Vocations

Five new seminarians for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta

Five new seminarians for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta

The Catholic Diocese of Parramatta now has 11 seminarians in formation at Holy Spirit Seminary.

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Holy Hour for Vocations

Everyone is welcome to join the Holy Hour for Vocations on the third Thursday of each month for an hour of adoration, prayer, music and quiet time.

Date: Thursday 17 May

Location: Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Place, Parramatta

Time: 7pm-8pm

VOCATION REFLECTION AFTERNOON

An invitation is extended to all young men who feel God may be calling them to the priesthood to attend a reflection afternoon and dinner.

Date: Sunday 27 May

Location: Our Lady of the Angels Parish Rouse Hill, 1 Wellgate Ave Kellyville

Time: Starts 2pm and concludes with dinner at 6pm

Any interested young men are welcome to come along. They do not have to be thinking of joining next year, maybe just wondering...

Contact Fr Warren Edwards (Vocations Director) regarding attendance for catering purposes on 0409 172 700 or fr_warren@hotmail.com


A special welcome from Bishop Anthony 

The Bishop of Parramatta, Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP, welcomes you to the Vocations for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta site. You can read a text version of Bishop Anthony's special welcome here.

The Holy Father's Message for Vocations

Click here to read the message of Pope Benedictus XIV for the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

Vocation - God's dream within you

Whatever it is that has brought you to this page, you are very welcome.

I’m sure you could be described in many ways, whether according to your interests, background or talents. Well, I’m going to take a punt on at least one description of you!

I’m going to suggest that one of following three descriptions; a), b) or c) applies to you. See if I’m right:

a) You are thinking about your direction and purpose. You want your life to make a difference. It’s important to you to have a sense that God blesses and supports what you’re thinking.

b) You are someone who is capable of praying for and/or encouraging others to take their best steps in life; for themselves, for God and for God’s people. 

c)  Both a) and b) above.

Well, if a), b) or c) applies to you, I really hope that you feel at home and among kindred spirits as you look through what’s here.

The concept of ‘vocation’ applies to every person’s life, for if we listen well, we discover that God calls each of us to play a part in his mission here on the earth. Whether in single life commitments, relationship and marriage, the religious life, priesthood or diaconate, each such commitment of loving forms part of Christ’s dream of life and unity.

As Vocation Director for the Diocese of Parramatta, I often refer people to others who can have a good chat with them about any vocational thought or direction. I have some great contacts among men and women in the religious life, marriage etc. As well, I spend a lot of time chatting mostly with younger men, some older too, who’ve thought about the priesthood.

With the help of others, I also offer a program of activities and reflection times throughout each year to support people in such thinking. This has helped a good number of guys to move peacefully in other directions. And it’s also helped a good number to clarify their thoughts and to take good further steps towards diocesan or religious life priesthood.

So, give me a confidential call if you’d like, if any of these comments speak to you. It will be good to say hello.

Cheers, blessings and encouragement

Fr Warren Edwards
M 0409 172 700
E vocations@parra.catholic.org.au

Latest News

World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Called to be witnesses to love

World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Called to be witnesses to love
20/04/2012

Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations (29 April) from Vocation Director for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, Fr Warren Edwards.


"Vocations, the Gift of the Love of God"

17/02/2012

Pope Benedict XVI's Message for 49th World Day of Prayer For Vocations.


Five new seminarians for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta

Five new seminarians for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
13/02/2012

The Catholic Diocese of Parramatta now has 11 seminarians in formation at Holy Spirit Seminary.


More news...

Ask A Priest icon
 
Ask a Priest

Q: I’m thinking about priesthood. But can a priest know much about family life without having his own family?


A: Thanks for your question. A couple of immediate thoughts come to mind that might help your thoughts.

Firstly, every seminarian comes from a family himself and when he’s ordained he doesn’t stop being part of that family.

In fact, last Christmas, when I was in a new parish, a nice couple asked if I’d like to join them for Christmas lunch. I thanked them heaps but said I’d be with my parents, sister and brothers and all my nieces and nephews. The lady smiled and said something relevant: ‘I guess we have you serving us as a priest and forget that you’re part of a flesh and blood family like us!’ 

Read more from 'Ask A Priest'.


If you have a question you'd like answered, email Ask A Priest.

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