Xavier School of Preaching

Raising a new generation of preachers

Join the Xavier School of Preaching 2026 – a transformative experience for ordained and lay Catholics seeking to deepen their call to proclaim the Gospel. 

The Xavier School of Preaching 2026 is a joint initiative of the Xavier Centre at Australian Catholic University and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Rooted in the mission of the Catholic Church, the school seeks to raise up a new generation of preachers – woman and men, ordained and lay – equipped to proclaim the Gospel with clarity, conviction and creativity.

Whether you're a parish leader, educator, religious, seminarian, clergy member or passionate lay Catholic, the Xavier School of Preaching offers formation in preaching that is spiritually rich, theologically grounded and practically focused.

Registrations are now open for 2026. 

Register now

Program information

We offer a multi-modal program, including innovative online resources and an intensive face-to-face experience.

The intensive experience includes input from preachers, practical formation and training workshops aimed at developing your capacity to communicate.

Topics include:

  • proclamation and encounter
  • contemplation and communication
  • mechanics of public speaking
  • practicums for catechesis, testimonies, homilies, public preaching, digital and social media.

Speakers include Archbishop Peter Comensoli, Reverend Dr. Kevin Lenehan, Associate Professor Maeve Louise Heaney VDMF and Mr Robert Falzon.

A full program schedule will be available soon.

Fees

Cost to participate
$250 per person
$125 concession rate
All meals provided, including dinner Thursday, full day catering Friday and Saturday

Dates and venue

Dates

Thursday 30 April – Saturday 2 May 2026

Venue
Greg Craven Centre, ACU, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Further information

For more information, please contact xaviercentre@acu.edu.au

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