On Sunday 26 April 2026, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the people of the Diocese of Clogher celebrated the Ordination of Rev Stephen Sherry from the Parish of Tullycorbet to the Priesthood by Bishop Larry Duffy, Bishop of Clogher, at St Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan. Fr Stephen was joined by his parents, Gerard and Laura Sherry, his sisters Christina and Andrea, his brother Mark and other family members, many friends and neighbours, together with the clergy from the Diocese of Clogher and other places, as well as seminarians from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
During his Homily, Bishop Duffy said:
‘This is a proud day for the Christians of Tullycorbet; one of your parish members has offered his life to God. So now people speak of Stephen Sherry’s generosity and courage in seeking ordination to Priesthood. In the age in which we live, a vocation to priesthood calls for deep faith and closeness to Christ.
For his message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Leo XIV presents vocations: “as a personal call from God rooted in love and mission.” He reminds the Church that every vocation “flows from God’s desire to draw people into a deeper relationship with Him and to serve others.” The Holy Father places strong emphasis on the role of the Christian community, especially families, parishes, and schools, in fostering vocations.
God calls us as we are, not the ideal perfect person. Someone once said that there are just two types of people that God is unlikely to call; one who cannot love and one who will not work. Ministry has taught me some lessons.
Priesthood calls for humility, trust in God, love of people.
Stephen is blessed because he has an openness and respect for others. We thank the staff of St Patrick’s Maynooth for their work with Stephen in making him the best person he can be.
As a priest, you will bless in God’s name those who are baptised, married, and suffering illness. The greatest privilege will be to stand at the Eucharistic table as Christ did and recite the words of Christ: “This is my flesh, take and eat. This is the Cup of my blood, take and drink” – what a privilege.
Congratulations and thank you to your family, especially Gerard and Laura, for handing on the faith.’
Photos Credit: Glenn Murphy Photography
