Humbled to serve the people
Vocations
Jesuits Fr Joshua Choong SJ and Fr Isaac Demase SJ were both ordained priests by Emeritus Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ on July 5 at St Mary’s Church, North Sydney.
Reflecting on their call to serve, they offer a glimpse into the spiritual depth, courage and discernment that define a vocation to the priesthood in the Society of Jesus.
For Fr Joshua Choong SJ, the journey to ordination was both a culmination and a beginning.
“I shared my nervousness and even fear with the Lord,” he admitted, likening his experience to the biblical prophets who felt unworthy before their mission.
But it was in this vulnerability that he encountered divine assurance: “God has chosen me, because of and despite my weaknesses.”
His formation years were filled with encounters where God’s presence was made real through mission and ministry. From remote Halls Creek in the Kimberley to Railaco in Timor-Leste, and as a teacher and chaplain at St Aloysius’ College in Sydney, Fr Josh recognised that “God is incarnated in the ministries, people and places I’ve been missioned to”.
The ordination liturgy itself became a profound confirmation of his call. As his Jesuit brothers processed toward the sanctuary, their simple gestures – pats on the shoulder, calling him by name – quietened his fears.
“Their actions reassured me that I was exactly where I was meant to be,” he recalled. And in the laying on of hands by Bishop Gregory O’Kelly SJ and fellow Jesuits, he experienced the deep conviction that “God had chosen me to be His.”
Fr Joshua describes the priest as being a servant to God’s people, helping them hear “the Word that God is addressing to them”. He is especially drawn to the ministry of reconciliation – a sacrament at the heart of Christ’s mission of healing and transformation. To young men discerning a similar path, he offers this encouragement: “Even if that desire is still a whisper, seek the accompaniment of a Jesuit as you discern, test and refine your desire.”
Fr Isaac Demase SJ, reflecting on his path to ordination, describes a blend of nerves and joy.
“Ordained ministry is a great responsibility that one doesn’t earn,” he said.
“But I’m excited. Ordination is a sacrament of service for the Church and the world.”
From his earliest formation as a novice to his academic studies and pastoral work, each stage has deepened his sense of mission and his personal relationship with Christ.
Throughout his journey, Fr Isaac has returned often to some of the foundational questions of Ignatian spirituality: What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I do for Christ? These questions shaped his years of Jesuit formation and will continue to guide his ministry as a priest.
The ordination liturgy itself left him with an “overwhelming sense of joy”, grateful that so many loved ones could witness this sacred milestone. He knows that the people who supported him on the journey –family, friends, and fellow Jesuits – will continue to walk beside him.
They both now return to Boston College’s Clough School of Theology and Ministry, where Fr Joshua will write his thesis for the Licentiate in Sacred Theology, with a focus on biblical theology.
Fr Isaac will pursue a Licentiate in Sacred Theology focussing on Church history. Alongside his studies, he looks forward to sacramental ministry in the local parish.
“Celebrating the Eucharist with the people of God is a most awesome and humbling experience,” Fr Isaac said.
His advice to those discerning a vocation?
“Don’t be afraid to take that step and see if living as a Jesuit is how Jesus is calling you to serve him and his people in the Church and throughout the world.”
