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 23 October 2004
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- 23 Oct 2004 Australian branch of Catherine of Siena Institute inagurated.

The Australian branch of the Catherine of Siena Institute offered its inagural programs supported by the Archdiocese of Melbourne and Catholic Adult Education Melbourne. 

The Catherine of Siena Institute was founded by Sherry Weddell and is sponsored by the Assumption Province to foster the proclamation of the Gospel to all the world by ensuring that lay Catholics are equipped to effectively carry out their unique and essential part in this mission.  At the Provincial Chapter in July 2004, the friars adopted the Institute as a work of the Province.

Every baptised Christian is called by Christ; therefore, every Christian needs the preparation that the Church offers to those called to fulfill a specific mission.  The Church calls such preparation formation.  "Formation is not the privilege of a few, but a right and duty of all."  (Christifideles Laici, 63)  The Siena Institute works to ensure that every Catholic has access to a formation that:
  • Is distinctly lay in approach, spirituality, and focus;
  • Is deeply rooted in the Tradition and Magisterial teaching of the Church;
  • Fosters integration of faith, work, and relationships;
  • Takes seriously the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to every Christian;
  • Enables each one to further discern God's unique call in his or her own life;
  • Prepares him or her to be an effective, creative apostle in the midst of the world;
  • Encourages collaboration between the clergy and laity in mission to the world; and
  • Is geared to the real lives of working adults.
Clara Geoghegan, director of the program and member of the Blessed Adrian Fortescue Lay Dominican Chapter, brought in Sherry Weddell and Fr Michael Fones, O.P. (co-directors) to present three programs: a Called and Gifted workshop; an Adult Faith Formation Seminar; and a facilitator training session.

Clara has experience in adult education having taught in the TAFE sector.  She has worked in parish ministry in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn and served as a member of the Adult Faith Development Commission in the Diocese of Mailtland-Newcastle.  Clara is currently undertaking post-graduate research and is a sessional lecturer at ACU and CTC.  She has been working in the Archdiocese of Melbourne the past six months to establish the work of the Institute as a ministry.  Tackling a host of logistics from business plans to customs fees, Clara has been undaunted in her efforts, which are now bearing fruit for all to see.  We are very excited!
 Siena Institute