Perth Vocations Office

“I knew I wanted to be a priest since I was about 5 years old… the calling never left me.”

Before becoming Dean of St Mary's Cathedral, Perth WA , Fr Sean Fernandez was studying engineering at Curtin University — but deep down, he knew God was calling him to build something different.

After years of prayer, discernment, and encouragement from family, parish priests, and community, Fr Sean entered seminary and was ordained a priest at just 25 years old.

Today, he says one of the greatest gifts of priesthood is “being invited into people’s lives in joy and sorrow.”

If you’ve ever wondered whether God could be calling you too, the Vocations Discernment Retreat is an opportunity to step away, pray, ask questions, and listen.

🔥 10–12 July 2026
📍 St Charles Seminary, Guildford
👤 Men aged 18+
⚠️ Registrations begin with a short Expression of Interest process

👉 Submit your EOI: https://www.trybooking.com/DMBRQ

A huge thank you to The Record for capturing the joy of our recent St Charles Seminary Open Day! 🙌 We were so blessed to welcome over 44 young men exploring the priesthood

As Fr Joe Laundy shared, it’s a beautiful sign that “the Holy Spirit is working in Perth and prayers are being answered. We are, I believe, in a new springtime of faith.” ✨

📖 Read the full article here: https://therecord.com.au/news/archdiocesan-plan/adult-faith-formation/the-call-to-priesthood-experiencing-encouraging-upward-trend/

🚶‍♂️ Missed the Open Day? There is still time to join us! If you're a man aged 18+ wanting to know more about a vocation to the priesthood, come along to our next discernment events:

1️⃣ Holy Hour & Afternoon of Reflection with Fr Joe & Fr Brennan
📅 Tomorrow (Sunday) at 3pm
📍 St Benedict’s, Ardross

2️⃣ Discernment Retreat 📅 10–12 July | St Charles Seminary
👉 Register here and for more information: https://vocations.perthcatholic.org.au/events-conferences/

👀 A message from our wonderful and supportive priests at St Mary's Cathedral, Perth WA : "Come and see."

If you’ve ever wondered about the priesthood, come along to:
🙏 Holy Hour for Vocations, Sunday 24 May
📍St Benedict's Church, Ardross
🎤 Followed by "Life as a Priest" open chat with Fr Brennan Sia
☕ Food, questions & conversation
✝ Stay for 6pm Mass with Vocations Director, Fr Joe Laundy

The Holy Hour for Vocations is a chance to stop, pray, and explore where God may be leading you.

👉 Save your place: https://www.trybooking.com/DMBJG