BRISBANE archdiocese has opened a centre for vocations at St Patrick’s Church, Fortitude Valley.
Archdiocesan vocations director, Fr Tony Randazzo, said one of the ideas behind the new centre was to have a location that was both visual and visible.
‘At the moment we have no particular focal point or place where we can actually say this is where we are working from,’ Fr Randazzo said.
‘With a diocese that takes in about 65,000 sq km and 600,000 Catholics spread over that enormous territory, there is a need for something that’s central, easily locatable and visible.
‘I’ll be living at the old presbytery, now called Canali House, and utilising the church as a physical location where young people can workshop, pray and meet socially.’
Fr Randazzo said the centre was about much more than just having a physical structure.
This is a whole cultural mind change. It’s not just about how many numbers we can get through or how many people we have got in the process,’ he said.
‘The fundamental philosphy behind this is the preparation and dsicernment of God’s call in our lives.’
Archbishop John Bathersby initiated a fund in December.
Fr Randazzo said an initial contribution of $1000 from each parish had been suggested, although some had already indicated they would give more.
Individuals who feel the call of the Spirit can phone the vocation centre on 1300 133 544.
Financial contributions for the Vocation Centre Fund can be made by phoning (07) 3224 3270.
