The Perth Vocations Office, in partnership with the Catholic Education WA Religious Education Curriculum team, is committed to helping senior students explore one of life’s most important questions: What is God calling me to be?
As part of the Office’s strategic plan to promote a culture of vocation in Catholic schools, they focus on Year 10, 11 and 12 students—those already making choices about careers and life pathways. Through talks, workshops, retreats, and interactive expos, we invite students to see their future through the lens of faith and service.
In 2025, the Perth Vocations Office was privileged to work with five Catholic schools across Western Australia, each offering a unique opportunity for students to reflect on God’s call in their lives.
Mater Dei College – Vocations Conversations (14 March 2025)
195 Year 10 students participated in an “ABC Conversations”-style discussion with Fr Joseph Laundy, Vocations Director, and Dr Debra Sayce, Head of Mission Enhancement and Outreach.
One of the main key takeaways from Fr Joe to the sports-loving students was comparing following God’s call to training in sport:
“A coach might tell me to swim 200 metres freestyle. I could ignore them, but that wouldn’t help me improve. God’s call works the same way—listening, trusting, and responding, even when we don’t fully understand why.”
Dr Debra also encouraged students to live their faith in action by saying:
“Being Catholic isn’t just about saying prayers or going to Mass. It’s how you treat people, help others, and make the world better.”
Mater Dei’s Head of Religious Education, Liz Williams, who coordinated the session with the Office said:
“Thank you, Perth Vocations Office. Your work has made a significant impact on their personal and spiritual growth.”
Irene McCormack Catholic College – Vocations Reflection Day (3 April 2025)
Over 70 Year 10 students joined clergy, religious sisters, and Catholic Youth Ministry leaders for a full-day reflection on “Who am I meant to be?”
The day featured breakout sessions on priesthood, religious life, marriage and family, and the “gift of self,” as well as games, testimonies, and a Q&A panel. The event concluded with Mass, where students prayed for courage to follow God’s call.
At the beginning, throughout and finally as part of the closing Mass, Fr Joe reminded students:
“Your worth is not measured by what’s on the outside, but by what’s within. Your vocation—your calling—starts there.”
IMCC’s Assistant Deputy Principal Catholic Identity, Ms Fran Christie, who coordinated the full day Vocations retreat with the Office reflected:
“Opportunities like this play an essential role in inviting our students to reflect deeply on who they are called to be.”
Clontarf Aboriginal College – Vocations Expo (3–6 June 2025)
During the College’s 2025 Religious Education Week, senior students engaged in open, honest conversations with Fr Joseph Laundy about vocation, faith, and life’s purpose. The Vocations Expo invited students to ask deep questions and explore how God calls people to different forms of service.
Ursula Frayne Catholic College – Careers Expo (2 July 2025)
At Ursula Frayne’s Careers Expo, the Vocations Office display booth drew in curious students with a clothing rack of priestly vestments, giveaways, and a “Would You Rather” questions game. Fr Joe shared stories of discernment, encouraging students to see vocation as God’s unique plan for their lives.
Chisholm Catholic College – Vocations Conversations (8 August 2025)
Coinciding with the Feast of St Mary MacKillop and National Vocations Awareness Week, students enjoyed an informal chapel-based conversation with Fr Joseph Laundy and Fr Adalbert Imperial OCD. They discussed diocesan vs religious priesthood, leaving medical careers for ministry, and even compared hobbies—swimming and boxing! Spot prizes and student Q&A made the session engaging and memorable.
Book a Vocations Encounter for Your School in 2026
The Perth Vocations Office is now taking bookings for 2026 school visits.
To find out how the Office can partner with your school to inspire and guide your students in their faith journey, contact vocations@perthcatholic.org.au or visit vocations.perthcatholic.org.au/schools-universities.