Six women, including some from remote locations across Australia as well as overseas, have embarked on this year’s Good Samaritan Study, Accompaniment and Mentoring (SAM) Program, which will see them receiving full scholarships to complete studies in theology, along with mentoring and spiritual direction.

By Debra Vermeer

Sisters of the Good Samaritan Spirituality and Mission Animation Leader, Monica Dutton, said she was delighted that this year’s SAM Program included scholars from a wide range of locations and lived experience.

“Part of the criteria for selection is that priority is given to people who might be experiencing financial hardship in terms of their studies or who live in remote locations,” Monica said.

“To be able to be part of a program like this gives them opportunities for professional development and formation that they wouldn’t normally get where they live.”

Monica said that whereas in past years, the SAM Program had included both full scholarships and part-assistance, this year, all scholars would receive full scholarships, which includes being assigned a mentor and a spiritual director.

“Being on a full scholarship allows the participants to engage fully in the whole scope of the program,” she said.

“And with the program being fully funded by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan we have had the financial security to offer the full scholarships so that participants can have that whole experience.”

Simone Parianos. Image supplied.

Simone Parianos, who lives and works in the Diocese of Broome in Western Australia, is one of the scholars from a remote location who is part of this year’s program.

“I live in Ringer Soak, a remote Aboriginal community on Jaru Country, about 5.5 hours from Kununurra,” she said.

“Being part of this program has already been transformational. I had clear career aspirations, but always thought they would unfold when the time was right. This program has made me realise that time is now.”

Simone is a teacher at Birlirr Ngawiyiwu Catholic School where she teaches Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Grade 1, while also running a bi-weekly playgroup. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and Archaeology and a Master of Teaching from Monash University.

“This opportunity will allow me to integrate both disciplines by pursuing a Master of Educational Leadership with units in Theology,” she said.

Simone said she applied for the SAM Program because she wanted to deepen her spiritual journey while advancing in her profession.

“I have a strong desire to continue studying Catholic spirituality, particularly Ignatian traditions,” she said.

“With financial support, I can dedicate myself to theological studies and complete the necessary units to become the Religious Education Coordinator at my school.”

She said she hoped to approach the program with an open heart and mind, growing in wisdom and spirit.

“By 2026, I aim to become a highly effective Religious Education Coordinator, serving my community with knowledge, faith and leadership. I want my learning to not only enrich my own journey but also benefit my Catholic school community in meaningful ways,” she said.

Tenielle Blanco. Image supplied.

Also representing rural and remote Australia in this year’s SAM Program is Tenielle Blanco, who lives in Mount Isa, Queensland.

“Living and working in a remote location brings unique challenges and opportunities, so the chance to be part of the SAM Program while based here was appealing,” she said.

“The ability to engage in study, formation and mentoring with others across different contexts felt like a valuable opportunity for both professional and personal growth.”

Tenielle is the Acting Assistant Principal – Religious Education at St Joseph’s Catholic School, Mount Isa, and is undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education at Australian Catholic University (ACU).

“I have worked in Catholic education since graduating with a Bachelor of Education in 2007, and I feel privileged to contribute to the faith life of the schools I have worked at and support students and staff in their formation,” she said.

Tenielle said she applied for the SAM Program because she was drawn to its emphasis on study, accompaniment and mentoring within the Good Samaritan tradition.

“I saw it as an opportunity to deepen my theological understanding, strengthen my leadership skills, and engage more intentionally with my faith in a structured and supported way,” she said. “The program’s focus on personal formation and community also appeals to me, especially as I navigate leadership within a remote Catholic school setting.”

Tenielle said she hopes that through the program and her studies, she can continue to grow as a leader who brings both wisdom and compassion to her work.

“I want to deepen my understanding of faith and Scripture, particularly in a way that helps me to support staff and students in meaningful ways,” she said. “I also hope that the program will help me to build strong connections with others who are on a similar journey, learning from their experiences and sharing insights along the way.”

Karen Wong. Image supplied.

Meanwhile, Karen Wong who is among the city-based participants of the SAM Program this year, said she was also excited about the opportunity to take part.

Originally from Sydney and now living in Brisbane, Karen has worked part time for the past three years in Mission Formation with Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia (JISA), facilitating programs and retreats with teachers and staff from Jesuit and Companion Schools, parishes and social ministries.

“I have been working with many wonderful JISA spiritual directors at Peter Canisius House in Sydney and, more recently, the JISA Faber Ignatian Retreat Centre in Brisbane,” she said.

“For now, I have stepped away from my role at JISA to focus on study, writing and supporting my children through their senior high school years, but I continue to work in parish ministry as much as time allows. I especially enjoy giving mini-retreats and sharing the study of spiritual literature and Scripture with others, especially the literary work of female Catholic authors.”

Karen is studying a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies at ACU in preparation for further study to become a spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition.

“Prayerfully accompanying others is something I enjoy very much, and these studies will increase my knowledge and confidence to follow God’s will in this vocation,” she said.

Karen said she applied to the SAM Program for a number of reasons, but chiefly because she was drawn to the sense of community and companionship the program encourages.

“I feel very privileged to be accompanied by a mentor and spiritual director during the journey this year, and I appreciate the support that the Sisters of the Good Samaritan offer for Catholic lay women like me,” she said.

“I applied for the program with the hope of spending time and sharing experiences with like-minded Catholic women and learning from them. I am also very grateful for the financial support as this will enable me to undertake tertiary education and still support my three children in school.”

Karen said she hopes to be a contributor as well as a receiver in the program and to walk with and accompany her fellow scholars “and enjoy this experience together and the graces we will receive as a result”.

“I look forward to building new friendships, listening to the stories and witnessing the charisms of others,” she said.

Although the SAM scholars are geographically widespread, they have already connected on Zoom for an induction session. As in previous years, a highlight of the program will be an in-person gathering at the Good Samaritan Centre in Glebe over two days in April.

Meet fellow SAM Program scholars Rachael Kama, Evelyn Amores and Jessica Parsons in the next edition of The Good Oil.