t. Joseph's Young Priests Society is a society of lay people, which is approved by the Irish Episcopal Conference.  It was founded in 1895 by Mrs Olivia Taaffe, Corofin, Co. Galway.

The purpose of the society is two fold:

1.        to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and to assist financially in the education of students for the priesthood.

2.        to promote the vocation of the laity, to foster a greater understanding and love of the Mass, and to help members to be Christ’s presence in every aspect of life.

The society works through branches.  A group of committed people in a parish form a branch with the approval of the parish priest.  They elect officers, meet monthly to pray and organise the activities of the Society in their own community.  A branch may also be formed by people in their workplace or profession.

The society encourages regular prayer for vocations.  Students preparing for priesthood are helped by the society in two ways. They are supported spiritually in their vocation by the prayers of the members.  They are assisted financially by the society from members' contributions. This financial support is necessary so that seminarians may complete their formation without placing a major economic burden on their own families.

Representatives of the twenty four branches throughout the Diocese of Down and Connor meet three times a year and a number of people represent the Diocese at the national meeting in Dublin each year.