The number of men allowed to join the priesthood is being
significantly reduced by large mortgage debts among prospective
candidates, resulting in young men being reluctantly turned away or
having to postpone entry this paper can reveal.A number of men in recent months have been forced to defer entry to seminary, possibly indefinitely, because they have substantial mortgages on homes in negative equity.
Vocations directors are reluctant to admit men to seminary in these circumstances given the stress and distraction of worrying about debt while discerning a calling to priesthood.
A number of vocations directors said it was a growing concern.
Vocations Director for the Dominican’s in Ireland, Fr Ger Dunne, said his order has seen a “significant increase” in people experiencing financial difficulties presenting themselves for the priesthood.
According to Fr Dunne, “the evidence suggests that this problem will become more acute in Ireland”.
National Vocations Director, Fr William Purcell said mortgags holders interested in the priesthood are now “making an approach and making inquiries with a view to entering seminary a year or two down the line”.
“Many people approaching now are aware that they have to get their affairs in order first,” he said.
Vocations Director for Ferns, Fr Jim Murray said his diocese “trawls through every candidate’s history”. “If somebody had major financial debt we couldn’t take them on, we just don’t have the funds to do so,” he said.
“As a diocese we don’t write off debt, we’re not an escape house. However, we do try to provide financial advice for people who have a genuine vocation,” Fr Murray said.