The National Vocations Office is an office of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and was established in July 2017 to assist the Diocesan Vocation Directors to promote vocations to the Diocesan ministry. The office will oversee and coordinate the delivery of formation and on-going training of Diocesan Vocation Directors and Vocation Teams and the promotion of vocations to Diocesan Priesthood and the Permanent Diaconate. The Office will work in collaboration with Vocations Ireland who promote vocations for men and women for religious and consecrated life.
About The National Vocations Office
Fr Willie Purcell
National Vocations Coordinator
Fr. Willie Purcell is a priest of the Diocese of Ossory and is the National Diocesan Vocations Coordinator for the Irish Episcopal Conference. He works with Vocations Directors, Seminarians and Priests in creating a culture of vocations awareness.
Fr. Willie is also a member of the board for Religious Vocations in Ireland and works closely with religious in vocations promotion. He directs priests retreats on ‘reconnecting with the call to priesthood’ and has published articles on vocations to the diocesan priesthood. Fr. Willie is also a member of the Council for Immigrants and teaches an orientation course in Kimmage for Priests and religious coming to work in Ireland.
Carol King
Vocations Secretary Administrator
Carol King serves as Administrative Secretary of the National Vocations Office and also contributes her expertise to The Furrow magazine. She brings extensive experience in administration, organizational management, and communications, ensuring the effective delivery of resources and support to vocations directors across the country.
In her role, Carol provides essential administrative coordination, facilitates the distribution of materials, and assists in the development of initiatives that promote and sustain vocations. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to service enable her to support directors in their pastoral work with efficiency and professionalism.
In addition to her administrative role, Carol’s collaboration with The Furrow magazine reflects her ability to engage in editorial processes and resource development, further extending her contribution to the wider Church community.