FellowshipThe Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry is pleased to announce applications are now open for the Australian Young Catholic Women’s Fellowship for 2026/2027.

The Fellowship, which is offered over a two-year period, is a key initiative reflecting the Australian bishops’ ongoing commitment to formation of women for missionary leadership.

Since 2006, eight leadership programs have been successfully delivered, enabling many Australian Catholic women to be intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and personally formed for effective leadership roles in their communities.

Fellowship participant Ashley Carvalho said the program had been of great benefit.

“The program provided a valuable opportunity to intentionally grow in my faith and explore how I can contribute as a leader to the life of the Church and the wider community,” she said.

“It was a privilege to journey alongside other young women from across the country and to learn from their experiences and wisdom.”

Another member of the current program, Fina Jose, described the Fellowship as a “transformative journey that deepened my faith and strengthened my understanding of my baptismal call”.

“It opened my eyes to the richness of Church teaching and helped me see my place within the mission of the Catholic Church,” Fina said.

“Learning alongside like-minded young people from across Australia was inspiring and uplifting, while the excellent teachers encouraged and nurtured the leader within me. This experience greatly boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue living out my faith with purpose and passion.”

In announcing the 2026/2027 Fellowship, the Bishop Delegate for Women, Bishop Michael Morrissey, expressed his hope that women from across Australia would consider applying.

“The bishops of Australia are delighted to offer these Fellowships, enabling young women to proclaim the faith confidently and competently in all the places they are called to lead,” Bishop Morrissey said.

“The Fellowship supports young women to lead now and into the future, as the Church works to fully realise the opportunities for women to lead in the Church as called for by the Synod on Synodality.”

Administered by the National Centre for Evangelisation (NCE), eight Fellowships will be offered, with each including:

  • $4,000 towards the Australian Catholic University’s Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Women’s Leadership for Mission program);
  • Annual in-person formation experience with other Fellowship recipients and guests (flights and accommodation) aligned with ACU’s in-person components;
  • Introduction and accompaniment into a community of women who will journey together over the two years and beyond; and
  • Online gatherings offering prayer and reflection, introductory sessions on spiritual direction and the ‘Called and Gifted’ discernment process.

The Fellowship is seeking applications from Catholic women aged between 25 and 35 years who:

  • Have successfully completed undergraduate study (in any field of study);
  • Have an understanding of and a commitment to promote the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel values;
  • Can demonstrate how they live their baptismal mission in the world and contribute to Catholic life; and
  • Can demonstrate a desire to enhance their leadership potential in the forums they are engaged in, upholding and promoting Catholic principles.

In 2026/2027, the Bishops Commission is encouraging interest from:

  • women living in rural and remote Australia;
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women;
  • migrant and refugee women (with Australian citizenship); and
  • women working in a secular setting.

Further details and how to apply can be found on the NCE website. For more information, or if dioceses, parishes or Catholic agencies are interested in sponsoring a young woman to participate in the Fellowship, please contact Lisa McKerr.

Applications close at 5pm AEDT on November 24, 2025.