(ZENIT News / Sidney, 02.07.2025).- Amid concerns over priest shortages in Australia, the Catholic Church is celebrating a significant milestone: 14 young men have entered the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Homebush, marking the largest intake of first-year seminarians since 2017. With this new cohort, the total number of men currently discerning the priesthood at the seminary rises to 46, a sign of encouragement for a Church grappling with declining vocations.
While 14 may not seem like a transformative number, in the context of Australia’s dwindling priesthood, it represents a glimmer of hope. The country, where Catholics make up roughly 23 percent of the population, has experienced a steady decline in clergy numbers over the past few decades. In 1991, Australia had approximately 4,500 Catholic priests. By 2021, that number had fallen to 2,900, according to Catholic Australia. With 5.3 million Catholics in the country, this means that each diocesan priest now serves nearly 2,900 faithful, creating an increasing burden on clergy already stretched thin.
A Warm Welcome to a New Generation
The new seminarians were officially welcomed into their formation journey during a special Mass on January 29, celebrated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP. Addressing the seminarians and their families, the archbishop drew inspiration from the Parable of the Sower, likening their call to ministry to the work of a farmer scattering seeds.
“Like the sower, you will not know in advance whether your efforts will bear fruit, or how and in whom,” he told the seminarians. “You must not be fixated on perfect conditions for evangelization or on achieving flawless results. Instead, you must place your trust in God, in the Gospel, in the Church, and in your formators.”
He encouraged them to remain open to God’s work in their lives, assuring them that their faithfulness would lead to blessings “thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”
Gratitude for Families and Their Sacrifice
The rector of the seminary, Father Michael de Stoop, also took a moment to acknowledge another crucial element in each seminarian’s journey—their families. He expressed deep gratitude to the parents for nurturing their sons and supporting them in their vocational discernment.
“I recognize how important this moment is, especially for our first-year students as they begin this new path,” he said. “I am also deeply aware of the sacrifices that have been made to help your sons grow in faith and maturity, shaping them for what we, as formators, now have the privilege to continue.”
The decision to enter seminary is never an individual one; it is shaped by years of formation, prayer, and often, the unwavering support of family members who must also embrace their own journey of trust and surrender.
A Changing Landscape for the Australian Church
The increase in seminarians offers a hopeful contrast to the broader challenges the Catholic Church faces in Australia and other Western nations. As vocations have declined, parishes have increasingly relied on aging priests, international clergy, and lay ministers to sustain their ministries. Many priests serve multiple parishes, and in some cases, entire regions are left without resident clergy.
Yet, this new class of seminarians represents more than just a statistical improvement—it signals the resilience of faith among young people who are willing to dedicate their lives to serving the Church.
While reversing decades of decline will require sustained effort, investment in formation, and a renewed culture of vocations, the enthusiasm surrounding this year’s intake is a reminder that God continues to call. For these 14 young men, their journey is just beginning. For the Church in Australia, it is a reason to hope.
Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.
