From the first day of classes in February to the closing celebrations in November, 2025 was a year marked by learning, dialogue, and community. It was a year of fresh beginnings, heartfelt farewells, and bold steps forward—both on campus and online. Along the way, we gathered for lectures and workshops, launched new initiatives, and celebrated milestones that shaped our shared life.
Here’s a look back at how the year unfolded.
February – A Fresh Start
The college reopened its doors, welcoming students back for another year of study and formation. Energy was high as we began a year filled with promise.
We were deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Toolan, long-time caretaker of Pointro. Bill’s love for the campground shone through in his dedicated care and maintenance. He will be remembered for his friendly nature, genuine concern for others, and quirky sense of humour
Former Caretaker of Pointro, the late Bill Toolan
March – Going Digital
March marked the launch of InnerVivid, our new initiative designed to bring fresh, vibrant content to our community online. It was the start of a bold step into digital storytelling by the FormEdFaith group to help viewers answer a question about themselves.
From left to right: ASKAround cards were available for purchase and innerVIVID cards with website details; a large group gathered for the innerVIVID launch; and Jonathan Sargeant with Fiona Hammond, the creative minds behind innerVIVID.
May – Vision and Strategy
Our first major event was the David Male Lecture, where Dave Male shared “Developing Vision and Strategy: Reflections on Lessons Learned in the Church of England Over the Last 5 Years.” This event was well attended and generated a bit of conversation. As Archbishop Jeremy Greaves commented, The Anglican Church of Australia is not the Church of England and doesn’t have the benefit of significant financial investment from the Church Commissioners. However, there are valuable insights to be gained.
Clockwise from top left: +Denise thanks Dave for his presentation, Dave May talking, Dave May with Archbishop Jeremy Greaves
June – Liturgy Winter School Debuts
For the first time, we hosted the Liturgy Winter School, a three-day intensive exploring the richness of liturgical practice. Across six sessions, participants engaged with reflections followed by breakout groups for discussion and practical activities. This inaugural Winter School was a vibrant blend of teaching, conversation, and worship—bridging knowledge gaps, fostering new friendships, and creating an inclusive space where clergy and laity explored liturgy together in depth.
Couldn’t make it? Good news—it’s back in 2026!
Clockwise from top left: Event organisers John Rolley and Adam Couchman; below, attendees gather in Lecture Room 1 for the welcome session.
We also said farewell to Elissa Cotroneo who was Director of Anglican Youth, Children and Families. Juliet Briner joined the MEC staff as AYCF (Anglican Youth Children and Family) support worker and has a done a fabulous job to date in this role.
July - Changes in Spiritual Direction
In July 2025, we celebrated Dale Keenan’s retirement as Director of the Spiritual Direction Program. Dale’s years of dedicated service and leadership have enriched our community in countless ways, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for her invaluable contributions. A special morning tea was held in her honour to mark this milestone.
September – Pride and Reflection
September was a month of deep engagement:
The Felix Arnott Lecture, “Reflections on Royal Commissions: Can eliciting testimony ever be ethical?”, invited us to wrestle with profound ethical questions. A workshop the following day extended the conversation.
We also celebrated diversity and scholarship at the Pride Research Seminar, where local researchers shared LGBTQIA+ studies, creating space for inclusive dialogue. Topics included queer mysticism, a transgender reading of 1 Corinthians 12, and the ongoing challenges of listening to the voices of queer persons of faith.
Clockwise from top left: AJ Gouws, Caitlin Olsen, Associate Professor Peter Kline (organiser), and Chris Phillips.
October – St Francis Day
October brought the joy of St Francis Day, made even more special by commemorating 40 years since our library was named in honor of Mr. Roscoe. This event started with Family members, alumni, and friends gathered to celebrate a legacy that continues to shape our college
At the end of October, Adam Couchman’s book Liturgia Dei: Worshiping the Worshiping God and available for sale. It starts with a simple question - "why did Jesus worship?" Deeper than that, what do we mean by worship, given than Jesus was a worshiper? If you’re passionate about liturgy, copies are available through the publisher or on Amazon in softcover, eBook, and Kindle formats.
Academic Dean, Adam Couchman with a copy of his text Liturgia Dei: Worshiping the Worshiping God
November – Closing with Creativity
We closed the year with the David Binns Memorial Lecture, “Infinite Splendours: Psychoanalysis and the Sublime.” Peter’s talk traced connections between art, spirituality, and psychoanalysis, drawing on Sophie Laguna’s novel Infinite Splendours and Jean Laplanche’s psychoanalytic theory to explore creativity, human complexity, and the process of mourning.
Associate Professor Peter Kline stands beside a painting he created after reading Sophie Laguna’s novel Infinite Splendours.
And just before the year ended, we launched an exciting new University of Divinity course in Spiritual Direction, opening fresh pathways for formation and growth.
Jordan has joined MEC as the Anglican Young Adult Ministry Facilitator, committed to creating spaces where young adults feel seen and supported. His vision is to offer opportunities for community, guidance, and purpose during this pivotal stage of life.
We welcomed the Rev’d Dr Lynette Dungan as Program Director of Spiritual Direction Formation and, although based in Melbourne, she is already making a great contribution to ministry education in the Diocese.
December
At the beginning of this month, we farewelled Ray Clifton as Deputy Director of Formation with a moving service in the Chapel. During the service, Ray returned symbols of his ministry, which were received by Archbishop Jeremy Greaves. The occasion concluded with a light lunch on the verandah of Old Bishopsbourne, offering time for connection, conversation and gratitude.
Clockwise from top left: Rev’d Michael Stalley with Ray and Roslyn Clifton; Rev’d Ray Clifton addressing attendees in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit; Ray and Roslyn Clifton at Old Bishopsbourne; and Rachel Tew, Archbishop Jeremy Greaves, Rev’d Ray Clifton, and Richard Butler after the service.
We also said farewell the Susan Thomas who has worked as a Librarian at the Roscoe Library since July 2008. During this time, Susan has assisted countless students and members with their queries and helped shape the Roscoe Library catalogue into one of which we’re very proud.
Year-End Milestones
Our digital presence soared in 2025. By December, our Facebook community surpassed 1,000 followers, a testament to growing engagement and connection. You can also find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube
Beyond the Calendar
Throughout the year, we attended Synod, hosted schools, chaplains, and commissioners, and opened our doors for Open Days—strengthening ties with the wider community.
Clockwise from top left: St Francis College at Synod; Associate Professor Peter Kline speaking at Open Day in October; and the St Francis College booth before TSXPO began.
Looking Ahead
2025 was a year of growth, creativity, and connection. From new initiatives like InnerVivid and the Liturgy Winter School to thought-provoking lectures and inclusive conversations, we embraced opportunities to learn and share. We celebrated milestones, farewelled valued colleagues, and strengthened our presence both on campus and online.
As we step into 2026, we look forward to building on this momentum: welcoming new students, hosting more public events, and continuing to create spaces for dialogue, formation, and community. Thank you for being part of the journey—here’s to another year of learning and growth together.