The Diocese of Parramatta is partnering with BBI-The Australian Institute of Theological Education (BBI-TAITE) to subsidise the cost and provide parishioners with greater access to formal theological education, equipping more lay women and men to take an active role in the life and mission of the Church.
Applications are now open for a new nationally recognised Undergraduate Certificate in Theology, with the first cohort commencing in Semester 1, 2027.
The initiative responds directly to a commitment in the Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan to strengthen the formation of lay women and men, enabling them to respond more fully to their baptismal call and become active and co-responsible participants in the Church.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, said formation was essential to building a stronger and more vibrant Church.
A view of the 2024-2028 Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church during its official launch at the Western Sydney Conference Centre, Penrith. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“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,” said Bishop Vincent.
“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,” he said.
Fr Shinto Francis in conversation with parishioners. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
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.
Professor Gerard Moore, Principal/CEO of BBI-TAITE said the partnership represented an exciting opportunity to make theological education more accessible to people actively involved in parish life.
“Theology is not simply something to be studied in a classroom or by specialists. It helps us understand our faith more deeply and gives us the language, knowledge and confidence to live that faith and share it with others,” Gerard said.
Members of the Diocesan community at the launch of the 2024-2028 Diocesan Pastoral Plan at Western Sydney Conference Centre, Penrith. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“We are delighted to partner with the Diocese of Parramatta to offer this nationally recognised qualification in a way that is accessible, supported and connected to the life of local parishes. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort in 2027 and accompanying them on their formation journey.”
Bishop Vincent said the benefits would extend beyond individual students.
“When we invest in the formation of our people, we are investing in the future of our parishes and our Diocese,” he said.
“This will equip people not only to deepen their own faith, but to share their gifts, accompany others and make synodality a truly constitutive dimension of our local Church where the seeds we have sown will bear fruit for generations to come.”
Applications for the Undergraduate Certificate in Theology are now open.
For more information and to apply: parracatholic.org/learn/study-catholic-theology
