Contents
In this edition of Frank's News:
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Dear Readers,
Welcome to the November 2025 edition of Frank’s News. In the midst of the jacaranda flowers fading and the summer storms beginning, I warmly invite you to attend the David Binns Lecture (Thursday, 6 November) and the Valedictory End of Year Thanksgiving Celebration (Sunday, 16 November), during which the Archbishop will commission Juliet Briner in her role as Anglican Youth and Children’s Ministry Parish Support Worker. Please register here - https://www.trybooking.com/DGPMW.
There are opportunities emerging that I encourage you to consider:
- Summer Study – Being Anglican will be taught by Archbishop Emeritus Phillip Aspinall and Bishop Jonathan Holland, starting on 29 November 2025. See Being Anglican: History and Practice — Saint Francis College for more information. This unit can also be audited (attend class without doing assessment).
- Study in Semester One 2026 – The units of study being offered are listed here and enrolments are now open.
- St Francis College has been approved to offer a four-year Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction with the University of Divinity alongside our well respected and AECSD (Australian Ecumenical Council of Spiritual Direction) - recognised formation program. Applications to participate in our Spiritual Direction Formation Programs close on 23 January 2026 but are welcome before then. See UD Grad Diploma in Spiritual Direction — Saint Francis College for more information.
- This year two GFS Brisbane Bursaries are available for people currently engaged in children’s and youth ministry wanting to deepen their theological understanding and ministry skills and interested in enrolling in an undergraduate certificate in theology. They may apply for $5000 bursaries to cover the costs of doing two units of study at St Francis College in 2026. Please consider if there is anyone you know involved in children’s ministry who might be interested and invite them to apply before 30 November.
- If interested in during a research-based higher degree in 2026, please make an appointment with Associate Professor Peter Kline to discuss the possibilities. If an alumnus of St Francis College you would be eligible to apply for an Ivor Church Bursary for financial support for this study. See here for more details.
Things you can do:
In the last few weeks, we have 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. There are two reasons to congratulate Dr Adam Couchman; he has just had his book published with print copies now available for sale and he has been accredited as a senior lecturer by the University of Divinity.
During November we will welcome the incoming ordained ministry formation students and farewell the formation students who are being ordained on December 6. Please keep them and their families in your prayers during this time of transition. (More details below)
Blessings,
Ruth
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Ordained Ministry Formation Update
As we approach the end of another year of formation for those exploring a call to ordained ministry, it is with delight that Archbishop Jeremy announces his intention to ordain four new deacons at the annual ordination service, to be held at St John’s Cathedral on 6 December.
- David Adams, who will serve at Hillbrook Anglican School
- Harry McGuire, who will serve at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School
- Allana Wales, who will serve in the Parish of Ipswich
- Eleanor Whereat, who will serve in the Parish of Hervey Bay
Please pray for them as they respond to God’s call and step into this new season with God and God’s people.
Continuing Formation in 2026
The following students will continue with Ordained Ministry Formation in 2026:
- Paul Alcorn
- Naomi Armstrong
- Ally Bray
- Juliet Briner
- Troy Bullock
- Fionn Griegg
- Kevin Lapthorn
- Rachel Tew
They will be joined by:
- Stephen Bartlett
- Elise Christian
- Keith Gibson
- Hilda Lamani
- Medha Masoji
- Simon Tinkler
These students will enter their first year of Ordained Ministry Formation.
Please pray for them as they take this courageous step to explore God’s call on their lives. If you would like to know more about the Ministry Discernment process, please contact Vocations & Discernment at
📧 vocations@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
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Join us in celebrating The Rev'd Ray Clifton's Ministry
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We invite you to gather with us to mark the conclusion of The Rev'd Ray Clifton's role as the Deputy Director of Discernment and Formation. We will give thanks for his four years of dedicated service to this ministry, as well as his 28 years of ordained ministry in the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland. Ray has served in various parish and chaplaincy positions, including his recent roles as Chaplain Manager in Anglicare Southern Region and in training with Graduate Clergy.
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The Archbishop of Brisbane, The Most Rev'd Jeremy Greaves, will preach at a service of Holy Communion to mark this occasion. The service will be followed by a light lunch on the Verandah of Old Bishopsbourne .
Please register for catering purposes: https://www.trybooking.com/DHAOR
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Open Day Reflection: A Taste of Life at St Francis College
St Francis College recently hosted a well-attended Open Day, welcoming prospective students into the heart of its learning community.
The day began with two engaging lectures from Associate Professor Peter Kline and Rev’d Dr Ruth Mathieson, offering a glimpse into the kind of deep and thoughtful theological study offered at the College. Attendees were invited to experience firsthand the richness of academic life at St Francis.
Academic Dean Adam Couchman suggested the student panel was the standout moment of the morning. Current and former students shared their personal journeys and reflections on studying at the College, providing insights and helping attendees understand what it’s really like to be part of the community. “It’s so important for potential students to hear directly from those already immersed in the experience,” Adam said.
Simon, a current student and airline steward, spoke about the flexibility of study. “There is not a lot to do in Gladstone,” he joked, adding, “but I can be anywhere at any time and still keep up with my learning.”
Dan, a school headmaster at an Anglican school who recently completed his studies, added: “There is a personalisation of study here that you won't find anywhere else,” pointing to the College’s commitment to tailoring the learning experience to each student’s needs. This sentiment was also echoed by Mandy, a student doing post-grad studies in an online environment, commented “the online community have the same sense of safety, the same sense of inclusion” and “we come from incredibly diverse backgrounds, incredibly diverse theologies, and everyone is held in such great respect.”
After the panel, guests received helpful information about course options and the enrolment process. Lunch followed, with a generous and delicious spread prepared by Rod Mengel.
This marked the end of the Open Day and a smooth segue into Seekers Day, which was also a great success.
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Seekers Day: A Journey Begins
Seekers Day took place just after the College Open Day and drew a strong turnout, with around 18 people attending. Participants came from a range of ages and backgrounds, all curious about what a call to ministry might look like in their lives. Interest extended beyond priesthood, with some exploring pathways to become deacons, chaplains, and other forms of ministry.
Led by Rev’d Michael Stalley, Rev’d Chris Bate and Bishop Denise Ferguson, the day offered a general information session about the discernment process and what that might look like. Rather than viewing this process as a checklist and boxes to be ticked, the focus was on recognising personal markers, signs and experiences that help shape each person’s journey. The process is deeply individual and considers each person’s circumstances, story, and sense of calling.
One of the final questions of the day was, “Who will take this a step further?” Every hand in the room went up. It was a powerful moment that showed a shared openness to continuing the journey of discernment, and a clear sign of the movement of the Spirit within the Diocese of Southern Queensland.
A couple of additional enquiries have come through since the event.
Feeling a sense of vocation? Wondering if you're being called to ministry?
Whether you're exploring priesthood, chaplaincy, the diaconate, or another form of service, the journey of discernment begins with a single step. Reach out to Chris Bate (chris.bate@anglicanchurchsq.org.au) to learn more about how we can support you in discovering where God might be leading you.
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David Binns Lecture
On Thursday, 6 November from 6:00 to 7:00 PM St Francis College is hosting the David Binns Memorial Lecture. This year Peter Kline will be presenting Infinite Splendours: Psychoanalysis and the Sublime. You can join us in person at St Francis College, Lecture Room 1, or online via Zoom.
Peter’s talk will trace the connections between art, spirituality and the insights of psychoanalysis, with a special focus on the Australian novel Infinite Splendours, written by Sophie Laguna, which tells a story of childhood trauma and visual art. Using Jean Laplanche's psychoanalytic theory, Peter will explore how art comes from and transformatively restages the fundamental enigma that makes us human beings, our relation to disturbing otherness.
After the talk, everyone is invited to stay for some light refreshments and informal conversation—a great opportunity to meet others. Whether you’re deeply involved in these fields or simply curious, this promises to be an engaging and inspiring evening. We hope you can join us, either in person or online, for what’s sure to be a memorable event!
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Being Anglican: History and Practice
Expression of Interest Now Open – Summer Semester 2026
Are you curious about the rich history, theology, and identity of the Anglican tradition? Want to explore what it means to be Anglican in today’s world?
This Summer, we’re offering the unit DL3002Z / DL9032Z Being Anglican: History and Practice, taught by Archbishop Phillip Aspinall and Bishop Jonathan Holland. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from two of the Church’s most experienced leaders in a focused and engaging format.
The unit will be delivered through four Saturday intensives:
📅 10 & 17 January, 7 & 14 February
🕘 9:00am to 5:00pm
💻 Plus a 1-hour online introduction on Saturday 29 November
Together, we’ll explore the story of Anglicanism from its Celtic and medieval roots, through the Reformation, and into the diverse expressions of Anglican identity today. You’ll engage with key theological and ecclesiological developments and reflect on how Anglicanism has taken shape in Australia and around the world. Whether you’re studying for credit or auditing for personal interest, this unit offers a rich and thought-provoking journey into what it means to be Anglican today.
We’d love to hear from you and help you take the next step in exploring what it means to be Anglican today.
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Auditing at St Francis College
Have you ever wanted to deepen your understanding of theology, spirituality, or ministry without the pressure of assignments or exams? Auditing a subject at St Francis College in 2026 could be the perfect opportunity.
Whether you're seeking professional development, exploring a personal interest, or simply curious about a topic that speaks to your journey, auditing allows you to engage with rich content and thoughtful discussion in a flexible, low-pressure way.
You don’t need to be pursuing a degree. You don’t even need to be sure where it will lead. Sometimes, the most meaningful learning happens when we give ourselves permission to explore.
Explore our 2026 subject offerings and discover what might be waiting for you.
📩 Interested?
Please contact Linda Burridge at LBurridge@ministryeducation.org.au to register your interest.
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Containers for Change – Support AYCF!
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When you drop off your eligible cans, bottles, and other recyclables through Containers for Change, you can choose to have the proceeds donated to the Anglican Youth Children and Families (AYCF) ministry. It’s a simple way to support meaningful work while caring for the environment. Just use AYCF’s scheme ID (C11657749) when you return your containers!
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Roscoe Library Matters
by Eve James
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St Francis Day + Geoffrey Thomas Roscoe Celebration
On Friday 3 October, St Francis College had reasons to celebrate. The feast of St Francis (4 October) was marked with a Eucharist in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. This was followed by a wonderful afternoon tea in Lecture Room 1 and then a special gathering to honour Mr Geoffrey Thomas Roscoe, forty years from when the College library was named in his honour. Mr Roscoe was a remarkable person and we managed to capture some of this with stories, photographs and artefacts. It was a delight to have Mrs Margaret Leditschke who worked alongside Mr Roscoe, as well as members of Mr Roscoe’s family present for this significant occasion.
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New books!
We congratulate our Academic Dean, Dr Adam Couchman on the publication of his recent book, Liturgia Dei: Worshiping the Worshiping God !
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What does it mean to worship? More often than not, we understand worship to be something that we perform for God. If that's the case, then worship is ultimately a human action that flows from human effort. How would our understanding of worship change, though, if we took as our starting point that Jesus is a fully human and fully divine worshiper? Does it then mean that God is worshiping? In responding to these questions Liturgia Dei suggests that worship is not primarily something we do for God, but something God is eternally performing. Worship is the eternal glorification of God that extends from, and returns to, the eternal relations of Father, Son, and Mother Spirit. The church joins in this worship to, through, and with Jesus Christ.
The Years of Ripening: Reflections on Aging in the Later Years / Joyce Rupp
The Years of Ripening focuses on personal transformation, the wonder and goodness of our hidden self, how the qualities of our personhood have been expressed, and in what ways we can claim ever more of the truest reality of our inner being.
As old age takes place, our physical being naturally weakens and wrinkles. At the same time, our non-physical being smooths out with a peaceful satisfaction. The tight ridges of past failures recede and dark illusions fade as we increasingly trust our life to be a harmonious song rooted in love. This encourages us to shed our self-willed, false control until we become freed from what binds our spirit. We let go of who we imagined ourself to be and grow in a transparency that reveals our seasoned-with-love self. All is not ended with our final departure. We leave behind the beauty and bounty that resided within our aged selves. Like a ripened melon on the vine, so the matured fruit of our loving heart and weathered wisdom leaves a beneficial legacy to nurture a future generation.
The Way We Are: Lessons from a Lifetime of Listening / Hugh Mackay
Amidst our epidemics of loneliness, anxiety and depression, and the impacts of entrenched poverty and ubiquitous technology, The Way We Are examines the major trends that are shaking the foundations of the Australian way of life. Drawing on thousands of interviews over a lifetime of research, Hugh Mackay, much loved and highly respected social psychologist, presents a compelling portrait of Australia today. He celebrates the march towards gender equality and explains the stubborn persistence of misogyny, the anti-social consequences of social media, the complex legacy of the Baby Boomers, and the 'fake wisdom' that guides too much of our thinking. Exploring the steady decline in religious faith and practice, Hugh identifies the many gods we continue to worship, and points to the positive role that dreaming can play in our lives. Though some of his observations may not be easy reading, Hugh's analysis is suffused with affection for our country. Inspiring, provocative and powerfully argued, some suggest that The Way We Are could be the most important—and uplifting—book you'll read all year. It will encourage you to reflect deeply on the question: What kind of society do we want to become?
These books are just a few of those that are new to our library during October. Would you like to borrow? Register here.
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Escape to Tranquility: Pointro Campsite at Boonah
Just 90 minutes from Brisbane, Pointro Campsite offers a back to basics camping experience on the banks of Maroon Dam in Queensland. Enjoy spacious sites, firepits, hot showers, and clean toilets — great for fishing, hiking, water sports and much more.
Ideal for families, friends, and group retreats. Our bunkhouse sleeps up to 36 and is great for youth camps.
Book now on Hipcamp or email pointro@anglicanchurchsq.org.au for bunkhouse bookings.
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Contact
Please use the email addresses below to contact SFC Staff:
Ruth Mathieson - Executive Director/Principal
✉️ ruth.mathieson@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Rod Mengel - Property & Finance Manager
✉️ rod.mengel@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Linda Burridge - Registrar
✉️ registrar@ministryeducation.org.au
Adam Couchman - Academic Dean
✉️ adam.couchman@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Peter Kline - Research Co-ordinator
✉️ pkline@ministryeducation.org.au
Eve James - Library Manager
✉️ ejames@ministryeducation.org.au
Jonathan Sargeant - FormEdFaith
✉️ jonathans@ministryeducation.org.au
Juliet Briner - Anglican Youth Children and Family
✉️ juliet.briner@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Tim Coates - Administration/Reception
✉️ enquiries@ministryeducation.org.au
Wendy Dann - Spiritual Direction Program Officer
✉️ wdann@ministryeducation.org.au
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