Information for Overseas Candidates applying for Priesthood in the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong

Transcription

1 Vocations to the Priesthood Background Information for Overseas Candidates applying for Priesthood in the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong If you require further information or clarification contact: Fr Richard Healey, Director of Vocations, St Paul s Catholic Church, PO Box 194, Albion Park NSW 2527 Australia Priesthood Information for Overseas Candidates Last updated 1 March 2018 Page 1 of 6

2 Priesthood? A priest is called to be a man of God, leading people to know and love Jesus Christ and transforming the world by bringing heaven to life on earth. Jesus called them: Follow me and I will make you fish for people. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:19-20 A Life of Service It is said that a diocesan priest is someone who lives with the people and each becomes a part of the other s life. Diocesan priests work and serve within parish communities that are part of a diocese. They serve individuals and families within our parishes and are the spiritual leaders of our communities. Diocesan priests are very active people, with friends, hobbies and recreational activities like other Christian people. Most serve the Diocese by working in fulltime in parishes; many have more than one role. Some also serve the diocese in schools, as university teachers, chaplains or campus ministers, working in media, in hospitals or in prisons. Many priests are also members of Diocesan or National committees or working groups. The Diocese of Wollongong is rapidly growing: we now have a Catholic population of more than 200,000 in 32 parishes with 44 schools across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Macarthur and the Southern Highlands. Like most of the church in Australia, very few of the people who indicate that they are Catholic on the national census are actively involved in Sunday Mass around 7%. One of the great needs that our Diocese has is for priests who have a passion for sharing their faith in evangelisation, alongside our new Bishop Brian Mascord. How is God calling you to serve others? Do you know of someone serving others who may be called to priesthood? More Than a Job Deciding on a priestly vocation is, in one sense, a career choice like any other. Skills and attributes include: Prayerfulness Strong interpersonal abilities Leadership Charity towards others Positive self-image Good health and emotional stability At the deepest level priesthood is about union with Jesus Christ: the goal is to become more and more like him. Being a priest is more than a job - it s a way of Priesthood Information for Overseas Candidates Last updated 1 March 2018 Page 2 of 6

3 life, requiring strong personal and professional commitment that is reflected in all that you do, all that you are. The opportunity to serve God and bring hope, joy and healing into the lives of many people brings with it a deep happiness and a sense of peace. A diocesan priest commits himself to a celibate life, and gives respect and obedience as he collaborates with his bishop. Celibacy reflects the selflessness of Jesus and is a sign of the ultimate call to union with God. These commitments are a reflection of God s enduring faithfulness to us. Are you searching for something more? Do you know someone seeking fulfilment who could be called to priesthood? A Special Role Jesus in the Eucharist is the centre of a priest s life and ministry; we serve God and others through: Offering pastoral care visiting the sick and troubled, counselling individuals, married couples or families, animating parish projects and activities. Proclaiming God s word through the witness of our lives and through homilies founded on daily reflection and prayer. Ministering the Sacraments celebrating Eucharist and baptism, witnessing marriages, leading funerals, and bringing God s healing presence to people through the Sacraments of Penance (Confession) and the Anointing of the Sick. How do you care for others, proclaim God s word and foster church life? Do you know someone possessing these qualities who could be called to priesthood? For more information Contact our Diocesan Vocations Team (Priesthood) This team supports those discerning a vocation to priesthood, seminarians for the Diocese and recently ordained priests. Fr Richard Healey (Vocation Director) Fr Duane Fernandez Fr Stephen Varney Priesthood Information for Overseas Candidates Last updated 1 March 2018 Page 3 of 6

4 Live outside Australia? Please note, that if you are not an Australian citizen, we strongly encourage you to first consider a vocation within your own country so that you can remain strongly connected to your own culture, family and the support that friends and local community can provide in fostering a vocation. Usually the need for Vocations is much greater in most African and Asian countries, despite the aging priesthood in Australia. We are very wary of candidates who only want the improved quality of life that Australia or other western countries may offer. It is very rare for our Diocese to accept vocations from other countries. When we do, it is because there is an existing community from a particular country or culture present in our Diocese so that the potential seminarian or priest may be supported and will have a place to minister and serve. Policy for candidates who live in other countries Please read the following carefully: The Diocese of Wollongong is open to receiving candidates who are well adjusted, in good standing and functioning well in their own Diocese. The following ten points help to expand upon what is required to apply to be a priest within the Diocese of Wollongong. 1. If you do not live in Australia, you will need to be prepared to come to Australia on a tourist visa (at your own expense) for a period of around two months, so that you can meet with members of the vocations team, and undergo medical, psychological and vocational assessment. 2. We normally recommend that a potential candidate journeys with their spiritual director and members of the vocations team for a period of at least twelve months before being considered for the seminary. During this time, it is expected that the candidate lives independently and supports himself through employment. 3. A detailed letter is required from your Bishop recommending you to study for the Diocesan priesthood in Australia. This letter would clarify the reasons why you could not be trained in a seminary in your country and why you would wish to study in Australia. If you have been a member of a religious community, this letter may come from your superior. Priesthood Information for Overseas Candidates Last updated 1 March 2018 Page 4 of 6

5 This letter is non-negotiable: even if it is difficult to obtain, your application will not proceed without this letter. 4. The Diocese will only accept those candidates who have discerned over a long period of time with the Diocese of Wollongong Vocations Team. 5. Significant cultural differences in certain countries can deeply hinder the pastoral effectiveness of a candidate attempting to minister in Australia. 6. The cultural and religious situation in Australia is unique and heavily shaped by the western cultural situation. You will need to be able to demonstrate a high-level of understanding of the church in Australia. 7. The priesthood is a communications vocation. Demonstrating a high degree of English fluency and inculturation within Australia through an extended period of living and working here will be considered very favourably. As a minimum, an IELTS or equivalent score of 6.0 is required, but a score of 8.0 or higher is recommended. 8. It is a requirement to obtain an Australian Training Visa, that you have completed the equivalent of twelve months (12 months) full-time experience within the two years before you apply for a visa, or that you have undertaken study that is equivalent to a bachelor s degree in Philosophy, Theology, Pastoral work or similar. You must be able to demonstrate that you fulfil this requirement. 9. If you can demonstrate that you fulfil our requirements, then after completing the application process and receiving an invitation from the Vocations Team, you may wish to apply for a tourist visa (class 600) to travel to Australia at your own expense and begin the discernment process for the Church in Australia. This travel must be authorised by the Diocese, and must be before April-May each year. 10. While you are in Australia, the Diocese will accept no responsibility for your living or repatriation expenses nor will it guarantee that you will be accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese. If you believe that you can satisfy these initial requirements, you are welcome to make further contact. If not, we wish you every blessing as you continue to seek the guidance of the Lord for your place within his church. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR OVERSEAS APPLICANTS After you have completed the attached survey form, you may be invited to move to the next step, which will be to complete the Initial Application form and write your Personal Story (guidelines and forms provided on request). Priesthood Information for Overseas Candidates Last updated 1 March 2018 Page 5 of 6

6 The Diocese will only consider candidates who are aged between 21 and 34 years of age. It is not the policy of the Diocese of Wollongong to accept candidates straight from high school. Older candidates are not accepted for formation at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Sydney. Younger candidates - those who have just left high school - are encouraged to seek full time employment and/or undertake further study in their chosen area of interest, while gaining valuable life experience. It is recommended to have completed a form of tertiary qualification or have completed a minimum of two years in the work force before applying as a seminarian. Please note: the application process usually takes a long time. Seminaries in Australia operate in a Calendar year that is from early February to late November. You will need to apply before the end of March to be considered for entry to the seminary for the following calendar year. If you make your initial contact with the Diocese before 31 March 2018, you may be considered for entry into our seminary program for February If you make your initial contact with the Diocese before 31 March 2019, you may be considered for entry into our seminary program for February If you make your initial contact with the Diocese before 31 March 2020, you may be considered for entry into our seminary program for February Grace and peace, Fr Richard Healey Director of Vocations, Catholic Diocese of Wollongong Parish Priest, St Paul s Catholic Parish, Albion Park Priesthood Information for Overseas Candidates Last updated 1 March 2018 Page 6 of 6