Fr Paul Farren, director of the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre talks to Aoife Hegarty on fulfilling life's vocation

It is, most would admit, not the easiest time to be a priest. The backlash from various clerical abuse scandals at home and abroad has left an unpleasant awkwardness among the many good priests around the country who stay true to their mission but are inevitably touched by events outside their control.

Derry priest Fr Paul Farren is no exception and agrees that he and his colleagues are in uncharted territory.

''The day to day work of priests hasn't changed as such, we still proclaim the Gospel and engage with people but certainly today, in the climate we live in, we're forced to question our role as priests more than ever before,'' he says.

''There is always a struggle to be faithful to the humble way of Jesus Christ, be that in marriage or in priesthood but, thankfully, a lot of the strength and encouragement I get is from the people.''

Fr Paul's 'day to day work' extends from saying Mass in Long Tower parish during the week followed by weekend duty at Leckpatrick parish to overseeing the operation of the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre where he is director.

It's that grassroots work among the people that gives Fr Paul a certain vantage point. He says a return to core values is one way of providing a positive response to the crisis.

Pic: (Fr Paul Farren -far right- with Bishop Seamus Hegarty of Derry and the Pope John Paul II Award Committee in Rome)

''Now we're challenged much more to reclaim the humble wounded saviour and, in that way, we should focus on washing feet a lot more as at the last supper. Our joy and fulfilment should come from service and washing feet - that's the authentic way.''

Fr Paul's journey to priesthood began as a teenager. His exposure to the Church as a young altar boy and the direction shown to him by a number of 'influential' priests, led him to a sense that 'God was calling'.

''I was aware that, unless I did something about it, I wouldn't be at peace,'' he says. ''I went to Maynooth after I finished secondary school and, there, I began to believe that God really did want me to be a priest and I responded to that call. In my last year at Maynooth, my mother died and that also helped me to understand that living a full relationship with God can't be contained to this world.''

Following his ordination, Fr Paul took up the role of Deacon in Castlederg. This formative period was, he says, an ''important time for me''. From there, he spent over a year in Washington where his studies at the Catholic University of America awakened within him a love of liturgy.

''It really broadened my mind in terms of the role of catechesis and evangelisation. The Church in the US is very diverse and it made me think about how God was calling me as a priest.''

Now, as he approaches 13 years of priesthood, Fr Paul fosters that love in his daily work at the catechetical centre in Derry city.

''I love working there, it gives me great life and variety. We're constantly working to help young people to know Jesus better and I have to say I've always received a positive reception. However, we as priests can't do this alone and that's why I see the importance of the lay people who work here.''

In living out this vision, Fr Paul is aided by over 40 helpers, the majority of whom give their time voluntary to draw the family, the Catholic school and the parish community together in unity. They encourage a loving relationship with Jesus through the proclamation of the Gospel message in a simple, enthusiastic and positive way.

Among the highlights is an annual confirmation Mass at the city's Brandywell Stadium that Fr Paul says brings ''great spirit and energy''.

The centre also promotes the Pope John Paul II Awards, a programme that sees young people live out their faith in their own communities via a voluntary combination of Church activities and charity work, etc.

''This is our third year to give out medals and this year almost three hundred 17 and 18-year-olds received the award. People have responded very well to it and parishes are delighted to have the help. Young people can give great leadership and commitment and while they are the future, they are also very much the present. They are an inspiration,'' Fr Paul says. But what of future vocations? Should any of the young men or women Fr Paul meets, express an interest in entering priesthood or religious life, what advice would he impart?

''God has a dream for everyone and to find true contentment in life it's important to try to discover what that dream is,'' he says. ''If that's your desire, then I'd encourage you to follow that road with confidence, trust and humility. It can be a lonely road but all walks of life have their trials. It also holds tremendous joys and is very fulfilling.''

Fr Paul's humorous reply to a parting statement on his hectic lifestyle says it all: ''I'm not a busy man, just a happy man!''