Resources : Calling to Priesthood
Vocation of ordained ministry
“An old aphorism once said, ‘God writes straight with crooked lines.’ As I reflect on it, I am reminded how God’s hands can work through the twists and turns, curves and detours of my life’s journey. It is in looking back that I can fully appreciate and recognise with humility the guiding hands of God, and has led me where I am today in my pastoral and Sacramental ministry.”
We welcome and invite every person who feels called to the priesthood or would like to find out more about joining the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth as a member of the clergy.
Those who feel called to the priesthood should first contact the Vocations Director for the Archdiocese. The Director will speak with each person and suggest some program of prayer and charitable works that could be undertaken. He will also ask the prospective student to keep in contact with his parish priest as well as the Vocations Director.
At an appropriate time, if the person wishes to continue, he will be asked to make an application and to collect various documents and references which will be passed on to the Seminary Rector. Towards the end of each year, an interview panel meets, and each applicant is interviewed. As a result of the interview, a report is forwarded to the Archbishop who will accept, delay or refuse the applicant’s request.
Seminaries for the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth
St Charles Seminary, Guildford
St Charles Seminary is a place of formation for Catholic priests in Western Australia. Located east of the city in Guildford, the seminary is part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth and is presently under the jurisdiction of Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. The Seminary provides a comprehensive seven year course in human, spiritual, pastoral and academic formation. The University of Notre Dame assists the Seminary in the academic formation program.
Redemptorist Mater Seminary, Morley
The Redemptoris Mater Seminaries are international:
they are for the whole world and at the service of the Church. As a response to the Vatican Council’s wish, the Holy Father John Paul II opened the first “Redemptoris Mater” Seminary in Rome in 1987. From then on, more than 60 similar seminaries have been erected in all the world – including the “Redemptoris Mater” of Perth, inaugurated in 1994 by Archbishop Barry James Hickey.
