National Vocations Directors Conference 2025 Held in Knock
The annual National Vocations Directors Conference took place at the Knock House Hotel on the 9th and 10th of September bringing together vocations’ directors from every diocese in Ireland for two days of reflection, support, and collaboration.
The conference featured keynote presentations from Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne, Archbishop of the Diocese of Hartford, Connecticut (USA), Fr. Anthony Federico, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Hartford, and Mr. Alex Soucy, Executive Director of Crossroads 4 Christ. Each highlighted the importance of sustaining and supporting vocations directors in their ministry of encouraging and accompanying those discerning a call to priesthood and religious life.
Among those in attendance were Bishop Phonsie Cullinan, Chair of the Council for Vocations; Fr. Willie Purcell, National Vocations Coordinator for Diocesan Priesthood; Ms. Carol King, Administrative Secretary of the National Vocations Office; and Mr. Gerald Harbison, representing the Knights of St. Columbanus.
Speaking at the event, Fr. Willie Purcell emphasised the significance of the gathering:
“Supporting vocations directors is about ensuring they have the resources, formation, and encouragement they need to walk alongside those discerning God’s call. This gathering is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this work.”
The conference concluded with a renewed sense of unity and commitment to supporting vocations ministry across Ireland.
