Seminarians, on Pastoral Placements in our Parish, tell us of their Priestly Vocation

Daniel Weatherly, Dermott O'Gorman, Steve Roach   |   14th November 2010

Three Seminarians from St John's Seminary, Wonersh are on Pastoral Placement here at St Joseph's to gain experience and to enrich our parish. Daniel Weatherly (Southwark) is assisting with our RCIA Evangelium programme for next Easter's Converts, while Dermott O'Gorman (Southwark) and Steve Roach (Portsmouth) are assisting with our Confirmation programme. Steve spoke at the 11.30am Mass on 7th November 2010, and Dermott at the end of the 5.30pm Mass.

My name is Dermott O'Gorman and I'm currently studying for the Priesthood at St John's Seminary, Wonersh. I'm delighted to have been assigned to come to New Malden (with my colleague Steve Roach) on a regular basis to assist with the Confirmation Programme and am very grateful to Fr Peter for having us. I thought it may be useful to say a little bi9t about myself and my vocation journey.

I was blessed to have been brought up in a Catholic family and to have been involved in Catholic life from an early age. Whilst at school I had the privilege of serving daily Mass and it was there that I met priests who were able to answer the big questions about life. In particular I was shown that, in contrast to what many may thing, science points to God's existence as it demonstrates the Universe has order, beauty, meaning and purpose. So I was taught that it makes sense that God would come on earth as Jesus Christ in order for us to know and love Him.

After leaving school although I attended Sunday Mass, my faith waned particularly during my university years. However, deep down, I always knew that God existed, that we're more than just animals and that the Church holds the answers to the big questions of life. Looking around me it was clear that many people who (through no fault of their own) did not know God, felt empty and saw life as pointless. Ultimately, I was left with the choice of developing my relationship with God (my Creator) or to live a meaningless life. All these things led me to become properly reconnected with and re-enthused about the Church and, coupled with a deepening of my spiritual life, developed my desire to serve God full-time as a priest.

Some people think I'm crazy training to be a priest and others fear the sacrifices are too great. In truth, there is as much sacrifice in the married or single life. However, I feel the prospect of becoming a priest is very, very exciting as there can be nothing more rewarding than bringing Christ to people through the Sacraments (particularly the Eucharist), being present with people at the most important or difficult times in their life, and reconnecting young people with Jesus Christ, their purpose and destiny in a world full of confusion.

I pray that - as Pope Benedict said when he came to Britain - that whichever of the four wonderful vocations God has called (or is calling) us to, whether the priesthood, religious life, married life or single life, we may not be afraid to give ourselves totally to Jesus and His Church.

We hope to get the opportunity to meet as many of you as possible during our visits to the Parish.
Thank you and God bless you.