Formation for Priesthood

In our diocese formation for priesthood takes place at Murphy House at St Ives and takes 6-7 years. Students live together with a priest, sharing meals, prayer, daily Mass and life together. There are lectures, seminars and retreats which are shared with people in formation for priesthood for other dioceses for religious life all across Sydney .

In the first six months of first year a program called Kairos is shared with novices from religious orders from around Sydney , providing a broad introduction to spirituality, discernment and prayer.

In the first three years students undertake a Bachelor of Theology degree with the Broken Bay Institute and the Catholic Institute of Sydney, and then take some further study in the remaining years.

Every week includes some pastoral ministry with a school, a nursing home or a parish. There are workshops on the practical skills of public speaking and preaching, teaching and leading liturgy. There is a one week retreat each year, as well as regular one-on-one spiritual direction and reflection days.

Priests, religious and lay people assist in our formation, with Bishop David regularly visiting to give input on the classic spiritual writers. Some formation is taking in conjunction with other people in the diocese, such as preparation for teaching scripture in government schools. This cooperative approach is a hallmark of the diocese overall, and is part of equipping our future priests to lead in a collaborative Church.

Formation programs are tailored to each man to focus on developing his self awareness, character and relationship skills which will equip him to love and serve people well.

For more information email direct to
VOCATIONS DIRECTOR