This year, the Good Samaritan Study, Accompaniment and Mentoring (SAM) Program will not only provide scholarships for studies in theology, along with mentoring and spiritual direction, for women across Australia but also continue to support the doctoral studies of one young woman in the Philippines.
By Debra Vermeer
Evelyn Amores first received a scholarship under the SAM Program last year to support her studies towards becoming a Doctor of Education through De La Salle University in Manila. Having passed her exams, she has been admitted to complete her dissertation.
Being part of the SAM Program has been crucial in providing both the financial and spiritual support Evelyn needed to undertake such studies.
Evelyn Amores. Image supplied.
“I acknowledge it as God’s providence and assurance that these studies that I am taking, Doctor of Education, majoring in Religious and Values Education, is with God’s approval and a manifestation of his loving presence in my life,” she said.
“I was able to pass the Comprehensive Exams last November with a wonderful experience of the mercy and power of God. God arranged everything, even my teaching work at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas Basic Education Division, located in the City of Dasmariñas in Cavite, for me to spend hours in preparation for the examinations. God is so good and great because he accomplished what he started!”
This year presents another big challenge for Evelyn, as she writes her dissertation and gets set for her Project Proposal Defence.
“For now, I need to prepare for the Dissertation Outline and the first chapters of this work to be ready for it. The great news is that the SAM Program scholarship grants me another year for my studies,” she said.
Evelyn said that while the financial support from the SAM Program is crucial for her studies, she is also grateful for the mentoring and spiritual guidance.
“The sessions with my Guidance Counsellor and Spiritual Director are delightful moments as they journey with me in this endeavour,” she said. “They are not only there to give advice, but to listen with a loving heart.
“I thank Good Samaritan Sisters Leonie Dueñas and Donna Belle Ferrer for their utmost care, prayers, and guidance. Moreover, the warm support and assistance of Dr Monica Dutton encourages me to persevere in everything that I do. May all be done for God’s glory!”
Evelyn said that being based in the Philippines, she is also grateful for the online gatherings with other SAM participants from across Australia.
“The completion of the Dissertation studies may take two to almost three years, but I am certain that as long as the support is there, I can achieve my goals with God’s blessing and help.
“I look forward to greater opportunities in the future. I hope also that the SAM Program will continue to guide me until I reach the finish line. Then, to whatever or wherever the Spirit leads me, I am open to his promptings!”
Nicole Harkness. Image supplied.
Back in Australia, Nicole Harkness from Melbourne said that her studies for a Master of Theology at Catholic Theological College would greatly enrich her role as Religious Education Faculty Leader at Star of the Sea College, an all-girls Catholic high school in the tradition of the Presentation Sisters.
“Being part of this program is a deeply meaningful opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to journeying alongside like-minded women as we deepen our understanding of our shared faith, particularly through a feminine lens of theology that values relationship, compassion and lived experience,” she said.
“The generous assistance from the Good Samaritans Sisters to support and develop women has made this possible, and it is truly an amazing group of women to be part of.
“This means I can pursue further studies in a Master of Theology at Catholic Theological College sooner than I otherwise would have been able to, as I balance family life raising my three boys aged 12, ten and nine.”
Nicole said the further study would not only enrich her professional role but also the experience of her students. “I hope to bring this learning back to my students in relevant and contemporary ways, helping them connect with and express their faith authentically,” she said.
“Guided by the Presentation charism of Deeds not Words, I’m excited to continue growing spiritually and professionally while serving my school community with compassion, purpose and hope.”
Priscilla O’Brien. Image supplied.
Priscilla O’Brien from Cairns in Far North Queensland said her participation in the SAM Program will help support her study for a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction through Tabor College Adelaide and the House of Prayer Townsville.
She has recently started working as a Girls Boarding Head/House Parent at Peace Lutheran College Cairns following the closure of Seville Mercy Centre in December last year where she was the Ministry Development Coordinator.
“I have started my Spiritual Direction course to deepen my own spirituality and in doing so being more prepared in my role of accompanying others,” she said.
“I very much value the input of female mentors in my life, and I love that the SAM Program values the contribution that older women bring with their gifts and wisdom.”
Priscilla is also Director of Reach Youth Ministries Inc, a Catholic youth ministry organisation, which she started back in 2016.
“I often journey with youth and young adults, and I can draw on my own spiritual journey and life experiences to walk alongside them and guide them,” she said. “The SAM Program will enrich my spirituality and leadership skills in that role too.”
Priscilla said that as a mature-aged woman, she is entering the second stage of her life where spirituality and looking within has become very important as part of who she is as a leader.
“I sincerely believe that women have so much to offer to our Church in terms of their gifts, their perspectives and their spirituality,” she said. “Both men and women are created in the image and likeness of God. To truly reflect the richness and fullness of God’s wisdom and love, the Church needs the unique perspectives, experiences, and ‘feminine genius’ that women bring.”
Priscilla said she hopes that through the formation, accompaniment, and mentoring the SAM Program offers, she will more easily identify and develop her spiritual gifts and leadership qualities.
“This, in turn, will empower me to contribute more fully to the life and mission of the Church, whether in formal roles or through my daily witness. I am very grateful to the Sisters of the Good Samaritan for this opportunity.”
Liz Sullivan. Image supplied.
Liz Sullivan from Geelong in Victoria leads the Religious Education team and is a member of the Mission and Identity team at Clonard College, a school for 960 girls in the Brigidine tradition. She is also School Improvement Leader in Learning: New Metrics and, through this, a member of the extended leadership team, while also teaching Religious Education, English and Humanities.
Liz is studying the Women for Leadership in Mission course at Australian Catholic University over two years, part time for a Graduate Certificate in Theology.
She said the initial driver in applying for the SAM Program was the financial support to undertake further study, but the mentoring and spiritual direction opportunities were also appealing.
“I have wanted to undertake this study for several years now, but the financial commitment was a barrier,” she said.
“However, learning more about the program prior to applying meant that the opportunity to be a part of a Catholic network of women also undergoing formation was very appealing.
“The building and nurturing of community is something I value highly. One on one spiritual advisory is not something I have previously experienced, so I am looking forward to this. Being at an interesting stage of my leadership journey means the opportunity for leadership mentoring will be invaluable.”
Liz said she hoped that participating in the SAM Program would broaden her horizons on a number of levels. “It is my hope to have my understanding of others’ work and actions for change broadened and learn from their approach to, and experience of, leadership. Specifically, what leadership looks and feels like in action in a variety of contexts,” she said.
“I really value learning from others and in recent years have been specifically seeking female influence in the leadership space.
“I hope for my faith to be deepened and for this to support me in my work in leading others in the Religious Education department where we offer students the invitation into a relationship with God. My ACU course will also support this as my only formal tertiary learning in theology was 25 years ago.
“The notion of Mission underpins how I lead and I would like this intersectionality to deepen and strengthen through my different leadership roles. The opportunity for dialogue is one I value so I am excited to build new community through both experiences.”
The SAM scholars took part in an online induction session in February this year, and a highlight of the program, as in previous years, will be an in-person gathering at the Good Samaritan Centre in Glebe over two days in April.
Meet fellow SAM Program participants Bronwyn Ilott, Emma Bakker, Michelle Carrick and Siobhan Kelly in the February 2026 edition of The Good Oil.
