Purpose The purpose of St Michael’s Divinity School is to provide academic and spiritual resources for the international Independent Catholic Movement and to prepare candidates for Holy Orders, particularly in the Australian Church of Antioch.  St Michael’s Divinity School educates Independent Catholic Clergy.  It also enriches the spiritual life of students, enhances their appreciation of the great spiritual traditions of the world, and promotes global awareness of our human family as a spiritual fellowship. When you have read about what St Michael’s Divinity School offers, please write or call the school.  We are here to help you along your path.

 

Eligibility And Admission The theological programme of St Michael’s Divinity School is designed for those who feel called to priesthood or ministry within an Independent Catholic Church jurisdiction. Applicants from jurisdictions other than the Australian Church of Antioch are required to obtain the approval of their local Bishop or appropriate church authority before enrolling.

Individuals who wish to undertake theological studies for personal enrichment, spiritual formation, or academic interest are also welcome. Prospective students in this category are encouraged to discuss their circumstances and study goals with the Dean of the School prior to enrolment.

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Character and Suitability for Ministry The School strongly encourages applicants to provide an official police check as part of the discernment and formation process. This assists the Church in ensuring the safety and well-being of all those entrusted to its care.

The Australian Church of Antioch reserves the right to decline admission to the School or ordination to Holy Orders where concerns exist regarding a candidate’s suitability for ministry. Such decisions will never be based on race, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.

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The Seminary Program is a non-accredited seminary dedicated to preparing candidates for priestly and pastoral ministry within the Australian Church of Antioch and other churches of the Independent Catholic tradition.

The mission of the Australian Church of Antioch is to make the traditional Catholic sacraments available to all people without discrimination on the basis of race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reflecting the Church’s liberal and inclusive approach to theology, the School offers both practical sacramental formation and a broad exploration of enduring religious, spiritual, and theological questions.

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A More Detailed Discussion of Holy Orders

Holy Orders is one of the Sacraments of the Church and represents a sacred calling to serve Our Lord Jesus Christ through ordained ministry. It is a vocation undertaken by those who discern a genuine call to dedicate themselves more fully to the service of God, the Church, and the people entrusted to their care.

Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, candidates receive ordination, a sacred rite by which the Church confers authority and grace for the performance of specific ministerial duties. The outward ceremony of ordination reflects an inward spiritual reality, marking a significant stage in the candidate's ongoing journey of formation and discipleship.

Each order represents both a responsibility and an opportunity for spiritual growth. As candidates mature in faith, knowledge, and service, they may be invited to advance to further stages of ministry and formation. Through the laying on of hands and the prayers of the Church, the ordained are united more closely with the ministry of Christ and participate in the apostolic mission entrusted to the Church.

Christian tradition teaches that Holy Orders was instituted by Christ and handed down through the Apostles. The bishops of the Church stand within this historic apostolic succession and continue the apostolic ministry through the ordination and formation of clergy.

Within the Australian Church of Antioch, the journey towards priesthood is understood as a gradual process of spiritual, pastoral, and sacramental formation. Before entering the formal orders of ministry, candidates may be admitted as Servers, a role that introduces them to the liturgical life of the Church and prepares them for service within the sanctuary.

The traditional orders recognised by the Church are divided into two groups:

Minor Orders

• Cleric

• Doorkeeper

• Reader

• Healer/Exorcist

• Acolyte

These orders provide progressive formation in service, worship, pastoral care, and spiritual discipline, helping candidates develop the qualities necessary for effective ministry.

Major Orders

• Sub-Deacon

• Deacon

• Priest

The Major Orders carry increasing responsibilities within the sacramental and pastoral life of the Church. Each stage calls the candidate to deeper commitment, greater service, and a more profound participation in the ministry of Christ.

The Church views progression through the orders not merely as advancement in rank, but as a continuing process of spiritual transformation. Each order emphasises particular virtues, responsibilities, and areas of growth. Candidates are encouraged to cultivate these qualities through prayer, study, worship, and active service, allowing their vocation to mature in accordance with God's grace and guidance.

In keeping with the Church's understanding of formation, advancement through the orders is based not only upon academic achievement but also upon demonstrated spiritual maturity, pastoral suitability, and a genuine commitment to the service of Christ and His Church.​

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Liturgical Formation Students preparing for ministry within the Australian Church of Antioch are provided with a comprehensive liturgical framework suitable for the Church’s sacramental and pastoral life. At the same time, the Church recognises and respects the rich diversity of liturgical traditions found within the wider Catholic and Christian world.

Clergy and candidates may use Anglican, Roman Catholic, Liberal Catholic, or other recognised Christian liturgical forms, subject to review and approval by the Synod when used in the name of the Australian Church of Antioch. Likewise, clergy who wish to develop original liturgical material may do so, provided such material receives Synodical approval before public use.

This process ensures that all liturgical practices conducted under the Church’s authority remain consistent with Christian faith, sound pastoral practice, and the values of the Church. Clergy are nevertheless encouraged to remain familiar with the recommended liturgy of the Australian Church of Antioch, as it provides a common foundation for worship and facilitates united services and diocesan gatherings.

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Ministry During Formation

Students preparing for priesthood who intend to establish a parish or ministry under the auspices of the Australian Church of Antioch may, with appropriate authorisation, be permitted to organise prayer groups, study groups, and other approved forms of ministry during their period of formation.

In accordance with the Church’s discipline, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and other sacramental functions reserved to ordained clergy may only be performed by those who have received the appropriate Holy Orders.

Upon successful completion of the academic requirements and satisfaction of the Church’s formation and discernment processes, an ecclesiastical degree may be awarded and ordination may be recommended to the appropriate church authority.

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Recognition of Prior Learning Applicants who possess previous theological education, ministerial training, or relevant experience may apply for Advanced Standing. Applications should be submitted to the Dean and accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation, such as academic transcripts, certificates, or other evidence of prior learning and competence.

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Flexible Distance Learning Our programme is primarily delivered through distance learning, enabling students to study from their own communities while continuing to engage in local ministry and church life. As adult learners, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own educational journey. We believe this approach fosters not only theological competence but also the initiative, self-discipline, and organisational skills essential for effective ministry.

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Flexible Study Pace

St Michael’s Divinity School is committed to flexible adult learning. Students complete their courses at their own pace, and no fixed completion period is imposed. This allows candidates to balance their studies with family, work, ministry, and other commitments.

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The Associate of Divinity (A. Div) degree (100/200) The Associate of Divinity is in two levels. Level 1: The candidate must complete all of the course 100 series. However, if they only wish to do a particular 100 course they will receive a certificate of this. On completion of all Minor Orders requirements the candidate will receive an Associate of Divinity Level 1. Level 2: the Candidate must complete all the course 200 series. As in Level 1 those who complete all the Major Orders receive the Associate of Divinity Level 2, and as in Level 1 a seminarian can opt to only do one 200 course and a certificate will be issued certifying this. The Associate of Divinity is a foundation of a professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the Priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the Ministry for those who do not possess an associate's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. The contents include personal development, liturgical practice and pastoral care.

The Bachelor of Divinity (B. Div) degree,(300). The Bachelor of Divinity is the primary professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the ministry including personal development, liturgical practice, and pastoral care.

The Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree (400) - Major Orders only. The Master of Divinity is an advanced professional degree awarded to seminarians prior to ordination to the Priesthood. Its purpose is to give the requisite training for the professional practice of the ministry including personal development, liturgical practice and pastoral care at the graduate level.

Course Assessment and Grading

Each course consists of assignments and a final examination, which is divided into two components:

Part One – Written Essay (50%)
Students are required to complete a written essay based on a selected examination question. The essay must meet the required length and academic standards appropriate to the level of study being undertaken.

Part Two – Examination Paper (50%)
Students must also complete a formal examination paper covering the subject material studied during the course.

The final grade for each course is calculated by averaging the marks received for both components. For example:

• Part One (Essay): 85/100

• Part Two (Examination): 79/100

Total: 164/200
Final Grade: 82% – Credit

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Academic Standards

Assignments and examinations are tailored to the academic level at which the student is enrolled, whether Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s level. To receive credit for a course, students are expected to demonstrate the level of scholarship, understanding, and academic rigour appropriate to their programme of study.

The minimum passing grade for all subjects is 60%.

Grading Scale

Final MarkGrade

0–59%Not Satisfactory

60–74%Pass

75–84%Credit

85–94%Honours

95–100%First Class Honours

Students who successfully complete their studies are encouraged to view their academic work not merely as a requirement for certification, but as part of their ongoing spiritual, theological, and ministerial formation.

 

Fees and Official Transcripts

St Michael’s Divinity School operates as a ministry of the Australian Church of Antioch and is not conducted for profit. All fees are kept to the minimum necessary to cover administrative, educational, and assessment costs associated with the programme.

Students are responsible for purchasing any required textbooks and course materials. Although the number of required texts is generally modest, these costs are not included in tuition fees.

For seminarians preparing for ordination, tuition is charged at $50 per month for a period of two years, payable to the Australian Church of Antioch. In cases of financial hardship or where a student is unable to complete the programme within the expected timeframe, arrangements may be discussed with the Dean, and reasonable accommodations may be considered according to individual circumstances.

Clergy undertaking studies through the Continuing Education Programme after ordination are charged $75 per course. This fee contributes to the costs of tuition, assessment, marking, and the preparation of academic reports.

Official transcripts and records of study may be issued upon request. Students should contact the Dean for information regarding transcript requests and any applicable administrative fees.

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Requirements for Ordination

Successful completion of the academic programme does not automatically guarantee ordination. Ordination is granted only when the appropriate church authorities determine that a candidate has demonstrated the theological knowledge, spiritual maturity, personal integrity, and pastoral readiness required for ordained ministry.

Recommendations regarding ordination are made following assessment by the School's examiners and the relevant church authorities.

The Australian Church of Antioch expects candidates for Holy Orders to maintain a lifestyle consistent with Christian ministry and ethical conduct. Behaviour that is unlawful, gravely irresponsible, or inconsistent with the responsibilities of ordained ministry may affect a candidate’s suitability for ordination.

Candidates seeking ordination within the Australian Church of Antioch are expected to participate regularly in the Church’s sacramental and liturgical life. Regular attendance at Mass and involvement in parish ministry provide valuable practical formation and opportunities for spiritual growth.

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Important Notice St Michael’s Divinity School offers a broad theological curriculum that includes the study of subjects and viewpoints that some students may find challenging or different from their own beliefs and traditions. We believe that an effective minister benefits from a working knowledge of diverse religious perspectives, theological approaches, and spiritual traditions.

The School does not seek to impose particular opinions upon its students. Rather, we encourage thoughtful engagement, respectful discussion, and critical reflection. Students are welcome to express their own views and perspectives without fear that doing so will adversely affect their studies or academic assessment. While the School may not engage in ongoing debate regarding the inclusion of particular subjects within the curriculum, all students are encouraged to approach their studies with an open and enquiring mind.

Candidates should also be aware that clergy serving within the Australian Church of Antioch are generally responsible for establishing and maintaining their own ministries. The Church does not provide salaries or stipends for clergy. Any remuneration offered to a priest or minister is the responsibility of the parish, congregation, or ministry in which they serve.

Although the School seeks to provide comprehensive preparation for ordained ministry, successful completion of the programme does not automatically guarantee ordination. The final decision regarding a candidate’s suitability for ordination rests with the appropriate church authorities and is made in consultation with the Dean of the School, the Presiding Archbishop, the Director of Clergy, and the mentoring Bishop or Apostolic Administrator responsible for the region in which the seminarian resides or serves.

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Continuing Education Programme for Clergy

The Continuing Education Programme is designed for clergy who wish to pursue ongoing theological, spiritual, and pastoral development beyond their initial formation and ordination.

Clergy may enrol in the programme for a variety of reasons, including personal enrichment, the enhancement of their ministry and service to others, the development of specialised knowledge and skills, or preparation for further ecclesiastical responsibilities and ordination.

The Australian Church of Antioch encourages lifelong learning and recognises that effective ministry requires continual growth in knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding. Through the Continuing Education Programme, clergy are provided with opportunities to deepen their theological awareness, broaden their pastoral competencies, and remain engaged with contemporary religious and ministerial issues.

Courses may be undertaken at the student's own pace and selected according to individual interests, ministerial needs, and vocational goals.

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Other Independent Churches Independent Churches that do not have a Bishop within their own jurisdiction, but require the ordination of a priest possessing valid apostolic succession, may make arrangements through the Dean of St Michael’s Divinity School for a Bishop of the Australian Church of Antioch to perform the ordination.

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