In recent years, the Perth Archdiocese has experienced an upswing in interest from young men considering a vocation to the priesthood. This encouraging trend continued this year with the recent Open Day at St Charles Seminary attracting more than 40 participants.
Organised by the Perth Vocations Office in collaboration with the seminary faculty, men aged 18-plus were invited to explore seminary life and what is involved in becoming a priest in today’s world.
During the welcome Mass, Fr Conor Steadman, Dean of Studies, reflected on the words of Thomas the Apostle in the Sunday Gospel, who questioned Jesus: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
“It is what every man who stands at a crossroads – especially when the stakes are high – needs to hear,” Fr. Steadman said.
“It lies beneath every vocation. The question is not simply, ‘What should I do?’ but, ‘How do I know that this is the way?’”
“Seminary is not simply academic formation. It is formation in truth. A man is invited to stand before God and before himself to grow in self-knowledge, to be challenged, purified, and strengthened.
“This can be demanding, but without truth, there can be no genuine vocation,” he concluded.
Following Mass and refreshments, attendees heard from a panel who shared their own vocational journeys and answered questions from the floor. The panel comprised first-year seminarian Paul Shilling, second-year seminarian Tuan Dang, recently ordained Deacon Jhee Baguinat, and Perth Vocations Director Fr Joseph Laundy.
Addressing both the practical and spiritual realities of discernment, questions ranged from daily seminary life and adjusting to formation, to navigating modern cultural pressures and discerning between marriage, priesthood, and religious life.
Attendees also explored the many ways priests serve the Church and wider community.
A guided tour of the seminary grounds by seminarians Vivek Tom, Matthew Purt and Thomas Lai followed, highlighting the seminary’s beautiful grounds, historic buildings and modern facilities.
The afternoon concluded with Holy Hour and Benediction, offering time with the Lord in quiet reflection and prayer before Fr Joe closed the day with a blessing.
Commenting on the success of the day, Fr Joe said it was extraordinary that 44 local Perth men came to see what the Lord may be asking of them.
“It is a sure sign that the Holy Spirit is working in Perth and prayers are being answered. We are, I believe, in a new springtime of faith,” he said.
For those either unable to attend or wishing to continue their discernment journey, the Perth Vocations Office will be hosting two additional opportunities:
Holy Hour and afternoon of reflection for men: Sunday, 24 May | 3pm | St Benedict’s Church, Applecross.
Weekend Discernment Retreat for Men: 10 – 12 July | St Charles Seminary, Guildford (Limited places available).
For more information or to register, visit https://vocations.perthcatholic.org.au/events-conferences/