Students from St Charles Seminary Class of 2023 gather at the statue of St Charles Borromeo on the grounds of the Seminary. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.
Single men of Perth are being encouraged to recognise the voice of Jesus and attend the St Charles Seminary Day of reflection.
Speaking in support of Vocations Day retreat, St Charles Seminary Rector Fr Francis Nguyen echoed the words of Archbishop Costelloe, who spoke about the importance of a vocation to the priesthood in his homily of Good Shepherd Sunday 2018.
“This is a day when we can reflect on the beautiful gift of vocation that the Lord is giving to us,” Fr Francis explained.
St Charles Vocation Day Poster-2023. Image: Supplied.
“In thinking about your vocation, we should also remember how important the ordained ministry is in the life of our Church,” he said.
“I encourage any men who have perhaps thought or may be in doubt about a calling to the priesthood or who until now haven’t been able to make moves, to come and pray and reflect together,” Fr Francis said.
Fr Francis continued by highlighting that priests and bishops, with the deacons to assist them, are the ones whom the Lord gives to us as living gifts.
“As Archbishop Costelloe explained, they are signs that he is still with us precisely as our Good Shepherd,” Fr Francis highlighted.
“It is through their ministry that we are invited into this deep communion with the Lord, without which there is no life, for as Jesus himself said: no-one can come to the Father except through me.
“Without the servant ministry of our deacons, and the priestly ministry of our priests and bishops, we simply cannot be the people, and the Church, the Lord is calling us to be,” Fr Francis re-iterated.
Fr Francis continued by saying he wants to encourage single men from the Archdiocese to ask themselves, “What do you hear Jesus saying to you?
Students from St Charles Seminary Class of 2023 share their vocational journey while Rector Fr Francis Nguyen listens. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.
“I encourage you take time to pray and listen to what Jesus’ is saying to you.
“If you think God is calling you to a vocation to the priesthood, come along on Sunday, 30 April, 9.30am – 3.00m and join us for the day,” Fr Francis concluded.
For more information contact 08 9279 1310 or email stcharlesseminary@perthcatholic.org.au