Parramatta Diocese is partnering with BBI-The Australian Institute of Theological Education (BBI-TAITE) to equip more lay women and men to take an active role in the life and mission of the Church.
The initiative will subsidise the cost and provide parishioners with greater access to formal theological education through a new nationally recognised Undergraduate Certificate in Theology. Applications for the certificate are now open, with the first cohort commencing in Semester 1, 2027.
Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv said formation was essential to building a stronger and more vibrant Church.
“A key theme from our Diocesan Synod in 2023 was the ongoing and substantial formation for lay women and men that would allow them to more meaningfully respond to the call of their baptism and become more active and co-responsible participants in the life and mission of the Church,” Bishop Long said.
“In response to this, our Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church has a priority of ‘Formation’, with one of the commitments being to ‘sponsor equal numbers of women and men from the diocese in studies of ecclesiology, theology, models for pastoral care, leadership and ministry’.”
“This partnership with BBI-TAITE is an important investment in the people of our diocese and our Church. The competitive fee structure which is heavily subsidised by the diocese and local parishes makes formal education more accessible to people who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to undertake formal theological studies.
“In turn, it will give parishioners the opportunity to deepen their theological understanding while developing the confidence and capacity to take on meaningful roles in local ministry, leadership and service.”
The two-year, part-time program comprises four units: Theology, Scripture, Ecclesiology and Spirituality, with each unit delivered over a semester in a face-to-face setting at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre in Blacktown.
Courses are taught by BBI-TAITE academic staff, with students also receiving online support throughout their studies.
The diocese will subsidise 50 per cent of each student’s course fees, with parishes contributing 30 per cent and students contributing the remaining 20 per cent.
Gerard Moore, principal and chief executive of BBI-TAITE, said the partnership represented an exciting opportunity to make theological education more accessible to people actively involved in parish life.
FULL STORY
Diocese of Parramatta launches new theological formation program for lay leaders (Parramatta Diocese)
