Damascus Spiritual Leaders Program
The Damascus Spiritual Leaders Program is a one-year, part-time program for people in various positions of leadership, spiritual formation and outreach ministries. Formators, priests, ministers, members of religious Orders, spiritual health workers, pastoral associates/lay ecclesial ministers, community and spiritual leaders, chaplains, pastoral care practitioners, school principals, teachers, school mission leaders and those working in health will especially find the program of benefit.
The Damascus learning process supports the participant’s personal integration of the theory and practice of a contemplative and discerning approach to the spiritual and pastoral elements of leadership. The program is contemplative and experiential in its approach and enables participants to focus on growth in self-awareness and sensitivity to the movement of God’s Spirit in oneself, as well as in the person to whom one is ministering.
Participants will engage with areas of spirituality including: understanding your emotional inner life; stages of faith formation; discernment; contemplative practices; leadership influence; and meditation and prayer. The units studied are:
- DD8703Y Personal Awareness & Human Development
- DP8002S Leadership Formation & Praxis
- DP9611C Teaching Meditation & Prayer
Attendance in 2023 is available either in-person or online via Zoom. Sessions will be held as follows:
- 28 x Mondays, 11am-12.45pm during Victorian school terms (DD8703Y)
- 7 x Saturdays, 10am-4pm including a reflection prayer gathering (DD8002S)
- 4 x Saturdays, 10am-4pm (DP9611C)
We are receiving applications for studies in 2024.
Click to download the 2023 Damascus brochure – the 2024 update will be available in April
Click to download the Damascus application form
Places in the program are limited – we encourage applications as early as possible. Late applications will be considered on their merits.
Census Dates in 2023
The Census Dates below is the final date on which a student may withdraw from the Damascus Spiritual Leaders Program without financial penalty. Withdrawal after the date below will result in a ‘Fail’ being marked on the student’s transcript and no refund will be possible unless special circumstances apply as per the Refund Policy.
Census date – 25/3/23
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study the program for the Graduate Certificate in Divinity?
Participants who meet the ‘previous Degree’ and other criteria, may undertake the Damascus Program as a fully-accredited Graduate Certificate in Divinity. Enrolment is made through Yarra Theological Union & Catholic Theological College (colleges of the University of Divinity) after an Offer of a Place is provided by Heart of Life. Fee-Help for tuition fees is available to qualifying students when studying for this award.
Can I study as an Audit student?
This formation program may be undertaken as an Audit student, resulting in a Heart of Life award in Spiritual Leadership being provided on successful completion. See the Damascus brochure for more information.
Is this program recognised by CECV?
Heart of Life is currently seeking permission to have the Damascus Spiritual Leaders Program recognised by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) as acceptable professional learning hours towards:
- gaining or maintaining CECV accreditation to teach in a Catholic school in Victoria;
- gaining or maintaining CECV accreditation to teach religious education or lead in a Catholic school in Victoria
What is the process for gaining a place in the program?
Generally, we recommend the following:
1/ You have had experience of being in leadership or are an aspiring leader.
2/ You sense a call to become a better leader.
3/ Attend a Taster session if possible – these are generally held in June and August each year and are publicised on our website.
4/ Have a conversation with us before you submit your application.
5/ Complete application documents, pay application fee, and submit no later than 15 October.
6/ Attend interview.
7/ Undertake psychological test as directed.
8/ Based on steps 5-7, receive an Offer of a Place.
9/ For those studying for the Graduate Certificate, enrol with Yarra Theological Union. Overseas students must enrol with YTU by 15 November.