By Joseph Younes and Petra Vanessie
Introducing Father Joseph Laundy: Forging a new chapter for vocations
St Charles Seminary Vice-Rector Fr Joseph Laundy hopes to bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to guiding those discerning their vocation as the new Director of Vocations.
Fr Joseph succeeds Fr Israel Quirit and will continue serving as Vice-Rector at St Charles Seminary and Chaplain to Catholic Youth Ministry Perth.
“Vocations are at the core of the Church’s mission, a testament to God’s continuing call to His people,” Fr Joseph said, in speaking about the role.
“Each vocation—whether to the priesthood, religious life, or lay ministry—enriches our faith communities and ensures the Church’s growth and vitality,” he continued.
Fr Joseph’s journey to the priesthood was shaped by his large Catholic family in Perth. Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared most nights after dinner was a time to say the rosary as a family.
“sometimes, to be honest, to the chagrin of us kids.”
His path to priesthood, initially pursued through a career in medical science, was marked by a persistent “inkling” of a call to serve, which he first felt as an altar server.
“The first inklings of priesthood came at around nine years of age while serving at St Cecilia’s, Floreat,” Fr Joseph reminisced.
“That inkling, which began in my early years, grew stronger despite my career in medical science.”
His journey was profoundly influenced by spiritual direction, which he described as crucial.
“My scientific brain kept saying ‘I need proof and evidence,’ but faith isn’t about formulas; it’s about trust. As my spiritual director once said, ‘Look Joe, God knocks at our heart, and we should not keep Him waiting as we don’t want to give Him sore knuckles.’”
Father Josue Moran: A new Vice-Rector with a ‘zeal’ for announcing the Gospel
Hailing from Guatemala as the eldest of ten children, new Vice-Rector of Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Fr Josue Quej Moran was ordained in Sydney in 2013 by Cardinal George Pell and has since worked extensively with mission families across Australia.
Reflecting on his appointment, Fr Josue, aged 39, said when asked to come to Perth and serve as Vice Rector, his first thought was, ‘Why me? I don’t think I am the right person for the job.’
“Yet, I understand that my role is to be ‘a witness of God’s love and mercy to these young men discerning their vocation,’” he said.
Fr Josue’s mission is to support the well-rounded formation of seminarians, focusing on their intellectual, academic, and spiritual development.
“The main responsibility is to help in the formation of seminarians, which embraces their intellectual, academic, and human growth, their affectivity and their love for Jesus Christ,” he explained.
His experience as a missionary priest has instilled in him a “zeal for the Gospel” that he hopes to pass on to the seminarians.
Addressing contemporary challenges, Fr Josue acknowledges one of the biggest challenges today is the hedonistic attitude of the world.
“The antidote lies in a concrete personal experience of the love of God in Jesus Christ. This experience inspires a joyful and wholehearted response to God’s call.”
A call to action: Embracing and supporting vocations
Fr Joseph and Fr Josue both invite those discerning a vocation to reach out for support.
“The Vocations Office offers discernment retreats, vocation workshops, and one-on-one spiritual direction,” Fr Joseph noted.
“Our mission is to create an environment where individuals can freely discern God’s call.”
As they step into their new roles, both leaders are committed to nurturing and supporting those called to serve.
“I am inspired by the words of Pope John Paul II,” Fr Joseph said.
“He promised, ‘I will give you shepherds after my own heart’ (Jeremiah 3:15). This promise reminds us of God’s unwavering commitment to providing shepherds for His people.”
Fr Josue added, “My hope is that our seminarians will be formed into ‘zealous shepherds with generous hearts and a prophetic word for our people.’”
The Archdiocese of Perth encourages all to support and pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
“Your support, prayers, and active participation are invaluable,” Fr Joseph concluded.
“If you’re considering a vocation, I invite you to get in touch—you never know where one conversation might lead.”
Together, with renewed leadership and passion, the Archdiocese of Perth is poised to inspire and nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.