“You did not choose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last.” – John 15:16’
The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth is blessed with two seminaries forming men for the priesthood: St Charles’ Seminary in Guildford, and Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary in Morley.
These houses of formation for the priesthood are pivotal in supplying the Archdiocese and abroad with priests for pastoral ministry.
St Charles’ Seminary
With a history reaching back to 1837, the grounds of St Charles’ Seminary have been a place of growth and formation for generations.
Once known as Garden Hill Estate, the property became a seminary in 1941 under Archbishop Prendiville, was entrusted to the Vincentian Fathers in 1948, and after a brief closure, was reopened in 1994 by the now Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey.
Today, under the care of Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, it offers an (approximate) seven-year program in human, spiritual, pastoral, and academic formation, supported by the University of Notre Dame Australia.
It serves not only the Archdiocese of Perth but also the dioceses of Broome, Geraldton, and Bunbury, as well as religious congregations when requested.
Meet the Seminarians of St Charles’ Seminary
You can watch their full stories via the Archdiocesan YouTube channel or by scanning the QR code.
- Jhee Baguinat (6th Year)
- Christopher de Freitas (6th Year)
- Thomas Lai (4th Year)
- Matthew Purt (2nd Year)
- Vivek Tom (2nd Year)
- James Le Quang (1st Spiritual Year)
- Joseph Tho, Joseph Dang, and Peter Phong (Diocese of Geraldton)
- Marcelino Severino III and Simon Osiba (Diocese of Bunbury – undergoing formation in the Philippines).
Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary
Located in Morley, Redemptoris Mater Seminary forms men in conjunction with the Neocatechumenal Way for ministry in Perth and across the world.
The community is international, drawing men from around the world who share a passion for the New Evangelisation. They often are sent to serve beyond the parish to places where the Gospel is scarce.
Meet the Seminarians of Redemptoris Mater
- Daniel Kwaudi (8th Year)
- Flavio Pichardo – (6th Year)
- Sebastian Loredo (6th Year)
- Manuel Ruiz Guarin (8th Year)
- Mikaere Lenranoi (5th Year)
- Joao Lucas (8th Year)
- Juan Sanchez (6th Year)
- Jose Algarin (6th Year) and Sebastian Rojas (6th Year)
A Call to Prayer and Discernment
The journey to priesthood is one of perseverance and an entrustment to both God and the Seminary formators. Studies in Philosophy, Theology, Counselling, Canon Law are completed at the University of Notre Dame.
The studies are augmented with pastoral placements and an annual assessment is undertaken and provided to the Archbishop.
Please continue to pray for all our seminarians and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood in Western Australia.
Thinking about the priesthood? Contact the Perth Vocations Office at stcharleseminary@perthcatholic.org.au or visit vocations.perthcatholic.org.au for free books, resources, and guidance.