The Canali Program is the official discernment program of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, helping men discern the call to the Priesthood.

The underpinning principle of the Canali Program is that a man in discernment for the seminary and the ordained life is best served by first becoming an active lay minister in a local parish community.

With prayer and the sacraments, active participation through lay ministry is essential in providing a foundation for priestly ministry. It informs one’s journey of formation and ongoing discernment. In this way, the program is focused on providing a ‘real world’ experience in the life of the Church.

Program Pillars

  • Parish Ministry

    Participate in real-life ministry and service through a local parish including:

    • Involvement in the liturgy and community events.

    • Discipleship and formation of others through youth ministry, children’s ministry, bible study, catechesis and more.

  • Mentor Priest

    Journey with a Priest who will accompany you throughout the Canali program where you will:

    • Meet for regular one-to-one monthly catch-ups.

    • Receive mentoring in prayer, formation and the discernment journey.

  • Formation

    Receive formation in Christian Discipleship in areas such as:

    • Human and Faith formation.

    • Discernment Retreats.

    • Be part of an active Discernment Group.

    • Gather with other Canali men for Social, Cultural, Archdiocesan and Vocation Brisbane events.

  • Spiritual Life

    Deepen your prayer and spiritual life through:

    • Building a daily prayer habit.

    • Regular meetings with a Spiritual Director to support your spiritual life.

    • Learn to pray the prayers of the Church, the Divine Office.

Actively discern where God is calling you

Application Process

  • Complete this form and email it to the Vocation Brisbane team along with a short introduction.

    If you aren’t quite ready to apply but would like to know more, reach out, and we’ll arrange a time to chat.

  • After you have sent an application, we want to meet you!

    The Canali Program Coordinator will personally respond and organise an initial conversation, where we can listen to your journey and discuss your call.

  • Once you’ve met up with the Canali Coordinator and attended a brief interview, we’ll get to work tailoring the program to you and your circumstances.

    We take into account your purpose for undertaking the program and any prior formation you’ve completed, ensuring a truly personalised program that works for you.

  • Once we’ve created your program, we will talk through the final details and make sure it works for you.

    When you sign and return the agreement, we’ll introduce you to the people who will guide you through the program and give you an outline of how to get started.

If you feel God could be calling you to something more, contact the Vocation Brisbane office for a chat.

We are here to help you discern God’s will so you can be all God created you to be.

Fill out the form to arrange an initial chat, and we’ll be in touch.