Since 1942, St Charles Seminary has been a place of formation for men aspiring towards the priesthood in Western Australia.
On Sunday 18 May 2025, it welcomed some 40 men enquiring about the priesthood at its annual Open Day, supported in collaboration with the Perth Vocations Office.
Men enquiring about the priesthood traveled from across the Archdiocese of Perth and as far south as Bunbury, the Open Day seeing its largest attendance in years, revealing a possible resurgence of vocations and interest in the priesthood in WA.
The day began with Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton celebrating the Sunday Mass in the Seminary Chapel, concelebrated by Vocations Director and Seminary Vice-Rector Fr Joseph Laundy.
In his homily for the occasion, Bishop Don reflected on the love that the Father has for us and the ministry of Jesus which was to make present that love for all people.
Bishop Don also fittingly remarked on the new pontificate of Pope Leo XIV as having a shepherd-dimension to the way that God shows that love through attentive presence for his sheep – a shepherd who loves and cares for his sheep.
St Charles seminarians also joined in the Mass with organ and vocal accompaniment.
Following Mass, brunch was held in the dining hall where guests could connect and dialogue with each other. Vicar for Clergy, the Very Rev Fr Minh-Thuy Nguyen also joined the gathering and extended a warm welcome to all present.
Insights from the Journey
The heart of the Open Day unfolded in a full-house session in the Seminary’s Padbury House Seminar Room.
Facilitated by fifth year seminarian Jhee Baguinat, a panel featuring Bishop Don, Fr Joseph Laundy, and second year seminarian Vivek Tom had the task of answering a creative array of questions about discernment, priesthood, challenges along the way.
When asked what resistance each had faced when first discerning the call, Bishop Don recalled the courage it took to tell his parents, only to be met with a surprising affirmation from his father.
Fr Joe described the tension between his fulfilling life as a medical scientist and the persistent call to priesthood.
For Vivek, coming from a traditional family, it meant inviting his father to walk the journey with him rather than oppose it.
On the topic of relationships, Fr Joe noted that strong bonds with family and friends are vital and do not vanish with priestly life—indeed, Christ Himself had close friends.
Vivek added that time for loved ones is possible with discipline and prioritisation.
Bishop Don reminded attendees that friends can be essential sounding boards who help keep one grounded in faith and humanity.
Discernment and the Path Ahead
When asked who shouldn’t pursue priesthood, the panelists shared thoughtful responses.
Fr Joe explained that the seminary is a place of formation and discernment, not instant certainty.
He outlined four pillars—spiritual life, community living, intellectual formation, and pastoral experience—that help clarify whether the call can be confirmed by the Church.
Bishop Don stressed the importance of openness to challenge and inner conversion. Vivek spoke about the layers of support seminarians receive, including spiritual direction and ongoing conversation with Church leadership.
One poignant story Bishop Don recounted was on his second year in the seminary—a time when he was wrestling with a lot of negativity.
Until, he assisted a fellow seminarian in the garden and the reality of his negativity hit him interiorly.
“That moment of reckoning changed everything,” he said. “It turned my focus from myself to others.”
When asked what the biggest hurdle was faced when he became a priest, Fr Joe described the reality of going from a private citizen to a public person.
“When I went shopping for my groceries, I met parishioners surprised that I would do such mundane things,” he recalled.
Vivek noted how his own journey had deepened his humility and his capacity to listen rather than win arguments—an interior shift many guests found relatable and inspiring.
Living Simply, Serving Generously
When asked about how a man transitions from lay life to priesthood, Bishop Don explained that diocesan priests do not take a vow of poverty but are called to live in Gospel-simplicity.
“You’re provided for by the Church,” he said, “with enough to live on and give generously.”
As the session drew to a close, the panelists offered encouragement to those discerning.
“Don’t be afraid to take the first step,” said Vivek. “You won’t leave worse off—every year, I grow.”
Fr Joe invited attendees to open their hearts and speak to someone they trust.
Bishop Don urged them to find a mentor who understands their life and can help them reflect on what is stirring within.
A Day of Prayer, Fellowship and Grace
After the Q&A, seminarians led guests on a tour of the Seminary grounds, followed by all gathering back in the chapel for Holy Hour and Benediction, led by Fr Joseph.
The day came to a close with afternoon tea and more conversation.
Continue the Journey of Discernment
For those who could not attend or who wish to continue discerning their vocation all are welcome to attend
Holy Hour for Vocations
📍 Catholic Pastoral Centre Chapel, 40A Mary Street, Highgate
📅 Sunday 8 June, 2pm–4pm
🔗 Register here
Discernment Retreat (for men)
📍 St Charles Seminary, Guildford
📅 Friday 18 – Sunday 20 July 2025
🔗 Register here
National Vocations Awareness Week
📅 Sunday 3 – Sunday 11 August 2025
🔗 Join the week of activities
Book a Coffee Chat
💬 Have a conversation with Fr Joseph Laundy
🔗 Get in touch
