The Archdiocesan Vocation Office, in collaboration with the Office for the Vicar for Clergy and its Vicar, Fr Minh-Thuy have recently hosted the final Seminarian Wellbeing Event for the year.
Held Sunday 17 November 2024 at the Cathedral Presbytery Gardens, the special gathering brought together seminarians from St Charles and Redemptoris Mater Seminaries, members of the Curia, including Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Vicar General, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, and Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, the Very Rev Fr Minh-Thuy, as well as two enquirers currently discerning their vocations.
The day began with bush tucker-inspired grazing platters, offering guests a chance to savor indigenous flavors like kangaroo, bush tomato, lemon myrtle, and native lime.
Fr Joseph Laundy, Perth Vocations Director, conducted an acknowledgement to country and shared the special meaning behind the gathering.
“This gathering is part of our “Sustaining Those Discerning Vocations” initiative, in collaboration with Fr Minh-Thuy and the Clergy Wellbeing Team, supporting the personal and social development of seminarians from St Charles, Redemptoris Mater, the Norbertines, and enquirers to our seminary who are here for immersion,” Fr Joseph said.
As attendees arrived, they were warmly welcomed before an Opening Prayer and Address by Bishop Sproxton, who congratulated the seminarians on their progress in discerning their call to ordained ministry.
Following the welcome, a BBQ lunch was enjoyed amidst fellowship and light-hearted conversation. The seminarians and guests then participated in garden games, including bocce, giant Jenga, and Connect Four, fostering a sense of community and relaxation in the serene surroundings.
In a heartfelt moment, Bishop Don and Fr Vincent shared end-of-year letters with the seminarians, offering words of encouragement and reflection as they approach the holiday season.
Fr Vincent concluded the event with a reminder to remain steadfast in prayer and preparation for the upcoming year.
The gathering ended with the singing of the Our Father, a touching moment that resonated across Perth’s cityscape.
