Student Life
The Bishops of Queensland (Diocese of Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and the Archdiocese of Brisbane) accept men to enter formation for their respective dioceses. In each Diocese an enquirer undertakes an initial process of discernment with the vocation director. Acceptance by the Bishop signals that a student for the priesthood has been assessed as someone who is suitable to begin his studies for the ordained ministry. The program of priestly formation approved by the bishops of Queensland applies to all those who enter the seminary. However, sometimes it is appropriate that the formation process is individually tailored for a student. The period of formation consists of four dimensions. These are: the human, spiritual, academic and pastoral. The integration of these dimensions provide a living environment and process for priestly formation.
Those men accepted by the bishops come to Holy Spirit Seminary at Banyo. The academic formation of the seminarians occurs primarily at Australian Catholic University, located next to the Seminary at Banyo. Throughout the year the seminarians attend Sunday Mass in a local Parish and are encouraged to participate fully in the Parish liturgy as part of their formation.
The seminary community is marked by prayer, particularly the Eucharist, and the sharing of life and faith. The communal life of the seminary is a support for the students as the process of formation unfolds. Life together involves sharing meals, celebrations and household duties. Coming from many parts of Queensland and beyond bonds are formed that last into the years of pastoral ministry.
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