Siloam Program

SILOAM : FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME PROGRAM FOR THE FORMATION OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS

The internationally-renowned Siloam program for the formation of spiritual directors continues to guide candidates from Australia and around the world along the path of contemplative discernment, following the way of the heart.

It is the longest-running program for the formation of Spiritual Directors in Australia. First offered in 1979 by Brian Gallagher msc, and by Heart of Life since 1983, Siloam, recognised by the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction, has earned a national and international reputation of forming competent and experienced spiritual directors.

The program’s approach to formation is soundly experiential and is based on solid theological, biblical and social sciences theory and praxis. A discerning, contemplative attitude is integral to all seminars and practical work. Regular reflection, prayer time and a commitment to one’s own spiritual direction are essential to the program.

It is open to people of all faiths and cultural traditions who are drawn to listen deeply to their own hearts, and the hearts of others, and seek to discern whether they may be called to the ministry of spiritual direction.

The lecturers and supervisors at Heart of Life foster a discerning, contemplative approach where spiritual directors-in-formation become more and more attuned to the movement of God’s Spirit in themselves and in their directees.

Siloam can be undertaken as either the ‘Siloam Program’ (a Certificate issued by Heart of Life) or for those who have a previous, recognised University degree, the Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction.

Siloam is offered in the following formats:

Full Time – 1 Year (Mondays – Thursdays) on campus (times to be advised)
Part Time – 2 Years (Mondays) on campus or online (times to be advised)

We are receiving applications for studies in 2024. Closing date: 15 October 2023.
Places in the program are limited – we recommend that applications be submitted as early as possible. Late applications will be considered on their merits.

The Siloam formation groups consist of a small number of participants each year, providing the best environment for the course praxis in particular. For this reason, and because of the level of interest in the program each year, a $500 application fee is payable when candidates apply, which is later deducted from the course fees. The application fee holds a potential seat in the program until a formal Offer of a Place is made. (The $500 fee is refundable if an Offer of a Place is not made.).

Full course fee information is provided in the Siloam brochure downloadable from this page.

Click to download the 2024 brochure

Click to download application form

Census Dates in 2023
The Census Dates below are the final dates on which a student may withdraw from the Siloam Program or Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction without financial penalty. Withdrawal from either of these programs/units after the dates 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.

Full-time Students:
Sem 1 Units – 21/3/23
Sem 2 Units – 22/8/23

Part-time Students:
12.00pm – 24/4/23

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for gaining a place in the program?

Generally, we recommend the following:

1/ You have had at least six months’ experience of being in spiritual direction.

2/ You sense a call to become a spiritual director.

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 Diploma, enrol with Yarra Theological Union. Overseas students must enrol with YTU by 15 November.

Are you an overseas applicant seeking to study the Siloam Program for the Certificate in Spiritual Direction?

1/ Study in Australia – firstly, candidates should undertake an IELTS test (or equivalent) to ensure their level of English meets 5.5 General. Candidates should then apply to Heart of Life to undertake the Siloam Program well before the closing date. After a successful application and interview, and being offered a place by Heart of Life, these candidates should apply for the Temporary Activity Visa 408 if they wish to study in-person in Australia. This Visa is for one year thus applicants would need to study the Program full-time. The English level required for the Certificate is IELTS 5.5 General, with at least 5.0 in each of the four bands.

2/ Study Online from your Home Country – firstly, candidates should undertake an IELTS test (or equivalent) to ensure their level of English meets 5.5 General. Candidates should then apply to Heart of Life to undertake the Siloam Program before the closing date. As an online candidate, a stable and reliable internet service is required as well as a manageable time difference. Note that only the part-time stream (ie Mondays, 9am-5pm AEST) of the Program is available online. The English level required for the Certificate is IELTS 5.5 General, with at least 5.0 in each of the four bands. After a successful application and interview, Heart of Life will offer a place in the program.

Are you an overseas applicant seeking to study the Siloam Program for the Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction?

1/ Study in Australia – firstly, candidates should undertake an IELTS test (or equivalent) to ensure their level of English meets 6.5 Academic. Candidates should apply to Heart of Life to undertake Siloam/GDSD well before the closing date. After a successful application and interview, Heart of Life will offer a place in the program, and candidates can then apply to YTU to enrol in the GDSD. Note that those seeking the GDSD would apply for the Student Visa 500, which requires full-time study of the program, and a higher level of English – IELTS 6.5 Academic. After being accepted by Heart of Life to study Siloam/GDSD, an application to YTU to enrol in the GDSD must be made before 15 November 2022.

2/ Study Online from your Home Country – firstly, candidates should undertake an IELTS test (or equivalent) to ensure their level of English meets 6.5 Academic. Candidates should apply to Heart of Life to undertake Siloam/GDSD before the closing date. Candidates will be able to study part-time only (ie Mondays, 9am-5pm AEST). A stable and reliable internet service is required as well as a manageable time difference. After a successful application and interview, Heart of Life will offer a place in the program, and candidates can then apply to YTU to enrol in the GDSD as an online student. The English level required is IELTS 6.5 Academic. After being accepted by Heart of Life to study the program, an application to YTU to enrol in the GDSD should be made before 15 December 2022. Overseas GDSD applicants can find more student information here.

What Units are studied in the Program?

Testimonials

My time with the Siloam program was an incredibly enriching, formative experience. Experiential at its core, the program takes participants through an inner journey like none other. The insights I have gained about myself in relation to God and to the world have transformed my sense of self, my vocation and my capacity to hear with the heart, not just my own self but the longings of others. I recommend Siloam highly to those on the Christian walk who are ready to be stretched and challenged and to those who want to learn through experience, what it means to truly listen and be heard

Carrie

VIC

After spending the last ten years on mission overseas, Siloam has been a truly blessed year for me. My experience at Heart of Life has touched my heart deeply and enriched my mind. A refrain that kept ringing in my ears was, “Listen attentively with the ear of the heart.” (St Benedict) Participating in Siloam has helped me hear more deeply God’s personal call to me. Lectures, Group and Individual Supervision, evaluations and interaction with other participants all worked together to lead me to a greater self-awareness and self-acceptance, which in turn have enriched my ministry response. The year has helped me be more aware of the “Divine Spark” within me and others. For Siloam, which has brought me to life-giving water, to Living Water, I am truly grateful.

Marie

VIC

I’ve just completed the university course to end all courses. Though only a day per week for most of its two years, Siloam has not only profoundly altered my understanding of myself and others, introduced me to the most amazing thinkers and theologians, sharpened my ability to discern between the words of what another person says, bestowed on me a deep trust in whatever turns my life will take in the years ahead – for good measure, it has also transformed me professionally and started me in a career that has given me moments of the most intense satisfaction and purpose, in my daily dealings with the sick and dying.

Chris

VIC

Siloam is an unique opportunity to answer the inner call in each person’s individual relationship with their God. This course allows each person to refine and connect at a deeper level of Spiritual understanding, not just within themself, but also in being able to take this understanding outwards to other people in their deep need. The journey is guided gently but firmly and structured with each person being able to engage with the theology of writers down the centuries. The course allows the person to appreciate God’s unique place in our day-to-day lives. Siloam is a blessing given to a few. A gift that was given to me.

Jan

VIC