The Perth Vocations Office takes joy in celebrating the ordination anniversaries of priests within the Archdiocese of Perth, recognising their role in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Perth.
Each year, we share photos and stories on the occasion of their anniversaries—highlighting “where they are now”—through our social channels, which are further shared with St Charles Seminary, Redemptoris Mater Seminary, and the Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy.
Priests act as a bridge between God and humanity, and as Pope Benedict XVI explained, the priest’s mission is “to link these two realities that appear to be so separate…to bring human beings to God, to His redemption, to His true light, to His true life.”
St Paul describes priests as “ministers of Christ and dispensers of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor 4:1), while the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us they are “taken from among men yet appointed for men in the things that pertain to God.” From the Last Supper to the present day, the priesthood has been entrusted by Christ to guide, forgive, and shepherd His people.
This year, we give thanks for:
- 2 August – 11th Anniversary
Fr Mark Baumgarten, Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier Church, Armadale (also known as the “Piano Priest”), and Fr Christian Irdi, Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Scarborough, and Lecturer in Theology at Notre Dame University Fremantle. - 1 August – 10th Anniversary
Fr Grant Gorddard, Fr Stephen Gorddard, Fr Israel Quirit, Fr Patrick Toohey, Fr Jeffey Casabuena, Fr Conor Steadman, Fr Garner Vergara, and Fr Simeon San, who serve across parishes and ministries throughout the Archdiocese. - Earlier Celebrations
Fr Nathan Barrie (2nd Anniversary, 17 May), Fr Jason Yeap and Fr Errol Lobo (1st Anniversary, 19 April), Fr Nicholas Diedler (2nd Anniversary, 24 March), and Fr Noe Navarrete, Fr Alexis Vega, Fr CJ Millen, and Fr Marlon Henao-Perez (10th Anniversary, 20 March).
We give thanks for the faithful service, guidance, and sacrifice of all our priests. May the Lord continue to bless them abundantly as they lead, teach, and serve the people of God.
Please follow the Perth Vocations Facebook or Instagram pages to also help share and celebrate these special ordination anniversaries. Or scan the QR codes below and follow them on social media.
Perth Vocations Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perthvocationsoffice
Perth Vocations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perthvocations/