Since their foundation and throughout their 166-year history, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan have been committed to the flourishing of women. They have educated girls and women from pre-school to tertiary levels and have been engaged in adult education and adult faith formation. The Sisters are now inviting applications for the fourth year of their Study and Mentoring (SAM) Program.
“The SAM Program has helped me financially, mentally, and spiritually. It has formed me to be a better person, mature in faith, thanks to the mentoring component and the spiritual direction.” Jaren Malales
The program offers financial assistance to a maximum of $A8000 per year for women undertaking tertiary studies at a recognised theological institution. The grant can be spent on tuition or other expenses associated with the completion of the qualification.
“What attracted me was the spiritual direction. Having mentorship to be able to sound out ideas and talk through success and frustrations is invaluable. There’s no other opportunity to gain something so valuable within the Catholic Church community.” Mandy Hayward
Core components of the program include opportunities for spiritual direction and mentoring. Invitations are also offered for participants to gather to share their experiences and to explore questions arising from their study in conversation with experienced women leaders in the Church.
“I hope that through this program, I will be able to learn from the other participants, learn from their stories and experiences, to share knowledge and resources, and to share in a wider faith community.” Kathryn Pettersen
Criteria
- Catholic women aged 30 years and over who are resident in Australia, Kiribati, the Philippines and Japan – countries where the Sisters of the Good Samaritan live and minister;
- An interest in the academic, spiritual and mentoring components of the program;
- Identification of current study being undertaken or a proposed course at a recognised theological institution;
- Evidence of leadership exercised in any context. Leadership experience in a not-for-profit organisation or a faith-based institution will be highly regarded; and
- Special consideration will be given to women who are experiencing financial hardship or who live in isolated communities.
To download this information as a flyer, click SAM Program 2024.
Further reading
Mentoring and spiritual direction are key aspects of women’s leadership program, The Good Oil, March 2023.
Eight new scholars participate in women’s leadership program, The Good Oil, February 2023.
Spiritual direction and mentoring are key aspects of SAM Program, The Good Oil, April 2022.
Women’s Study and Mentoring Program doubles in size this year, The Good Oil, March 2022.
First participants commence program that supports women’s leadership, The Good Oil, April 2021.
For further information or to request an application pack, send an email to samleadership@goodsams.org.au
Applications have closed.
