RE Symposium: Inspired by Faith
Melbourne 2026 (22 - 23 July)
Hosted by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), the RE Symposium brings together principals, RE leaders, clergy and religious, and others from Catholic schools to share in excellence practice for Religious Education, and Catholic Mission and Identity.
Featuring keynote speakers, workshops, opportunities for prayer and liturgy, and networking, the RE Symposium seeks to lift up Religious Education and inspire collaboration towards excellence in mission and identity.
KEYNOTE
SPEAKERS
Most Rev
Peter A. Comensoli
Archbishop Peter joins the RE Symposium to animate the first day and opening with the theme of "God saw what he had made and indeed it was very good
(Gen 1:31)"
Prof Kath Engebretson
Professor Kath Engebretson is a leading academic and religious educator. She is the
lead curriculum writer for the forthcoming Religious Education curriculum.
Br William J Short OFM
Br William Short is a
Franciscan Friar, and Professor of Christian Spirituality at the Franciscan
School of Theology at the University of San Diego
Anne Kertz Kernion
Anne Kertz Kernion is an international speaker who draws on neuroscience to inform approaches to Christian spirituality
Prof Br David Hall fms
Br David Hall is the dean of the La Salle Academy at Australian Catholic University
KEYNOTE
TALKS
Keynote talks each day from prominent national and international leaders in Catholic Education.
WORKSHOP DISCUSSIONS
Around the keynote talks are workshops and focus areas which open up the symposium to shared understanding and the development of excellent practice.
LITURGY AND PRAYER
Beginning with liturgy and including prayer in the program, the RE Symposium is an opportunity for prayerful celebration of all the great work in schools.
CONNECTING WITH PEERS
The RE Symposium is an opportunity to connect with peers from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, with RE Leaders, Principals, C
VIEW THE
DRAFT SCHEDULE (DAY 1)
DAY 1 22 JULY - Starting from 07:00
08:30 - 09:00
09:00 - 09:30
09:30 - 10:30
10:30 - 11:15
11:15 - 12:30
12:30 - 13:45
13:45 - 15:00
15:00- 15:15
15:15 - 16:30
REGISTER
NOW
We are pleased to advise that registrations are now open
Please note that payment by credit card is required to secure your registration
VIT number is required for VCEA accreditation
Click below to register
SPONSOR
For 70 years, Catholic Development Fund (CDF) has partnered with Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne and regional Victoria, providing essential funding for the facilities and resources that support faith-focused learning and development.
Beyond education, CDF supports parishes, health, aged care, and social service facilities - strengthening the life of the Church and ensuring communities have the spaces they need to learn, gather, and care for one another.
CDF is proud to be a sponsor of the 2026 Religious Education Symposium, reaffirming our commitment to Catholic education and the communities we serve together