The start of the academic year has been marked by both reflection and action for the five seminarians of the Holy Spirit Seminary in Harris Park: Macky Amores, Jeff Hood, Luke Huynh, Jose Valentine Lim, and Paul Tran.
Our 2025 seminarians: Macky, Paul, JV, Luke and Jeff. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
As they begin their 2025 journey, they have already immersed themselves in acts of service, including through ministering to the homeless in Sydney as part of the Street Immersion program.
Kitchen outreach at St Canice’s, Elizabeth Bay. Image: supplied.
Their efforts were punctuated by a special Commencement Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta, symbolising their commitment to both their studies and their mission to serve others.
Seminary Commencement Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
It also reinforces the Diocese of Parramatta’s aim to be a Church that ‘reaches to the margins’ under its Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 2024-2028.
Ministry to the homeless
In January, the powerful Street Immersion experience gave the seminarians a walk through the streets of Sydney, leading to encounters, which provided pastoral support and care towards people living in homelessness.
Macky and Jeff at Central. Image: supplied.
Over the course of five days, the seminarians engaged with those who often go unseen in society. They spent time at Matthew Talbot Hostel, a temporary shelter for homeless men. They also visited railway stations such as Central Station, shelters like David’s Place near King’s Cross where they celebrated Mass; and walked through Redfern Park.
Outside the Matt Talbot Hostel, Woolloomooloo. Image: supplied.
Their experience was not just one of observation, but active ministry.
Paul and Luke wait to share coffee with the homeless around Central Station. Image: supplied.
The seminarians also learned about the Ankali Project, an initiative that supports people with HIV/AIDS; and listened to palliative care workers at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst. This immersion into the lives of those marginalised in our society underpinned the themes of this year’s annual Commencement Mass for Seminarians, which was held on Sunday 2 March at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
Seminary Commencement Mass
The Seminary Commencement Mass, celebrated by Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, marked the official beginning of the academic year.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Concelebrating the Mass were Fr Paul Marshall, Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Rev Fr John Frauenfelder, Vice-Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Very Rev Luis Fernando Montano Rodriguez EV PP, Director of Pastoral Formation and Very Rev Robert Riedling (Dean of the Cathedral).
Fr Paul Marshall. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
The Mass was a reminder that the priesthood is not confined to the seminary, but extends into the world, particularly, those on the fringes of society.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent spoke poignantly about the importance of looking beyond appearances, drawing from the Book of Ecclesiasticus.
“In the Gospel, Jesus sounds a warning against pride, arrogance and judgmental attitudes towards others.
“Take the plank out of your own eye and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye.”
Seminarians receive communion. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Bishop Vincent then prayed for the seminarians and staff.
“These days, the pool from which priestly vocations emerge is shrinking. Nevertheless, our commitment to quality priestly formation is unwavering,” he said.
The Mass brought people of all ages together to pray for the seminarians as they continue their ministry. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
“Your ministry to the marginalised is a reflection of the love and care that Jesus demonstrated,” he said.
“We especially pray for you as you embark on your academic and pastoral journeys.”
Bishop Vincent chats with seminarians after Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Words of support
Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Fr Paul Marshall, appointed since 2022 said his role was to “help cultivate a spirit of prayer in the community through the willingness of Bishop David Walker to offer retreats, spiritual direction and spiritual talks.
In addition, outside counsellors and mentors working with the Rector and Vice-Rector are helping our seminarians to grow in an understanding of synodal leadership with the aim of cultivating co-responsibility of ministry for future priests and people in parishes.
The St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
He offered words of affirmation for the courage shown by seminarians embarking on the road to priesthood.
“You are launching out on a brave new mission to serve the Lord in a very special way,” Fr Paul said.
Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Luke chats with the congregation. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Seminarians “excited” about the year ahead
Seminarians Luke and Jeff said they looked forward to the year ahead.
Luke, who joined the seminary in 2019 from Vietnam, said he will be engaging in Clinical Pastoral Education, which will enable him to support patients, staff and families in local hospitals for around six months.
“I am excited to bring God to people and to receive God from them in return,” Luke shared.
Jeff, a third-year seminarian, shared that he was enthusiastic about the pastoral placements he was undertaking this year, which will include working at the Marriage Tribunal and serving as a Catholic chaplain at Westmead Hospital.
“The parish placements have been especially meaningful,” Luke said.
“Making those sorts of connections has been terrific.”
Seminarians take to the streets of Sydney. Image: supplied.
Having already visited more than 20 parishes in the Diocese of Parramatta, Luke said the experience has deepened his love for the community.
“To be with people is my goal for this life.”
If you’d like to know more about Holy Spirit Seminary or vocations to the priesthood, please visit the Diocese of Parramatta website.
View the full photo gallery on Flickr.
Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
