“How do we make life’s most important decisions?”
This profound question was at the heart of the Perth Vocations Retreat, held at St Charles Seminary from the 18th to the 20th of October 2024.
Over the course of the weekend, seven men were immersed in the life of the Seminary community, joining the seminarians in prayer, shared meals, and listening to a few speakers who explored a plurality of different ideas.
Together, they explored the many facets of discerning God’s call.
The retreat opened with a powerful talk by Cathedral Assistant Priest Fr Kenneth Acosta, who spoke on the joy of the priesthood.
Drawing from six years of ministry, Fr Kenneth shared how his “yes” to God has shaped his journey.
“It takes courage to confront the fear of the unknown,” he said, “but do not be afraid—God will be with you. That has certainly been my case.”
On Saturday, Anita Parker, former Director of Catholic Youth Ministry, spoke on ‘The Cross of Saying Yes.’
Saying ‘yes’ to God does not make the cross disappear, Anita implied, “However, fidelity to the cross that God has given us is what gets us to Heaven.”
Following Anita’s talk, Derek Boylen, a counsellor and lecturer at the University of Notre Dame, spoke on aligning Christian discipleship with one’s vocation.
As a married man and father of eight, Derek shared personal insights on the sanctifying power of vocation.
“I am sanctified as a married man, through my wife.” he said, “even when sometimes that can be really challenging.”
Derek spoke of a time when he was attending to his eighth child in the middle of the night who wouldn’t stop crying.
“It was in that really challenging time that I realised that all the love I was giving to my child was going to go completely unnoticed.”
“That struck me how God treats us – he pours out his love for us and it can sometimes be completely unnoticed.”
“God is love and that love calls us to sacrifice – whatever vocation we chose.”
Vocations Director Fr Joseph Laundy offered insights from his own life what discernment looks like.
From shaping ‘the Call’ to actioning it in one’s life using the tools and resources offered by the Church. “If you’re going to discern, you don’t want to do it alone” Fr Joseph said.
“Get a spiritual director who can speak into your life, surround yourself with good friends who can continue to shape who you are being formed to be.”
In addition to the talks, the retreat attendees were invited to moments of quiet reflection and prayer, particularly during Holy Hours and Vespers.
On Saturday night, a campfire gathering overlooking the Swan River offered a moment of fellowship with priests and seminarians, deepening the bond of fraternity under a starlit sky.
The presence of the St Charles seminarians throughout the retreat also added an inspiring dimension, offering the men a tangible connection to the reality of seminary life and a glimpse into the daily commitment to discernment and formation.
While the retreat offered spiritual renewal, it was also an opportunity for men discerning their futures to come together in fraternity.
One participant noted, “Fraternity was a big highlight of the weekend.” Another added, “I found it helpful to hear from both priests and married people how God led them to their vocations.”
For those considering priesthood or religious life, the Perth Vocations Office is here to accompany you on your journey. Why not take the next step and reach out today?
You can get in touch with Fr Joseph Laundy and the Office via their website.
