St. Joseph's Young Priests Society was founded in 1895 by Mrs Olivia Taaffe, Corofin, Co. Galway.  She perceived the need for groups of lay people to:

(i) promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life through prayer (as Jesus asked)
(ii) provide financial assistance to students for the priesthood
(iii) promote the vocation of the laity by way of fostering a greater understanding and love of the Eucharist
(iv) support members in being Christ's presence in every aspect of life.

Today many such groups, known as branches, exist throughout Ireland. Some are parish based while others are associated with particular workplaces and professions.

In the early part of the twentieth century the Society had a strong presence in the Elphin diocese but lapsed in the 1960s and 1970s. Then, in 1981, under Bishop Dominic Conway, it was re-established. Currently the Society has twelve branches in the diocese: Athlone, Sligo, Boyle, Elphin, Four-Mile House, Roosky, Stokestown, Ballinameen, Castlerea, Roscommon and Tulsk.

Members meet monthly to pray for vocations and to organise the activities of the Society in their community. For example, branch members organise public prayer meetings, vigils, seminars, retreats and fund-raising events. Here in Elphin branch members also come together each Spring and Autumn for an Afternoon of Prayer in Donamon (see Diary) and join branch members from all over Ireland for the Society's Annual National pilgrimage to Knock in late June.

All students for the priesthood whose families cannot make substantial contributions to the cost of their education can apply to the Society for assistance and over the years the Society has helped students from every Irish diocese, Great Britain, Asia, America and Africa. Here in Ireland students for the priesthood are not eligible for third level grants.

For more information and / or to join a branch of St. Joseph's Young Priests' Society in the diocese please contact:

Mrs Shiela Flaherty,
Kildallogue,
Strokestown
Co. Roscommon.
078 33148.

Prayer for Vocations

Jesus

Send labourers into your fields,
which are awaiting holy apostles, saintly priests, heroic missionaries,dedicated sisters and brothers.

Enkindle in the hearts of men and women the spark of a vocation. Grant that Christian families may desire to give your Church
helpers in the work of tomorrow.

Amen.