BRISBANE’S Paul Catchlove has joined the ranks of this year’s new seminarians and his formation will spread over two continents.
The 29-year-old, who first began formation more than a decade ago, shared this “exciting news” with family and friends recently.
He has again responded to the call to priesthood after having moved into other ministries, including several years in youth ministry in Brisbane archdiocese.
“It has taken me some time to realise that the call on my heart, my vocation, is to minister as a priest,” he said.
Having lived in Rome since mid-2008 and encouraged by Monsignor Tony Randazzo – now the rector of Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary in Brisbane – who also lived in Rome until December, Paul said he “couldn’t be happier” about his decision, also supported by Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane.
“I will remain in Rome and finish my doctorate in Sacred Liturgy,” Paul said.
“During the remainder of my studies I will work with a spiritual director and a human formator … two priests who will help me with my formation so that I might be well prepared for ordained ministry and become the best possible priest that God is calling me to be.”
At the heart of Paul’s decision is a commitment to prayer, highlighted when he added, “Coupled with this I will seek to further develop my own prayer life through participation in community prayer here in San Anselmo as well as through my daily recitation of the Divine Office.”
The program for Paul is also closely linked with the formation of his “brother seminarians” at Banyo.
“In each of my European summer breaks, along with taking additional courses, I will return to Brisbane, live with my brother seminarians at the Holy Spirit Seminary and participate in the formation program,” Paul said.
“I will also engage in any other courses and formation as suggested by my rector and the formation team.”
The talented operatic singer is one of the eight new faces at Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary, with Msgr Randazzo “delighted by Paul’s addition to the community”.
“Paul is an intelligent and gifted man with strong faith and a deep love of the Church,” Msgr Randazzo said.
“He brings a wealth of experience with him which includes parish youth ministry, liturgical studies and a great fervour for evangelisation.”
Next travelling to Brisbane in July, Paul said his family have provided a constant and immeasurable foundation of faith and support.
“All the family are so proud of him and supportive of his decision,” Paul’s father Wayne said.
Parents Wayne and Lyn, of Sunnybank Hills, said they are looking forward to spending time with their son in July when he returns to mark his 30th birthday and to share in his sister’s wedding.
