Places for Sabbaticals
Are you interested in a local assessment of any of these courses or programs? We may be able to put you in touch with some Australian bishop, priest or deacon who has undertaken the course in the last couple of years. For more information, contact us.
Download a printable version of this list here: Sabbatical Programs (PDF 34KB)
ROME
- Nemi courses for 2020
Leaflet 2020 (PDF 927KB) - The lnstitute for Continuing Theological Education is offered by the North American College, Rome. www.pnac.org.
ITCE offers two programs. In the summer the twelve week program is one module, however the program in the Fall is constructed as three modules of four week duration for each module. Participants can choose one or more modules. Further information can be found by searching zenit.org Rome Based Sabbaticals. - St Anselm’s, Rome (formerly Kent, England)
Offers short courses in Personal Growth through Emotional Healing.
Website: st.anselm.org.uk
UK
- Hawkstone Hall, Shrewsbury, England
No longer operates as a sabbatical centre. - Heythrop College, London
- Offers one term courses. Each week a different topic is offered. There are seventy individual topics to choose from. Website: heythrop.ac.uk
- St Bueno's, North Wales
Short courses designed to train people in the fields of spiritual accompaniment of others, psychology and spirituality.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - St Mary's Kinnoul, (near Perth) Scotland
IRELAND
- Milltown Institute, Dublin
One-year program in theology and spirituality is no longer available. The website, however, contains links to the Jesuit Library, Loyola Institute and the Carmelite Institute.
Website: milltown-institute.ie - An Tairseach, Ireland
An Tairseach, Wicklow, Ireland, Dominican Ecology Centre, a 10-week residential programme, including becoming familiar with our evolution over 14 billion years as discovered by contemporary science - exploring its implications for understanding our place in the universe, the theology and the New Cosmology and more.
Website: antairseach.ie/
ISRAEL
- Tantur Ecumenical Institute, Jerusalem, Israel
Four weeks, six weeks and three-month-long programs are offered. The courses contain a mixture of input with field studies.
Website: tantur.org - Ecce Homo Convent, Jerusalem, Israel
Courses provide input on Scripture, culture, the sacredness of the land and inter-faith dialogue. The centre is located in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Website: eccehomopilgrimhouse.com
USA
- El Retiro – Jesuit Retreat Centre
Offers a variety of retreats: Silent and otherwise for men and women. This includes themes of forgiveness, ways to pray and Ignatian spirituality.
Website: jrclosaltos.org - Institute of Pastoral Studies, Chicago, USA
Located at Loyola University. Offers parish leadership and management programs.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Website: luc.edu/ips
The Institute for Sexuality Studies offer one month sabbatical programs in 2018 and 2019.
The multi-dimensional program provides a combination of individual and group study guided by an experienced staff of professionals.
There are daily seminars from professional staff in the key areas of human sexuality including psychology, spirituality, ethics and physiology.
Seminars are held Monday till Friday. Weekends are available for private study. The Institute for Sexuality Studies subsists at the Catholic Theological Union Campus which is next door to the University of Chicago.
The dates are June 4th- 29th and July 2nd – 27th, 2018 and June 3rd- 28th and July 1st – 26th, 2019.
More information can be viewed on the website www.mcclone.com - Redemptorist Renewal Center, Tuscan, Arizona,USA
Based in the renown Sonoran Desert. Offers 'Sabbatical Pathless Path Serenity' retreats
Website: desertrenewal.org - St Patrick’s Seminary and University Menlo Park, California
Operates a centre for ongoing formation for priests.
Website: stpsu.edu - The Institute for Spirituality & Worship, Berkley, USA
One or two semester courses entitled 'New Directions Sabbatical Program'.
Contact: Rev Robert McChesney sj This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - The Hesburgh Program at Catholic Theological Union (CTU), Chicago, USA
- Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, USA
PHILIPPINES
- East Asian Pastoral Institute
3 and 6 month sabbaticals, Quezon City. Courses in pastoral leadership and management
Website: eapi.org.ph
BELGIUM
- American College Louvain
In 2014 the unversity recommenced its sabbtical programs. Further information is obtainable vis the website.
Website: kuleuven.be
New Zealand
Places for Study and Formation in New Zealand- Renewal Program for clergy in Mosgiel (Dunedin), New Zealand.
Topics to be covered include prayer, preaching, the Gospel of Mark, psycho-sexuality, transitions, etc.
For more information contact Fr Mark Chamberlain This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +64 (03) 488 2577
Centres in Australia
Retreat Centres
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- St John of God Retreat Centre, Safety Bay (near Shoalwater )
T: (08) 9527 2101 | F: (08) 9592 1250
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Sisters of St John of God - Epiphany UAC Retreat Centre, Rossmoyne
T: (08) 9457 2645 | F: (08) 9457 2645
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
VICTORIA
Heart of Life Spirituality Centre
96 Albion Road
Box Hill, Victoria, 3128 (Melbourne)
Phone: 03 9882 4033
Website: heartoflife.abundance.org.au
Campion Centre
Run by the Jesuits in Kew, Melbourne, the Campion Centre offers an extensive range of programs and retreats.
Phone: 03 9854 8110
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Campion Centre for Ignatian Spirituality, Kew
T: (03) 9854 8110 | F: (03) 9854 8100
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Jesuits - The Good Samaritan Centre, Coragulac (near Colac)
T: (03) 5233 1292 | F: (03) 5233 1521
Sisters of the Good Samaritans - Amberley Retreat Centre, Amberley (outer Melbourne)
T: (03) 9439 8282 | F: (03) 9439 6969
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Christian Brothers - Treacy Conference Centre, Parkville (Melbourne)
T: (03) 8359 0101 | F: (03) 8359 0103 | Christian Brothers - The Centre for Ecology and Spirituality, Glenburn
T: (03) 5797 8532 | E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Christian Brothers
The Experience of Catholic Culture Study Tour or Pilgrimage
21 September - 21 October 2017
Download flier (PDF 879KB)
TASMANIA
- The Emmanuel Centre Launceston
T: (03) 6334 1082 | F: (03) 6334 7995
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Sisters of St Joseph - MacKillop Hill Spirituality Centre - Forth (near Devonport)
T: (03) 6428 3095 | F: (03) 6428 3467
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Sisters of St Joseph - Maryknoll Retreat and Conference Centre
Blackman's Bay (south of Hobart)
T: (03) 6229 3109 | E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Presentation Sisters
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- Loyola Spirituality Centre, Norwood
T: (08) 8364 3834 | F: (08) 8364 3750
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Jesuits - Sevenhill Centre of Ignatian Spirituality, Sevenhill
T: (08) 8843 4062 | F: (08) 8843 4235
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Jesuits
QUEENSLAND
Personal Renewal for Ministry
The Presentation Spirituality Centre (Manly Qld) offers a 4 week renewal program for women and men engaged in ministry.
This program offers opportunities for prayer, study, spiritual direction, personal growth and integration, recreation and renewal activities.
It would suit people who are changing ministries, who are in transition, or who are looking to revitalise their present work. It could also be incorporated into a longer sabbatical program.
The Centre overlooks beautiful Moreton Bay and is close to the cities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Website: http://www.pbvm.org.au/pscmanly/program.html
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Coordinator:
Presentation Spirituality Centre, 26 Kooralgin Street, Manly Qld 4179
Phone: (07) 3396 3290 Fax: (07) 3396 3298
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Faber Centre of Ignatian Spirituality, Banyo (Brisbane)
T: (07) 3621 8908
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Jesuits - Presentation Spirituality Centre, Manly (Brisbane)
T: (07) 3396 3290 | F: (07) 3348 6944
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Presentation Sisters - Riverglenn Conference Centre, Indooroopilly (Brisbane)
T: (07) 3878 9333 | F: (07) 3878 2366
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Christian Brothers
NEW SOUTH WALES
St Clements Retreat Centre
St Clement’s Retreat Centre at Galong offers structured Retreats for clergy, religious and lay people as well as the chance to simply “come aside to a quiet place and rest awhile”. A retreat can be as short as one day, a weekend or several weeks.
Phone: (02) 6380 5222
Fax: (02) 6386 7353
Website: stclement.com.au
St Mary's Towers Douglas Park
Run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSCs), in spacious grounds about 2 hours south of Sydney.
Contact: (02) 4630 9159 | (02) 4630 9232
Website: towersretreat.abundance.org.au
Marymount Mercy Centre
New Life – personal and spiritual renewal programs
Journeying with New Members – a training program for formators
Costing No Less than Everything – a program of special preparation for Perpetual Profession.
Website: marymount.com.au
St Joseph's - Baulkham Hills
Courses for clergy who are approaching a time in life for slowing down and doing ministry differently, in ways that are more appropriate for one’s age and stage of life. Later life has its own blessings and there are opportunities for sabbaticals and shorter courses that affirm and encourage clergy approaching retirement. For more information please click the link here.
64 MacKillop Drive, Baulkham Hills NSW
Phone: (02) 9634 2317 | Fax (02) 9899 4249
Contact: Sr Patricia Stevenson
Website: stjosephscentre.org.au
- Hartzer Park Centre, Burradoo (near Bowral)
T: (02) 4861 3223 | F: (02) 4862 1872
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart - Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville
T: (02) 9603 1433 | F: (02) 9603 1007
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Discalced Carmelite Friars - St Mary's Towers Retreat Centre, Douglas Park
T: (02) 4630 9232 ext 101 | F: (02) 4630 9364
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Missionaries of the Sacred Heart - Canisius Centre of Ignatian Spirituality, Pymble
T: (02) 9488 4524 | F: (02) 9488 4485
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Jesuits - The Mount St Benedict Centre, Pennant Hills
T: (02) 9484 6208 (02) 9484 7033 | F: (02) 9481 8947
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Sisters of the Good Samaritan - Maria Tal Cottages, Wentworth Falls
T/F: (02) 4757 2290 (Valley Pines Office);
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Sisters of the Good Samaritan - Arise Natural Therapies, Camden
T/F: (02) 4655 3982
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Sisters of the Good Samaritan - "Billow View", Retreat & Conference Centre, Gerringong
T: (02) 4234 0441 | F: (02) 4234 4962 | Christian Brothers - "Winbourne", Edmund Rice Retreat & Conference Centre, Mulgoa
T: (02) 4773 5555| F: (02) 4773 5500
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Christian Brothers - THE VENUE Conference Centre, Bellambi
T: (02) 4284 6600 | F: (02) 4284 6622
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Youth Mission Team Australia
Places for formal and accredited study
The following colleges of theology around Australia are delighted to welcome clergy seeking formation and sabbatical opportunities to their courses:
AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY has campuses in Adelaide, Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney and Strathfield. Specifically recommended for initial or ongoing theological education or formation of clergy are the following courses:
- Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Liturgy)
- Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Catholic Culture
- Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
- Master of Professional Studies in Theology
- Master of Theological Studies
Details of each of these programmes can be found at www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/faculties,_institutes_and_centres/theology_and_philosophy/theology/postgraduate.
The Faculty also runs a number of international Study Abroad opportunities that would appeal to clergy, which can be viewed here: www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/faculties,_institutes_and_centres/theology_and_philosophy/study_tours.
Please refer inquiries to Professor Dermot Nestor, Executive Dean, Faculty of Theology & Philosophy (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or to Dr Maeve Heaney, Director of Theological Formation for Ministry (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
BROKEN BAY INSTITUTE in Pennant Hills NSW delivers all its units online. Of especial interest to clergy may be their courses in Theological Studies, Leadership & Theology, and Governance & Canon Law.
Further information can be found at www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/index.cfm.
BBI’s online Higher Education Courses can be found at https://www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/higher-education/Spring-into-the-New-Year-2018.
Information on a special two-day event coming up in Sydney on 2-3 August 2018, hosting Professors Massimo Faggioli and Richard Lennan, can be found at www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/econferences/Leading-Ecclesial-Communities-Foundations-Challenges-and-Possibilities.
CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE in East Melbourne offers:
- Enrichment through audit or enrolment in classes including Spirituality, Theology, Liturgy, Moral Theology, Biblical Studies, Church History, Philosophy, Pastoral Studies, Guided Meditation, and Ageing
- Annual Study Tour: Biblical Lands or Catholic Culture (Europe)
For more information visit CTC at www.ctc.edu.au/For-Priests.
JESUIT COLLEGE OF SPIRITUALITY at Parkville, Victoria. Visit www.jcs.edu.au for information on Leadership units and on the Arrupe Spiritual Direction Formation programme – JCS’s currently most popular courses with clergy.
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA has campuses in Fremantle, Broome and Sydney and offers courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. For more information on specific courses please visit www.nd.edu.au/contact-us.
- Created: 20 August 2008
- Modified: 19 November 2019
- Posted in: Formation
- Hits: 35435