St Joseph Young Priests Society is an organisation of committed lay people who support Seminarians and priests through prayer and financially.
The Newbridge St Joseph’s Young Priest Society meet in the Holy Family Convent Newbridge on second Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. in the Holy Family Convent Newbridge.
Q – What is St Joseph’s Young Priests Society?
A – It is a society of lay people, which has been approved by the Irish Episcopal Conference. The Society’s work was founded by Mrs Olivia Taaffe in 1895.
Q – What is the purpose of the Society?
A – The purpose of the Society is twofold:
1 – To foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and to assist financially in the education of students for the priesthood.
2 – To promote the vocation of the laity, to foster a greater understanding and love of the Holy Eucharist, and to help members to be Christ’s presence in every aspect of life.
Q – How does the Society work?
A – The Society works through branches. A group of committed people in a parish form a branch with the approval of the parish priest. They elect officers, meet monthly to pray and organise the activities of the Society in their community. A branch may also be formed by people in their workplace or profession
Q- What are the Society’s activties?
A – The Society encourages regular prayer for vocations. It arranges prayer meetings, vigils, pilgrimages, seminars and retreats, through these and through the witness of their Christian living, members can live their commitment and responsibility as lay people in the Church.
Q – Why is the work of the Society so important?
A – The work of fostering religious vocations belongs to the entire Christian community. Taking part in the work of the Society is one way in which lay people can respond to the task. They look to the future and to their children’s future. They want to hand on their faith and their love of the Mass, for which priests will be needed.
Q – Why is financial help needed for student?
A – Few families can make a substantial contribution to the cost of seminary education and the expenses of a student. Because of other demands on their means, some families can only make a small contribution or none at all. In such cases, the Society adopts the student and helps to finance his education for the priesthood.
Q – What students are helped by the Society?
A – The Society provides assistance relating to:
1 – Students for the priesthood for ministry in Ireland who qualify for assistance and who are recommended by a Board of Priests appointed by the four archbishops of Ireland.
2 – Students for the priesthood where the need exists throughout the world. At present, students are assisted in Ireland as well as the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia, Ukraine, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka.
Q- What is the Society’s status?
A – The Society is a registered charity and has been since the foundation of the State in 1922. Reg. N° CHY1508.
Q - How are the students helped by the Society?
A – They are supported spiritually in following the all of the Lord by the prayers of the members. They are assisted financially by the Society from le members’ contributions.
Q- How can I help the work of the Society?
A- By supporting the branch in your parish or at our work. Alternatively, by contacting the General ;ecretary of the Society at:
St Joseph’s Young Priests’ Society 23 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
Tel: 01 676 2593 I Fax: 01 676 2549
Email: sjyps@eircom.net
www.stjosephsyoun9priestssociety.com
In the year 2000 St Joseph’s Young Priests Society supported 797 seminarians worldwide and saw 171 ordinations to the priesthood.
087 255 4908
