Articles
Could you see yourself helping others navigate life's big questions, challenges, and moments of spiritual growth?
If you're curious about spiritual direction, enjoy meaningful conversations, or want to learn how deep listening can support others in their faith journey, join us for this online information session.
For more than 15 years, St Francis College has been training spiritual directors and offering formation programs that combine reflective learning, practical experience, and spiritual growth.
The Art of Contemplative Listening (1 Year) Develop skills in deep listening, reflection, and spiritual awareness. This course can also be credited towards the full Spiritual Direction Formation Program.
Spiritual Direction Formation Program (4 Years) Explore a call to spiritual direction while learning how to accompany others on their spiritual journeys. This program is formally recognised by the Australian Ecumenical Council of Spiritual Direction.
Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction For those seeking an academic qualification, St Francis College also offers a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction.
What spiritual direction is and what spiritual directors do
An overview of the training and formation pathways available at St Francis College
How contemplative learning, intensives, and supervised practice are integrated into the programs
Information about applications, enrolment, and next steps
Whether spiritual direction formation might be right for you
This session is for anyone who:
Is interested in spiritual growth and reflective practice
Enjoys listening and walking alongside others
Is involved in ministry, pastoral care, chaplaincy, or mentoring
Wants to explore a possible calling to spiritual direction
Is curious to learn more before committing to a program
Whether you're just beginning to explore spiritual direction or are considering formal training, this online session is a great opportunity to learn more and ask questions.
Contact St Francis College for more information, or join us at the online information session this November to learn more about the programs, the formation journey, and the application process.
by +Denise Ferguson
It has been a significant year of change and transition for those in Ordained Ministry Formation, and the Ministry Discernment Team as a whole. Following extensive reflection and conversation a new Team has been formed under the banner of Clergy Development, Training and Wellbeing. This Team, led by The Rev’d Michael Stalley, Director, brings together Vocational Exploration (the Rev’d Chris Bate) Ministry Enquiry and Formal Ministry Discernment (The Rev’d Michael Stalley), Formation for Ordained Ministry & Newly Ordained Clergy (The Right Rev’d Denise Ferguson), Wellbeing and Professional Development (Rebecca McLean) & Field Education (Vacant).
This team offers a comprehensive approach to ministry formation from initial exploration through until retirement – because formation never ends.
Watch this space as developments unfold.
Training for Ordained Ministry is a significant commitment, often emerging after an intense journey of reflection. Those who respond to a potential call are examined and tested, commit time, talents, and courage to step into what is an uncertain future. This can take several years. However, the call to be faithful to the Gospel, to spread the Good News and grow God’s kingdom amongst all of God’s people is the stimulus that keeps the call alive.
A creative depiction of the church in LEGO.
Ordination students at their final service for 2025
The face of ministry has changed dramatically in the past decade, and this calls for diverse skills. Therefore, the training requirements are complex. Students juggle family, work, training, and study requirements. This is a considerable commitment. Please pray for them.
Ordination students at their final service for 2025
Eleven students completed the 2025 Formation Program. Four people were ordained Deacon at the recent Diocesan Ordinations.
Ordination students gathered at St John’s Cathedral
In 2026 there will be fifteen students participating in the formation program for ordained ministry (renamed Grow from 2026), and thirteen clergy in the formation for the first three years. (renamed Emerge from 2026)
There are four components to Grow: Ordained Ministry Formation Program.
The Formation Intensive Program comprises six three-day training weekends, and a three-day silent Retreat, as well as attendance at various Diocesan services and Synod. The aim is to equip students with the leadership skills to serve in diverse and often complex ministry situations.
The practical outworking of these skills happens in Field Education placements, which may be in parishes or chaplaincies across the diocese. Students commit to 200 hours a year, in addition to Sundays, to grow their practical skills, guided by an experienced Training Incumbent. We are very grateful for the investment Training Incumbents, and Presenters commit to supporting and enabling this training.
Alongside the Formation program sits the Academic Program provided by St Francis College. While there are Archbishop’s Academic requirements that must be completed, there is also scope for additional study. Depending on previous tertiary study, this may be at an undergraduate or graduate level. The Team at St Francis College guides students as to best options and ably supports them throughout their study.
This entire period of Formation is undergirded by Personal Development, prayer, theological reflection, personal spiritual development, growth in self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Please pray for all who are exploring a call to ministry – Lay or Ordained.
If you want to know more, contact the Director of Clergy Development, Training and Wellbeing michael.stalley@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
