Catholic Outlook Magazine Ordinary Time Winter Edition 2022

Second-year seminarians Menard Gaspi (left) and Patrick
Laurente (centre) are seen in prayer at the Holy Spirit Seminary,
Harris Park. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta.
Accompanying seminarians to be
beacons of light for the people
STORY MARY BRAZELL
Our faith teaches us the importance of
community, and nowhere is this more evident
than in our Diocese of Parramatta. Every day,
members of the community support one another
in countless ways through their prayer, faith in
action and charitable works.
This generosity of heart and spirit can be carried
through to the formation of our future priests. Our
Holy Spirit Seminary at Harris Park is carrying out
its mission to prepare men who have been called
by God to become His disciples and priests for the
people and with the people, not for themselves.
The Diocese of Parramatta has 14 men who have
chosen to answer God’s call and are currently going
through their formation.
“I really admire these men for saying ‘I’m going to try
this call I feel I’m receiving’,” Fr Paul Marshall, the
new Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary said. “It takes
a lot of courage and a lot of hard work.
“It’s a brave decision, requiring an incredible
leap of faith.”
Patrick Laurente, in his second year of formation,
explained that by attending World Youth Day in
Panama, he was given the opportunity to meet
different people who are living out God’s vocation
with “fire and zeal”.
“One thing led to another, and I finally decided to
respond to God’s invitation. That meant being more
involved in my parish, developing a consistent prayer
life, and attending Mass and receiving Our Lord
daily,” Patrick said.
“Prior to entering the seminary, I was on a career
change to become a physiotherapist. But I guess
when God calls, He calls.”
Menard Gaspi, also a second-year seminarian,
devoted 14 years to working as a missionary before
he decided to take the next step towards a life
dedicated to serving God as a priest.
“From a young age, I would serve at our church
and I always thought about the priesthood,”
Menard explained.
“My vocation was nurtured in my family. My love for
family and missionary experience has guided my
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