The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has announced that applications are now open for the Australian Young Catholic Women’s Fellowship for 2026/2027. Source: National Centre for Evangelisation.
The Fellowship, which is offered over a two-year period, is a key initiative reflecting the Australian bishops’ ongoing commitment to formation of women for missionary leadership.
Since 2006, eight leadership programs have been successfully delivered, enabling many Australian Catholic women to be intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and personally formed for effective leadership roles in their communities.
Fellowship participant Ashley Carvalho said the program had been of great benefit.
“The program provided a valuable opportunity to intentionally grow in my faith and explore how I can contribute as a leader to the life of the Church and the wider community,” she said.
“It was a privilege to journey alongside other young women from across the country and to learn from their experiences and wisdom.”
In announcing the 2026/2027 Fellowship, the Bishop Delegate for Women, Bishop Michael Morrissey, expressed his hope that women from across Australia would consider applying.
“The bishops of Australia are delighted to offer these Fellowships, enabling young women to proclaim the faith confidently and competently in all the places they are called to lead,” Bishop Morrissey said.
“The Fellowship supports young women to lead now and into the future, as the Church works to fully realise the opportunities for women to lead in the Church as called for by the Synod on Synodality.”
Administered by the National Centre for Evangelisation, eight fellowships will be offered, with each including:
- $4000 towards the Australian Catholic University’s Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Women’s Leadership for Mission program);
- Annual in-person formation experience with other fellowship recipients;
- Online gatherings offering prayer and reflection, introductory sessions on spiritual direction and the “Called and Gifted” discernment process.
The Fellowship is seeking applications from Catholic women aged between 25 and 35 years. For full application details, visit the National Centre for Evangelisation’s website.
Applications close at 5pm AEDT on November 24, 2025.
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Applications open for the Australian Young Catholic Women’s Fellowship (National Centre for Evangelisation)
