New series invites young people to explore their vocation

By Heather Excell

The Office of Youth Evangelisation has launched a new vocational initiative, inviting young people to look more closely at the different vocations within the Church.

Perspicere, meaning ‘to see through’, is a four-part series, with each session focusing on a different vocation: priesthood, religious life, marriage and single life.

Darcy Rogers, Director of Youth Evangelisation, said the series grew out of a desire to help young people encounter vocations more intentionally.

“In 2025 the Office of Youth Evangelisation journeyed with small groups of young people to communities and religious orders to be immersed in their way of life,” he said.

“Now in 2026, we respond to the call of Christ that invites young people to see through to the life of the four secondary vocations, Priesthood, Religious life, Marriage, and Single Life.”

Having previously discerned priesthood himself, Darcy believes the “knowledge of all vocations can only put you in a better position to discern where God may be calling you”.

“The God of the universe is interested in where you are going, He has something in store for you,” he said. “Perspicere is about gaining perspective and looking through doors.”

Each session explores the “five R’s” of the focus vocation: rhythm, reality, revelation, relationships, and real presence, concluding with a holy hour of prayer for vocations.

The first session was held on Saturday 18 April, focusing on the vocation of priesthood. The event brought together eight young men to hear from various clergy about what a day in their life looks like, and to spend some time together in discernment.

Archdiocesan Vocations Director, Fr Steven Smith, led a panel of priests, exploring the different paths that led each to the moment they could no longer ignore God’s call.

He encouraged the young men to pray about their vocation, emphasising the importance of a strong relationship with God.

Reflecting on his own journey, Fr John Joseph Martin LEB said discernment opportunities and events like Perspicere played a key role.

“They were windows into the priestly life, in the context of its prayer, fraternity, and simple but solid discipline,” he said. “These opportunities are essential to nourish new vocations and rekindle the flame of those already living the life, who must open their abodes and hearts to the men discerning, to ‘Come and see.’”

He encouraged young men not to ignore a persistent sense of calling.

“If there’s an itch, a nagging pull towards the priesthood that you cannot shake, then knock on a seminary or religious door,” he said. “You cannot lose anything by it, only gain.”

Any young men with questions about discerning the priesthood are encouraged to reach out to the Vocations Director, Fr Steven Smith, at vocations@aohtas.org.au.

The next Perspicere event will be held on 16 May for women interested in learning more about Religious Life. More information on this will be released on the Office of Youth Evangelisation’s Facebook page.