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Trinity CollegeT H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M E L B O U R N E

Theology HANDBOOK 2005

Transforming students’ lives since 1872

1THEOLOGY HANDBOOK 20 05

Trinity College 2

The Theological School 3

Ethos and Purpose 3

Theological School Staff 4

Preparing for Ministry 6

Ministry Formation Program 6

Formation on Fridays

Diploma in Ministry

Courses on campus in the United Faculty of Theology 7

Bachelor of Theology (and joint BA/BTheol)

Graduate Diploma in Theology

Master of Divinity

Research and Advanced Degrees in Theology and Ministry Studies

Theology Online 8

Diploma in Ministry

Graduate Diploma in Theology

Master of Divinity

The Trinity Certificate in Theology and Ministry 9

The Credo Program 9

The Theological School as a Community 9

Spiritual Life 10

Mentors 10

Supervised Theological Field Education 10

Clinical Pastoral Education 10

Financial Aid 11

Theological Libraries 11

Coming to Trinity 12

Students at Trinity 12

Contact 12

Contents

Trinity College Theological School

2 THEOLOGY HANDBOOK 20 05

Trinity CollegeTrinity College is a college of the University of Melbourne, founded in 1872, with some 1,300 students in its various educational programs:

• the residential university College,• Trinity College Foundation Studies, and• Trinity College Theological School.

These and other educational programs (such as summer schools, workshops, online courses, etc) are supported by the College Library, IT, Chaplaincy, Music, Development Office and Trinity College Foundation, Learning Innovation Centre, and the Department or Finance and Administration (including accounts, property and operations, and staff development).

In all the educational programs it offers, the College aims to provide opportunities for students – Australian and overseas – which can transform their lives.


Ethos and PurposeAs a Christian community, Trinity College Theological School seeks to embody the catholic faith in the context of corporate worship, with openness to the questions of contemporary society.

As an Anglican body, it is committed to the exploration and articulation of the wholeness of the Anglican tradition in terms of its history, theology, liturgy, spirituality, and mission.

As part of an ecumenical faculty of theology, it benefits from and contributes to the experience of engagement with other Christian traditions.

As an academic institution, it pursues critical scholarship and excellence in teaching in a collegial environment.

As a theological college, it is committed to vocational formation for both ordained and lay ministries. This involves pastoral training, field education, and opportunities for theological reflection on ministerial practice.

Above all, the Theological School is dedicated to the spiritual development of all its students. As a consequence, there is a strong emphasis on its liturgical life.

The School is committed to shaping men and women in ordained and lay ministry in the Anglican tradition. It represents a catholic breadth in theology, worship and spirituality, and seeks to embody the Anglican way in a critical, reflective and articulate style, in dialogue with the contemporary world.

The School community today consists of nine full and part-time staff, and around 30 students who take part in the Ministry Formation Program, many of whom are preparing for ordination. More than 80 students participate in the online program, reaching all over Australia and overseas. In addition, there are over 30 parish groups dotted all over regional and metropolitan Australia using the Trinity Certificate in Theology and Ministry to develop lay ministries.

In 1969, the Theological School was a foundation member of the ecumenical United Faculty of Theology (UFT). This partnership with the Jesuit Theological College and the Uniting Church Theological Hall offers Trinity students an outstanding ecumenical context for learning. The UFT has a combined strength of some 25 staff and 300 students. Its three colleges (located in Parkville, adjacent to the University of Melbourne) are served by the Joint Theological Library, with one of the finest theological collections in the southern hemisphere. UFT classes prepare students for the Bachelor of Theology or Master of Divinity degrees awarded by the Melbourne College of Divinity (MCD). Combined degrees in Arts/Theology can be undertaken through the MCD and Melbourne or Monash Universities. In addition, Trinity offers the Ministry Formation Program (MCD Diploma in Ministry), and staff play active roles in the MCD’s post-graduate programs.

The Theological SchoolTrinity College Theological School is an integral part of Trinity College. The Theological School was founded in 1878 by Bishop James Moorhouse for the purpose of training a ‘learned and dedicated clergy’. This founding vision has been the core of the School’s contribution to the Church, and its focus has now broadened to embrace the ministry of all God’s people. The School shares all the facilities of the College, including the Chapel, dining hall, tutorial rooms, library, and grounds.


The Revd Dr Andrew McGowanBA (Hons) W Aust, BD (Hons) Melb Coll Div, MA, PhD Notre Dame Andrew McGowan returned to Trinity as Director of the Theological School and Joan F W Munro Lecturer in Theology in 2003. A historian of the early Church, Andrew was most recently Associate Professor at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has ministered in parishes in Western Australia and the USA, and his work on the liturgical and social life of early Christian communities has been published in leading journals in the USA and Europe, and in his book Ascetic Eucharists: Food and Drink in Early Christian Ritual Meals (Oxford: Clarendon, 1999).

The Revd Ross FishburnBA (Hons) Syd, BD (Hons), TheolM Melb Coll DivRoss Fishburn is Dean of Studies, Farnham Maynard Lecturer in Theology, and Turner Research Fellow. A Trinity graduate, Ross has diverse ministry experience in parishes and adult education. Before returning to Trinity he was Dean of Studies at the Institute of Theological Education within the General Board of Religious Education. Ross teaches theology, church history, and Anglican Studies; and is engaged in doctoral studies on the ecclesiology of Michael Ramsey.

The Revd Dr Craig de VosBVSc Melb, DipPS Adel Coll Div, BTh (Hons), PhD FlinCraig de Vos is Bromby Lecturer in New Testament, and is an ordained minister of the Uniting Church in Australia. He taught in the Adelaide College of Divinity from 1992 to 1998, and was a visiting scholar at the Universities of Glasgow and St Andrews in 1996. His book, Church and Community Conflicts: the relationships of the Thessalonian, Corinthian and Philippian Churches with their wider civic Communities was published in 1999 by Scholars Press. He has also published several articles on the New Testament in its social context. Craig is currently the book review editor for the Australian Biblical Review.

The Revd Dr Richard TreloarBTheol, MTheol (Hons), Melb Coll Div, PhD MonashRichard Treloar is Chaplain of Trinity College and Stewart Lecturer in Theology. Richard brings to Trinity experience of urban and rural parish ministry. He was recently a visiting scholar at the Universities of Glasgow and Oxford, and is the Australian representative on the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. Richard has recently completed doctoral studies in Hebrew narrative, focussing particularly on the book of Esther.

The Revd Dr Ruwan PalapathwalaBTh Serampore, BTheol, TheolM Melb Coll Div, BEd (Applied) Central IT, MEd, PhD WellRuwan is Noel Carter Lecturer in Pastoral Theology and Coordinator of the Supervised Theological Field Education program. His academic expertise includes Christian Ministry in the 21st Century, Buddhism, Asian religious thought, inter-faith dialogue, and adult education. He is also the Priest-in-Charge (part-time) of St. Alban’s Parish, North Melbourne, a member of the Anglican Communion’s Network for Interfaith Concerns, and a Research Associate of the Centre for the Study of Religion and Theology at Monash University.

Dorothy DullegeADipTh, DipTh, BMin Bib Coll Vic, ADipTh Aust Coll TheolDorothy Dullege is Personal Assistant to the Director, and Administrative Assistant to the Theological School. Dorothy has been a training officer for the Council for Christian Education in Schools (Victoria), and an editor for the Religion in Life curriculum, and has a wealth of experience as teacher and administrator. She commenced at Trinity in November 2003.

Theological School StaffTrinity’s academic staff combine undoubted academic excellence, significant pastoral experience, ecumenical and international breadth, and deep personal commitment to the tasks of preparation for ministry.


Dr David O’Brien BSc, BComEng LaTrobe, MA, MATS Gordon-Conwell, MPhil, DPhil OxonDavid O’Brien is the Registrar at TCTS and Associate Lecturer in the UFT. With a background in Electronics and Computer Science, David has completed Masters degrees in Theology and a Doctorate of Philosophy on Clement of Alexandria at Oxford University. He has published widely on biblical and early Christian studies. His interest area includes Judaism and Early Christianity in the Graeco-Roman period.

Dr Kim PowerBA Melb BTheol MTheol Melb Coll Div GradDip Arts (Civil Ceremonies) Monash PhD La TrobeKim Power is Blackman Fellow in Early Christian Studies, research assistant to Rev. Andrew McGowan. Kim’s own research is in the areas of Christian anthropology and religion and science, both from a feminist perspective. As well as her .5 position at Trinity, she is a founding member of the Golding Centre for Women’s History, Theology and Spirituality and an adjunct member of the Centre for Early Christian Studies, both at Australian Catholic University. She is also a Civil Marriage Celebrant. In 1997-8 she was Fulbright Scholar in residence at Notre Dame of Maryland College, Baltimore. Her work has been published in numerous articles and in her book, Veiled desire: Augustine on women (New York: Continuum, 1996). Her unit, “Are we hard-wired for holiness? From neuroscience to neurotheology” won an award from The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences in Berkeley for a Course in Religion and Science. Her other interests are reading Science Fiction and Fantasy; the Theatre, Film, Music, and cats.

The Revd Con ApokisBA, BTh, DipMin, MThCon Apokis is the VCCE Ecumenical lecturer with focus on education and social sciences and their role in the life and mission of the church. Con’s previous positions include senior chaplain with building industry peak body Incolink, a consultant with aid agency World Vision and a theological college lecturer and tutor. He was instrumental in the creation of ecumenical youth agency SPAUMAY which provides in-school and after-hours recreational and well-being programs for young people in the City of Port Phillip. Con’s interests include vocational development, the use of multi-media in worship, and post-modernism. He is currently completing a PhD in the sociology of religion. His doctoral research is in the postmodern contructions of religion and spirituality with reference to fathers present at the birth of their children.

Associated Researchers and ScholarsThe Revd Canon Dr Stephen Ames, BSc, PhD Melb, BD MCDHonorary Research FellowThe Revd Canon Samuel T Ata, DipTh, BTheol MCD, MTh PTC Doctoral studentMs Megan Warner, B Juris, LLB, LLM, LLM, B Theol Research student and Theology tutor at Trinity College

Online Teaching StaffDr Anne Elvey, GradDipEd ACU, BTheol, TheolM MCD, BSc(Hons), PhD MonashThe Revd Dr Timothy Gaden, BA(Hons), BD(Hons), PhD Dr Andrew Itter, BA(Hons), DipEd, PhD La TrobeThe Revd Dr Morag Logan, BSc Melb, BD MCD, PhD PTS The Revd Canon Dr Colleen O’Reilly, BTh, MTh, DMin, GradDipEdAdmin The Revd Canon Dr Charles Sherlock, BA (Hons), ThL (Hons), BD (Hons), MA, ThDThe Venerable Dr Catherine Thomson, BA Stirling, DipEd, Dip PS, BTh (Hons) Flinders, PhD FlindersThe Revd Dr Phillip Tolliday, BTh(Hons), PhD FlindersThe Revd Dr Paul Tonson, BSc, MComm, MDiv, MTheol, PhD The Revd Dr Raewynne Whiteley, MA, BTh, BMin ACT, PhD PTS


Preparing for MinistryTrinity theological students in the on campus program normally enrol for a degree or diploma course of the Melbourne College of Divinity. They participate in the activities of the School, especially its worship and liturgical life, together with the Ministry Formation Program and retreats, in addition to the United Faculty of Theology classes.

Students of theology may be studying to explore their faith, to enhance lay ministry, as part of ordination training, or as part of a discernment process that will lead to ordination. Trinity students are able to undertake theological study in a Christian community context, complementing academic classes with involvement in the corporate life of the School.

All Trinity theological students can participate in the Ministry Formation Program, taking courses covering elements of preparation which may not be studied in their UFT classes - such as homiletics, aspects of ministry in Anglican perspective, the Church in Australian society, and ministry management.

Ordination Candidates or ‘ordinands’ have been accepted by a diocesan bishop for theological education in preparation for service as a deacon and/or priest in the church. To become an ordination candidate, you will need to go through the selection process set up by your Diocesan Bishop. Your parish priest will be able to advise you, and you are welcome to talk things over with a Trinity staff member.

All students have access to the staff of the School (including a mentor), full use of the libraries, theological common room, and dining hall for lunch.

Ministry Formation ProgramFormation on FridaysFridays during semester are the main focus for the Ministry Formation Program where the Theological School community, staff and students, join together for the whole day between 9am and 4pm.

The program begins with the shared Morning Office in the chapel at 9am. This is followed by the Forum, a plenary session where issues relevant to contemporary mission and ministry of the church are presented by visiting clergy, scholars, partners from agencies and local faith communities, and other practitioners.

Between 11am and 1pm, students break into small groups for their Diploma in Ministry classes. After lunch together, the whole School gathers for the Eucharist in the chapel, at which a student, a staff member or a guest preaches.

The day’s formal conclusion is a session where reflection on the liturgy and other common areas of interest and concern can take place. More informally, many of the group then adjourn to the College Bar in the Junior Common Room, or to other local establishments.

Anyone seeking to learn more about what is entailed in the study of theology will find Trinity a welcoming place. Visitors are always welcome to join the community on Fridays and ‘taste’ theology at Trinity. Just contact the School office to arrange for a visit.

Diploma in MinistryThe Diploma in Ministry (DipMin) is offered through the weekly Ministry Formation Program. The diploma program helps ordination candidates to meet Diocesan requirements. All students, including those not seeking ordination, are able to gain a wider perspective on Christian ministry in today’s world through the DipMin units in the Ministry Formation Program.

For ordination candidates, the DipMin is normally awarded in conjunction with the Bachelor of Theology, when a student completes the equivalent of 8 semester units in addition to the requirements of the BTheol. However, the DipMin can also be taken in its own right in certain cases (16 semester units).

The DipMin units prepare and form students for ordained or lay ministry. Some units such as Supervised Theological Field Education, Clinical Pastoral Education and Homiletics, draw on a student’s College involvement and field placements. DipMin units in the Ministry Formation Program are offered over the whole year. The cost for participation in the Ministry Formation Program is $600 per year. Students participating in the Ministry Formation Program are eligible for financial assistance.

A typical DipMin program includes: • Introduction to Ministry Formation [initial year]• Mission, & Evangelism in an Ecumenical & Pluralist Context [all middle-year students, alternate years]• Managing Ministry OR Lay Ministry in Church and World [middle-year students; alternate years]• Supervised Theological Field Education A, B [field based] • Homiletics A, B [field based, offered every year]• Integrating Ministry [final year students]• Clinical Pastoral Education [available in approved programs]• Additional UFT courses may also be counted towards the DipMin


Bachelor of Theology This is an undergraduate degree taught by the United Faculty of Theology. Twenty-four semester units are required to complete the degree, offered in four fields. Core subjects of the degree are offered every year, in addition to a wide choice of electives. FIELD A: Humanities Comprising Greek, Hebrew, Philosophy, Study of Religions and similar unitsFIELD B: Biblical Studies Introductory and advanced units in Old and New Testaments.FIELD C: Christian Thought and History Introductory and higher units in Church History and Theology.FIELD D: Moral and Practical Theology Comprising Moral Theology, Ethics, Pastoral Theology, Liturgy, and Christian Education.

The precise content of these courses may vary from year to year. Details, including timetables, can be found in the United Faculty of Theology Handbook, available from the UFT office, Kernick House, Queen’s College, Parkville, Victoria 3052. (Phone: 03 9347 5700; Email: [email protected], Website: www.uft.unimelb.edu.au)

Eligible students may be able to obtain Austudy support. The BTheol is recognised by the Secondary Teachers’ Registration Board for the purposes of registration as a secondary teacher in the State of Victoria, when accompanied by an appropriate course in education such as a Diploma of Education. Joint BA/BTheol degrees may be undertaken in conjunction with Monash and Melbourne Universities; more details are available in the UFT Handbook.

Graduate Diploma in TheologyThe Graduate Diploma in Theology is intended for those who hold a primary degree in any discipline, and requires the equivalent of one year’s full time study. The Graduate Diploma also articulates into the MCD’s Master of Divinity degree.Distance Education Option: see page 8 for details.

Master of DivinityThis is a first degree in theology for graduates in any discipline, providing an appropriate foundation for ministry or for further study in theology. It offers an innovative and distinctive approach to the theological curriculum which aims at an integrative, holistic style of theological learning.

At the UFT, MDiv students study in common classes with BTheol students while pursuing additional course and assessment requirements. It may be pursued by full-time or part-time study, normally of not less than three and not more than nine years.The study of at least one biblical language (either Greek or Hebrew) is required for all students.Distance Education Option: see page 8 for details.

StructureA total of 270 points is required for the degree. The course comprises three types of study:• Foundational Studies (105 points) provide a basic introduction to the disciplines and fields of theological study (Biblical Studies, Theology and Church History, Christian Ministry, and Greek or Hebrew) and lay the foundations for further work. • Integrative Studies (60 points) builds on this foundation by taking up questions of methodology in such a way as to encourage a holistic view of the theological disciplines.• Specialised Studies (105 points) provides students with an opportunity to engage in a detailed study (at least 60 points) of one area of theological study (Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History, or Christian Life and Ministry). Some study in other areas at this level may also be undertaken. A minor thesis of 12,000 words may be included.

Research and Advanced Degrees in Theology and Ministry StudiesStudents undertaking other postgraduate degrees (including MTS, MA, PhD, ThD) and Advanced Ministry Studies (GradDipMin, MMin, DMinStuds) through the MCD may also be affiliated with Trinity, making appropriate use of supervision, Ministry Formation Program and community life, according to their needs and interests. For more information on these awards, go to www.mcd.unimelb.edu.au

Courses on campus in the United Faculty of Theology

• Bachelor of Theology (and joint BA/BTheol)• Graduate Diploma in Theology• Master of Divinity• Research and advanced degrees in Theology and

Ministry Studies

Trinity students are normally enrolled in degree courses of the Melbourne College of Divinity through the United Faculty of Theology.


Diploma in MinistryThis Diploma covers the basics of scripture, history, theology, and applied studies. It is open to candidates qualified to be admitted to a University or other approved tertiary institution in Australia. (NB: Provisional admission may be granted to candidates over 21 years who are not matriculants.)

Candidates need to complete at least one unit (15 points) in each of the fields of Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Systematic Theology, and at least six units (90 points) in total across these fields. The Diploma requires 240 points (16 units) to be completed in total. • Time: 4-5 hours per unit each week

For up-to-date details, check the website: www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/TCTSOnlineContact: The Registrar, Trinity College Theological School Phone: +61 3 9348 7478; Email: [email protected]

Graduate Diploma in Theology (through the United Faculty of Theology)This fully accredited award is open to graduates in any discipline. It consists of six units, and is the equivalent of one-year’s full-time study, though it may be completed part-time over three years. It can also form part of either the Master of Arts or the Master of Divinity degree.

• Time: 8-10 hours per unit each week (on and off-line).

For up-to-date details of available units and for enrolment forms and procedures check the website: www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/TCTSOnlineContact: The Registrar, Trinity College Theological School Phone: +61 3 9348 7478; Email: [email protected]

Master of Divinity (through the United Faculty of Theology)This is a first degree in theology for graduates in any discipline, providing an appropriate foundation for ministry or for further study in theology. It offers an innovative and distinctive approach to the theological curriculum which aims at an integrative, holistic style of theological learning.

It may be pursued by full-time or part-time study, normally of not less than three and not more than nine years. 18 units are required to complete the degree; the study of at least one biblical language (either Greek or Hebrew) is required for all students.

• Time: 8-10 hours per unit each week (on and off-line).

For up-to-date details of available units and for enrolment forms and procedures check the website: www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/TCTSOnlineContact: The Registrar, Trinity College Theological School Phone: +61 3 9348 7478; Email: [email protected]

Theology OnlineTRINITY’S Online program offers access to high quality theological education for people who lack the opportunity of on campus learning. The courses are best described as ‘accompanied online learning’, because the nature of the learning program puts students in touch both with their lecturer and with their peers. NB: students must have a computer and Internet access.

Online courses are ‘virtual classes’ offered during the regular timeframes of Trinity College Theological School semesters. Lecture material and course guidance is provided on the internet, while interactive components (such as class discussions, lecturer-student dialogue) utilise chat rooms and email.

Trinity offers the following MCD awards online: • Diploma in Ministry • Graduate Diploma in Theology (in partnership with the UFT)• Master of Divinity (in partnership with the UFT)


Sharing together in class, in chapel, over meals, and at other times is a crucial aspect of growth and learning as disciples of Christ. The support which members of the School - students and staff alike - are able to give one another, together with learning to accept differences and appreciate others’ experiences and points of view, is a necessary part of preparation for ministry.

Socialising as well as more structured ways of being together are important for the development of community life within the School. Along with social functions, most Fridays during the year include Community Time in which issues related to students’ needs or experiences can be aired.

The pleasant grounds, the College dining room, and the Old Warden’s Lodge where the Theological School is housed, with its common room, staff offices and seminar rooms, offer space for School members to engage during the day, possibly over a cup of coffee or around the meal table.

Students frequently discover that the Annual Retreat and the Quiet Days held during the year offer times of growing together in mutual understanding, and give space for corporate prayer and silence.

The Theological School as a CommunityThe Theological School at Trinity is an intentional Christian community. Theological education properly involves a corporate dimension, wider and deeper than lectures and books alone. To be a member of the School means being together on a journey with other students and members of staff.

Credo presents the basics of Christian faith in an open, user-friendly way over seven sessions, each lasting around two hours in total. Sessions normally include a meal, around twenty minutes of teaching, and then discussion in small groups. Sessions 5 and 6 are usually taken together on a day away. This concludes with a Eucharist, in which participants can ‘see’ three-dimensional Christian faith as celebrated by local Christians in the ministries of Word, Prayer, and Sacrament. The service also provides a ‘safe’ place in which response to Christ can be made, through the laying on of hands.

Teaching resources supplied in the kit comprise:• two video-cassettes – the original English version, and one

edited for Australian use • two copies of the Credo Manual (with graphics, teaching text

and guidelines) • three copies of the Group Convenors’ Handbook • take-home sheets, overhead projector originals and other aids to assist in teaching and discussion

Cost: $200 GST inc with no further costs once a parish owns the kit.

The Credo ProgramCredo is a ‘course for the curious’, designed to engage people with Christian faith. Trinity has developed, under licence, the English Credo course prepared by Bishop Lindsay Urwin – originally from Melbourne – into a kit suitable for use in just about any Australian parish.

Credo has a range of possible uses:• as a basic evangelism course for people enquiring about Christian faith • helping ‘fringe’ Anglicans come to a deeper appreciation of what faith in Christ means, or as a ‘refresher’ course in the faith for the

‘regulars’• in confirmation preparation, or ‘enquiry’ stage in the catechumenal process

What does Credo involve?

The Trinity Certificate in Theology and MinistryThe Trinity Certificate in Theology and Ministry enables interested adults to reflect on their faith, ministry, and discipleship in the context of their everyday activities. It runs in small group mode, usually arranged by a parish or diocese, facilitated by a tutor approved by the School. The Trinity Certificate is comprised of six units. Each involves 16-20 hours of workshops (usually spread over 8-10 weeks) and a similar amount of preparation time. Completion of each unit requires participation in 80% of classes, plus project work equivalent to 1200-1500 words – essay, letters, journals, or creative work such as art or poetry, possibly as a group project.Cost: $40 GST inc per unit per person

Units are: Unit 1: Experiencing Faith Unit 2: Understanding the Old Testament Unit 3: Understanding the New Testament Unit 4: The Anglican Church – our Story Unit 5: Confessing Our Faith Unit 6: Serving Christ Today


Spiritual LifeThe spiritual life remains a core value of the School. At Trinity this has both community and personal aspects, and is shaped by a variety of rhythms – days, weeks, and semesters – within the overall shape of the Christian year.

Trinity Chapel (pictured on cover) is set near the front entrance of the College and is open each day. It has served many generations of students as a place for corporate and private prayer.

Services at Trinity are centred on A Prayer Book for Australia, shaped for the context of the School community. The scheduling, planning, and preparation of Chapel services is undertaken together by staff and students.

Morning and Evening Prayer are said corporately each weekday. This ancient pattern of daily prayer centres on recitation of the Psalms, the reading of scripture, and the offering of corporate prayer in a meditative framework. The Eucharist is celebrated daily through the week in term, at a variety of times. All members of the School are expected to take their part in these services according to their ability.

Friday is the principal weekly focus of the community life of the School. It is the day on which much of the Ministry Formation Program takes place, including the School’s community Eucharist.

Each year Quiet Days and a silent Retreat provide opportunities for spiritual refreshment and guidance. Spiritual direction is an opportunity to discover how God is at work in one’s life, and how to respond more faithfully. Staff can assist in recommending directors to students. Ordination candidates are normally required by their bishops to have a spiritual director. It may also be appropriate for some students to work on personal growth issues in other settings such as therapy or counselling.

MentorsAs part of the mentoring program available across Trinity College, students can each have a mentor assigned by the Director – ordinands are required to work with a Theological School staff member. Individual sessions take place several times each year – the precise pattern is worked out between the student and mentor.

The mentor relationship focuses primarily on each student’s growth in learning and vocation, and offers each Trinity student the opportunity for academic and personal guidance.

Mentor and student• talk together on any matter or issue raised by the learning experience – academic, practical, spiritual, pastoral, etc. • in the case of ordinands, collaborate in the production of end of semester reports for their bishop.

For more information on mentoring at Trinity, contact the Director of the Theological School, or the Director of Academic Mentoring, Dr Sally Dalton-Brown [email protected]

Supervised Theological Field Education An integral part of preparation for ordained and other ministries is the Supervised Theological Field Education program (STFE). STFE is required of ordinands, and opportunities may also be available for other students, depending on their vocational goals and availability of placements.

STFE involves students being placed in a parish or other ministry situation during the academic year. Typically, first year students undertake a four hour weekly placement, while second and third years contract for a twelve hour placement. Fourth year placements are open to negotiation.

Every effort is made to place ordinands where they will learn and grow. Those preparing for parish ministry are usually placed in parishes, while deacon or ‘sector ministry’ ordinands (those who envisage working as chaplains) may have one or more placements in a school, agency, or similar ministry situation.

A key part of STFE for ordinands is the theological reflection sessions, held jointly at Ridley and Trinity Colleges. The aim of these sessions is to develop skills in reflecting on life, theology, practical experience, and spirituality; as well as enabling ordinands from the different Colleges to get to know one another. The integration of all these elements is of prime importance in ministerial development.

Internships may also be available for other students, although not every aspect of the supervisory and assessment structures may be included.

Clinical Pastoral EducationClinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is regarded by the Theological School as an important part of ministry formation. Candidates for ordination are normally expected, and others are actively encouraged, to undertake CPE. CPE is an educational experience. It brings theological students and ministers (lay and ordained), into supervised encounters with people in a variety of circumstances. Through intense involvement with people, and the feedback from peers, supervisors and the people to whom ministry is offered, students develop new awareness of their own humanity and of the needs of others.

Ministry Placement OpportunitiesA wide range of specialised settings is offered, in which pastoral ministry placement can be undertaken during the CPE unit. These include parishes, institutional settings, community and health care agencies, including the following: • Alfred Hospital • Monash Medical Centre • Royal Children’s Hospital • Prahran Mission • St Mary’s House of Welcome • Caulfield General Medical Centre • Epworth Hospital


Theological LibrariesThe School is fortunate in having two theological collections located in Trinity College’s Leeper Library, in the Evan Burge Building.

The Mollison collection of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne is available to all Anglican clergy, laity and students in the Diocese. This has been integrated with the Leeper collection, which is open to all College members, and contains the theological holdings of Trinity College. The Leeper Library also offers access to the wide range of resources available on the internet, of special importance to the online students of the theological school.

By combining the two collections, the library offers good coverage of the set texts of the United Faculty of Theology as well as standard theological works. A great strength is the emphasis on the Anglican Church, both in Australia and overseas, as well as on liturgy, devotional works, spirituality, and missions.

There are also extensive collections on the role of Christianity in the modern world – topics such as bio-medical ethics, issues of peace and war, the role of women today, to name a few, are well represented. There is a comprehensive local history stack, and sets of early church journals and Australian Anglican official publications.

The library has modest holdings of current periodicals in ‘hard copy’, and subscribes to significant full-text services on line giving access to many others. Trinity also has stack holdings of older but often useful books. Loans are usually for a month, but during term books in heavy demand may be placed on 7 day or 3 day loan.

The Leeper librarian Nina Waters and her assistants are always pleased to assist theological students in their exploration of the two collections.

Trinity students also have full access to the Joint Theological Library (JTL) housed at Ormond College, where the libraries of the Jesuit Theological College and the Uniting Church Theological Hall are combined to produce the finest library of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Our library resources are thus second to none.

Financial Aid

FEE-HELPFEE-HELP is a new loan program from the Australian Government that assists eligible fee-paying students (both full-time and part-time, face-to-face and online) to pay their tuition fees at eligible higher education providers. Australian citizens and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance. FEE-HELP will assist postgraduate fee-paying students as PELS did. It will also assist undergraduate fee-paying students including those undertaking the Diploma in Ministry. Under FEE-HELP, students can borrow up to a maximum of $50,000 (indexed each year) over their lifetime.

The FEE-HELP debt does not attract interest as such. However, it is indexed each year with the CPI to maintain its real value. Undergraduate students should note that FEE-HELP has a loan fee of 20%. The loan fee does not apply to students of postgraduate courses of study.

Residential ScholarshipsTrinity College offers up to two full residential scholarships to prospective theological students giving the opportunity for participation in Trinity’s social and cultural life, its pursuit of intellectual excellence, and the experience of the Daily Office and other liturgical and formational events.

These residential scholarships are awarded, on merit, to students who have enrolled or are to enrol in a degree course of the Melbourne College of Divinity, undertaken through the Trinity College Theological School as a partner in the United Faculty of Theology. These scholarships will provide for standard residential College fees for 40 weeks of the year, and are renewable for the duration of the degree program subject to satisfactory conduct and academic progress. Students and/or their sponsors will be responsible for other fees, including those for UFT tuition.

StudentshipsStudents undertaking the Ministry Formation Program at Trinity may also be eligible for other forms of financial assistance, including scholarships for the residential college, studentships that assist with living expenses, and other forms of bursary and scholarship assistance.

Placements may also be undertaken in settings other than those specified above, especially where students are in an established place of ministry. All these offer broad experience for pastoral ministry to people of all ages who are confronting or are confronted by the need to find meaning in life, amidst changes which have an impact on health and well-being. many of these issues are of profound theological and ethical significance, not only for those directly concerned and those who make decisions for their welfare, but for the whole community.

Pastoral Ministry placement is negotiated through the Centre Director and CPE Supervisor, together with the necessary contractual arrangements, which are completed when places are offered to students.


ContactTrinity College Theological SchoolPhone: +61 3 9348 7127Fax: +61 3 9348 7460Email: [email protected]

Staff Directory

The Revd Dr Andrew McGowan ext. 7127 [email protected]

The Revd Ross Fishburn ext. [email protected]

The Revd Dr Craig de Vos ext. [email protected]

The Revd Dr Richard Treloar ext. [email protected]

The Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala ext. [email protected]

Dorothy Dullege ext. [email protected]

Dr David O’Brien ext. [email protected]

Dr Kim Power ext. [email protected]

The Revd Con Apokis [email protected]

Interested?The best way of exploring what Trinity College Theological School offers is by making a personal visit.

You are most welcome to contact the School and set a time when you can meet with staff and students, and join in a day’s activities.

Staff are always glad and willing to discuss the possibilities of study through Trinity, and also to explore matters of vocation. If you would like more information, wish to make a time to speak with a member of staff, or want an application form, please contact: The Registrar, Dr David O’Brien Trinity College Theological School Trinity College Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052 Phone: +61 3 9348 7478 Fax: +61 3 9348 7460 Email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/theology

Coming to Trinity

Students at TrinityStudents of Theology at Trinity College come from around Australia and beyond to participate in an open community of learning, prayer, pastoral support and guidance in the Anglican tradition.

Trinity students value:• Being part of a community with a strong liturgical life and fellowship• Studying in an ecumenical context through the United Faculty of Theology• Sharing in retreats and quiet days• Participating in the Ministry Formation Program • Engaging in Field Education• Receiving guidance from a mentor

The Theological School prepares men and women to be deacons and priests in the Anglican Church, and welcomes anyone who wishes to explore Christian faith, discern their vocation, or prepare for ministry in any setting.

Its Online program provides theological education for people studying at home anywhere in the world. Trinity also offers a Certificate course for local use, and distributes the Credo evangelism and discipleship program.

Trinity students study in an ecumenical context through the United Faculty of Theology, preparing for the degrees and diplomas of the Melbourne College of Divinity. Both full and part time study is possible.

The Theological School also offers resources for Christian evangelism and nurture:• The Credo evangelism and discipleship program• The Trinity Certificate in Theology and Ministry • Continuing education for clergy • Public lectures and occasional publications

Staff are always willing to respond to questions.

Trinity College Theological Schoolthe theological faculty of the Anglican Province of Victoria

Trinity students

come from across

Australia and overseas

to participate in an

open community

of learning, prayer,

pastoral support

and guidance,

in the Anglican

tradition.

For further information please contactThe Registrar, Dr David O’BrienTrinity College Theological SchoolTrinity CollegeRoyal Parade Parkville VIC 3052Phone +61 3 9348 7478Fax +61 3 9348 7460Email [email protected]

Visit our websitewww.trinity.unimelb.edu.au

Trinity College • Trinity College Foundation Studies • Theology • Summer Schools

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