Brisbane Archdiocese’s Institute of Faith Education will farewell its last intake of students in 2027 as it winds down its operations after 50 years of service. Source: The Catholic Leader.
IFE director Mark Lavelle assured current and future learners that they would deliver their courses with the same commitment to quality, formation and pastoral care “that learners have come to expect”.
The formal teach-out period would run through to the end of 2027, Mr Lavelle said.
“I would like to assure you that every learner currently enrolled, or enrolling in the 2026 intake, will continue without compromise throughout the entire transition period,” he said.
The decision to end services came after a long process of discernment.
Mr Lavelle said a key shift in the IFE’s funding model more than a decade ago “moved the organisation to a position where it was expected to sustain itself almost entirely through learner fees”. He said that funding approach “proved untenable”.
He said significant efforts were made to find an effective pricing and funding model, both within the archdiocese and externally.
“Unfortunately, those efforts have not delivered a viable solution,” he said.
“Fee increases necessary to cover costs have created barriers to participation, leading to a steady decline in learner numbers and limiting the IFE’s capacity to achieve its intended mission outcomes.”
IFE has served Brisbane Archdiocese and the wider Church in Australia for 50 years. It developed and delivered nationally accredited VET qualifications in ministry and theology, as well as pastoral care and social services training.
Catholic Education, Centacare, parishes and Mater Health have all drawn on IFE’s courses. Learners across Queensland, in Victoria and Western Australia continue to benefit from its offerings.
Mr Lavelle said IFE has “held fast to a distinctly Catholic approach to formation, ensuring that teaching, learning and support were grounded in a rich and contemporary Catholic perspective”.
“This commitment to Catholic ethos and identity has been consistently affirmed through extensive and positive feedback,” he said.
“We are deeply proud of the thousands of learners formed through this model and the ripple effect their leadership and service have had on communities across the country.”
FULL STORY
IFE will be closing its doors after 50 years in Brisbane Archdiocese (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
