This year’s televised Mass for Good Shepherd Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, 26 April at 11.00 am, broadcast from Saint Canice’s Catholic Church, Kilkenny, bringing together a moment of prayer, reflection, and hope for the Church in Ireland and beyond.

In a spirit of joy and reverence, the celebration will be led by Bishop Phonsie Cullinan, Chair of the Council for Vocations.  He will serve as principal celebrant, joined in concelebration by Father Willie Purcell, National Vocations Coordinator for Diocesan Priesthood and Parish Priest of Saint Canice’s Parish.

Seminarians from Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, will be present, alongside Carol King of the National Vocations Office, members of the Knights of Saint Columbanus, the Vocations Society of St. Joseph, representatives of vocations promotion, and parishioners of Saint Canice’s community.  Together, they will form a living sign of faith in action – young and old, clergy and laity, united in prayer.

Father Purcell reflected on the significance of the day, saying, “We are delighted as a parish community to welcome all who will join us for our Vocations Sunday Mass.”  He described the celebration as a sacred gathering of the wider Church, both in person and through broadcast, to pray earnestly for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Good Shepherd Sunday invites the faithful to listen anew to Christ’s call, to trust in His guidance, and to pray for generous hearts willing to respond.  It is a reminder that vocation is not only a personal journey, but a shared mission nourished by community, encouragement, and grace.

From Kilkenny’s Medieval city, prayers will rise for discernment, courage, and peace – especially for young people seeking direction in their lives.  In a world often marked by uncertainty, the Mass offers a gentle call to hope, that God continues to speak, to invite, and to lead.

Viewers across the country are warmly invited to join this special celebration.  As the Church gathers in prayer, it becomes a moment of renewal – asking the Good Shepherd to guide His people, and to awaken in many hearts the desire to serve with love, faith, and generosity.