Fr Sam French appointed Director of Joseph House

Bishop Anthony Randazzo has appointed Father Sam French the Director of Joseph House, in addition to his role as Director of Vocations, furthering the commitment of the Diocese of Broken Bay to promote a culture of vocations among the faithful.

Joseph House is a house of discernment, for young Catholic men to uncover the call to holiness that comes through baptism. During their 12-18 month stay, the young men contemplate, pray and actively discern their vocation.

“Some people have this misconception that it’s just a preseminary and that these young men are funneled into the seminary but that’s not the case,” said Fr Sam.

“Joseph House is about bringing young men together in faith, fraternity and mission, so they can determine God’s will for their lives, whatever that might be. Bishop Anthony is trying to increase a culture of vocations in Broken Bay in general, not just a culture of priesthood, even though that’s also a beautiful thing.”

Joseph House was opened and blessed by Bishop Anthony on 1 May 2021, the Feast of St Joseph the

Worker. Bishop Anthony was also instrumental in opening a house of discernment in the Archdiocese of Sydney, during his time as auxiliary bishop there.

Even in the short time it has been open, it has already produced many fruits, with men actively following their vocation call after staying in the house.

“We had a young man who, during his time at Joseph House, discovered his calling to marriage and was married last year,” said Fr Sam.

“We also had another young man who is a teacher in a Christian school and spoke to the clergy of Broken Bay about the transformative experience of faith that he had in Joseph House. I think that's a real testament to the purpose of Joseph House, as primarily a place of baptismal discernment.”

He said many of the young men had also grown in their identification with the Church of Broken Bay and become actively involved in both their local parishes and within the wider Diocese, contributing to the life of the local Church.

Fr Sam said he hoped he would be able to build recognition of Joseph House in his role as director.

“My first hope is to bring clarity about what Joseph House is and what it brings to the life of Broken Bay Diocese,” he said.

“I also want to promote this initiative as a shining star of possibility in the life of Broken Bay. I want it to be known about in all parts of the Diocese, and I want it to be known about in all of our Catholic schools, that there is this opportunity for young men to discern God's calling in their life.”

Broken Bay is exploring opportunities to create a similar house of discernment for female vocations, which would be the first of its kind in Australia.