Laois' newest parish priest shares his journey to the job

Stradbally’s Parish Priest Fr David Vard takes us on a journey from his shy childhood to being a figurehead in his adopted Laois and how nothing could have prepared him for the job of being a priest.

What kind of child were you and what did you want to be when you were little?
I was a very shy child and hated to be noticed or to stick my head above the parapet, preferring to be stuck in a book, hiding in a corner. When I was a child and asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always say, “a
doctor.” Looking back, I think the reason I said this was because my uncle was a doctor!

Where did you grow up?
My answer is not simple! My mother is from Limerick city, and my father is from Dublin, so I grew up in both, with a little time in Kerry, before we settled in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. I always say Kildare.

What was your first job as a youngster?
My first job was in River Island in the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge.

Where did you go to school and what subjects did you love?
I went to secondary school at the Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge, and I loved history. When I was in TY, we got the opportunity to study film and to make short films, which had a lasting impact. Business Studies was also a firm favourite.

What was your big dream when you left school?
I’m not sure I had a big dream. I knew from 5th year that the priesthood was something I wanted to pursue so going to seminary was all that was on my mind.

Did you go into further education?
The only place in Ireland to begin your training as a Diocesan Priest is Maynooth. I was lucky that, because of my age, I got the opportunity to do a BA for my first three years of formation. I had to study philosophy, but it was a no-brainer when it came to selecting my second subject, which was always going to be history. I have a BA in History and Philosophy from Maynooth University. After that, I went on to study Theology and obtained a BD (Bachelor of Divinity) from St Patrick’s Pontifical College, Maynooth.

Did you have a clear idea of the priesthood when you joined?
I thought I did, but nothing could have prepared me for the priesthood. We got some hands-on experience during our seven years of study, but nothing can prepare you for being the priest.

What does being a Parish Priest encompass?
Saying Mass, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation candidates. I also have to make sure everything is above board and to keep the show on the road!

Are you passionate about certain elements?
I love working in schools. I especially enjoy going into secondary schools and doing Q&As with the students, hopefully allowing them to realize that faith isn’t such a bad thing!

What have been some of the highlights?
A recent highlight was the parish fundraiser when 10 parishioners and I took to the skies and raised €30,000 for the parish by doing a skydive. It was great fun and very successful.

What are the joys of your job?
I love getting to interact with people at various stages of their lives, and this is mostly done through sacramental moments. Getting to play a small part in these moments is a great joy.

And the challenges?
Being with a parent who has just lost their child will never not be a challenge, but I hope the presence of a priest can be a moment of hope in those darkest of times.

What do you wish you’d known at the start of your priesthood?
That I will make mistakes, and that’s okay. It will make me a better priest, and the people I work with are good and forgiving.

What do you like to get up to in your free time?
I love rugby and am a passionate Munster supporter (blame my Limerick mother). I run – I can’t say I enjoy it, but I tell myself it’s good for me. I love just hanging out with my friends, both priests and non-priests. I also enjoy podcasts, and I love to read - I’m a secret/not-so-secret Harry Potter mega-fan.

What’s the most surprising thing about your job?
The most surprising thing has been where my priesthood has taken me and the many different experiences I’ve had from spending time in Peru to appearing on the Tommy Tiernan Show and the 2 Johnnies Podcast, and everything, and I mean everything, in between!

What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a priest?
Give it a go. Talk to the vocations director, start the process, and enter into it with an open mind.

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