvellous light.”
— I Peter 2:9
“God knows me and calls me by my name.
God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to
me which He has not committed to another.
I have my mission—I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the
next.
Somehow I am necessary for His purposes... I have a part in this great work; I am
a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.
He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall
be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it,
if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling.
Therefore I will trust Him.”
— Cardinal John Henry Newman
Meditations on Christian Doctrine