Fr Dominic is content to be one of the few

Fr Dominic is content to be one of the few

2 July 2014

HIGH flying law graduate Dominic McGrattan had the world at his feet. 

A lucrative career beckoned for the elite Trinity College graduate until a nagging religious calling, born in his Portaferry schooldays, could no longer be ignored.

Six years after shocking some of his family with news that he had chosen the church over the law courts, Dominic cut a lone figure when he was ordained into the priesthood on Sunday.

For the 30 year-old academic achiever, the youngest child in a family of seven, will be the only man ordained in the diocese this year.

Although buoyed by the goodwill of the community that packed into St. Patrick’s Church in Portaferry for his ceremony, the new Father McGrattan is acutely aware of the scarcity of men choosing the same path.

The ageing population of priests has now hit such critical levels, the Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor has ordered a review that will lead to the announcement of sweeping changes in the autumn.

But rather than feeling daunted by the decreasing popularity of his choice, Fr. McGrattan believes he is part of a new springtime for the church.

Describing the past two decades as a “winter” period, he says there are signs of growth, which were particularly evident during recent visits to local primary schools where he was enthused by the vibrancy of the children’s faith.

“Our church has been through a winter period that has dashed peoples’ confidence,” he said.

“Mistakes on the part of the church have impacted on the number of vocations.

“We are also living in a cultural context which is not as supportive of people making lifelong commitments. If you look at the trend of marriage, there is a there too.

“While I am the only one being ordained in our diocese, there is a strong sense of the world being a small place and the number of priest friends and religious friends I have encountered internationally during my studies reassures me I am by no means on my own.”

Indeed these friends have become a supportive community for Fr. McGrattan since his decision, shortly after graduating in 2008, to begin seminary studies.

Although his parents, with whom he is very close, were unsurprised by his choice, he said there was more shock among his siblings, who were nonetheless supportive.

“When I left school and headed to university I already had the notion of priesthood, but I was not quite ready to make a lifechanging decision at that stage,” he recalls.

“I had four very enjoyable years in Dublin as a student, but as time progressed the notion became stronger.

“Once I graduated, I decided to test my vocation and entered the seminary in Belfast.

“It was a culture shock because suddenly, having been used to my own time as a student, I was living my life according to rules and developing that sense of service.

“But I went in with a strong belief I was being being called to serve God as a priest.”

After six years of training, Fr. McGrattan was thoroughly comfortable with his decision to forego a potentially successful legal career and family life for the church.

“I can see why people are intrigued,” he said.

“But I have come to terms with the sacrifices this life entails. I have come to terms with the notion of celibacy and sacrificing the notion of traditional family life.

“I see it as making myself available to the church family and, just as a father would prioritise the care of his wife and children, my priority will be the care and spiritual welfare of everyone in my parish.

“I feel it is the closing of an old chapter and the opening of a new one. I am looking forward to it.

“There is huge enthusiasm within the local community and it is difficult to be immune to that. It is an exciting time.”