As the Catholic Church in Australia marks National Vocations Awareness Week (3–10 August), Fr Menard Gaspi reflects on his first year of priesthood – a year marked by grace, learning and deep encounters with God’s people.
Ordained on 21 November 2024 in a moving liturgy at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta, Fr Menard became the Diocese’s newest priest – joyfully received by his fellow clergy, his family, and the faithful of St Bernadette’s Parish Castle Hill, where he now serves.
Less than a year into his ministry, Fr Menard speaks with quiet assurance, humility and hope about the winding path that led him to priesthood, as well as the path ahead.
A year of surprises
Three words came to mind when Fr Menard described this new chapter of his vocation: “Exciting, Challenging, Affirming.”
Fr Menard Gaspi greets a young parishioner during Pentecost celebrations at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Dennis Frketic/F Studio Photography.
And perhaps it is in the quiet space of the confessional that these words come to life.
“Sitting with people in the space of confession has been a very humbling experience for me,” he said.
“To accompany people and be Christ to them in their deepest and darkest moments,” he added.
“The consolation on people’s faces or the joy I hear in their voices after receiving the mercy of the Lord has been some of the most joyful encounters in ministry so far.”
Shaped by change
It had not always been a straightforward path, and Fr Menard has previously shared with Catholic Outlook some of the struggles that shaped his journey through seminary life.
It was after more than a decade as a missionary in the Philippines, that he’d faced the difficult decision to return to Sydney in 2018, wrestling with the sacrifices and struggles of seminary life.
Yet despite these challenges, Menard remained steadfast, recognising that his life called for a transformation – like new wine needing fresh wineskins (Luke 5:37–38) – to embrace a renewed path forward. Looking back, he now sees those experiences through a new lens.
Fr Menard Gaspi during his Ordination Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“I believe the transition into the priesthood has been smoother than I expected due to the preparation the Lord put me through to get here,” he explained.
“The difficulties and challenges, as well as the joys and successes, have primed me to be open to the graces that come with the priesthood.
“But believe you me, there is still so much for me to learn and improve.”
Warm connection and deep calling
Fr Menard’s natural warmth and easy manner make him approachable, yet he believes that being a priest is about more than personality alone.
For him, the priesthood calls for a deeper commitment that goes beyond charm, charisma or being an extrovert.
Fr Menard Gaspi with the sports team from St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“I believe I lean to extroversion, though I really treasure the times of quiet and silence that I get in prayer,” he reflected.
“I don’t believe you need to be an extrovert to be a priest – you just need to be called,” he said.
“God will make use of our availability and our willingness to listen to His voice.”
The gift of family perspective
As a proud uncle to ten nieces and nephews, Fr Menard draws deeply on his family experience to relate to the vocations and lives of parish families in Castle Hill.
“It has been a blessing for me to see my siblings grow in their married vocations and the joys and sorrows that come with parenthood,” he said.
He added that having family close by has helped him grow in his own understanding of family life.
“I believe it helps me to be more empathetic with the families I am called to serve.”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv with Fr Menard Gaspi and his extended family. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Finding balance and support
For Fr Menard, Tuesday – his “holiday of obligation” (a playful twist on words) – has become a sacred day of rest and renewal.
“It starts with a morning to myself and then leads into an afternoon with family,” he said, adding they help keep him “grounded in ministry”.
Among the greatest supports has been the brotherhood formed at the seminary, including his final formation at Holy Spirit Seminary Harris Park – bonds that have continued well beyond ordination.
“I am grateful to call some former seminary brothers, now brothers in the presbyterate,” he said.
“I have often reached out to brother priests asking advice on different things. They have been a big help to me.”
When fear meets a deeper calling
Fr Menard offered encouragement to those who hesitate to embrace God’s call because of feelings of unworthiness or fear.
“The scriptures teach us that ‘God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies those whom He calls’,” he said.
“No one is worthy by their own merits, but it is God’s free gift of grace and love that allows us to participate in His goodness.”
He recommended that those discerning find spiritual direction or simply talk with a trusted friend who will listen and “let you think out loud regarding the call”.
Seminarian Menard Gaspi speaks with a member of the faithful following Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Busting myths
He wanted to reveal the real men behind the holy vestments and break down misconceptions.
“Priests are ordinary dudes trying to serve with an extraordinary love,” he said.
As a priest, he has also discovered something perhaps even more profound about himself.
“I am comforted to know that I am a priest and I am not perfect,” he said.
“My own brokenness allows me to be Christ to the people I serve.”
Fr Menard prays in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary during his first Thanksgiving Mass at Mary Immaculate Parish, Bossley Park. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Calling for hope
Reflecting on the Jubilee Year of Hope, Fr Menard shared what inspires him about the Church in Australia today, paying close attention to the “little moments of grace” in the parish, at the school, in conversations, in people’s homes, and in moments of prayer.
“These often go unnoticed or deemed insignificant, but I believe these to be the fingerprints of the Lord working in and among His people.
This National Vocations Awareness Week (3–10 August 2025), stories like Fr Menard’s show how grace and holiness are found in everyday life and humble service. His priestly journey embraces the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Vocation, Formation and Mission.
You can read more about Fr Menard’s ordination to priesthood here.
If you’d like to respond to God’s call, visit Discern my Vocation, and if you’re being called to become a priest, visit Join the Priesthood.
