On Tuesday 25 November, students from the Sydney Adventist Hospital, Avondale University and the wider online community gathered in the San Chapel to celebrate the San Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Graduation Ceremony. 23 graduates were honoured for completing their CPE training. Among the graduates were 3 Avondale Uni students.
Family members, friends, supervisors and supporters of the graduates filled the chapel to celebrate and recognise their commitment to high-quality spiritual care across many settings, including healthcare, school and ministry settings.
The Mission Director of the San, Dr Stenoy Stephenson, delivered the keynote address, speaking about the sacred responsibility of entering patients’ stories. He highlighted presence, empathy and deep listening as foundations of spiritual care, affirming the graduates for embracing the vulnerable, transformative work at the heart of CPE.
San CEO, Brett Goods, also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the vital contribution chaplains and spiritual care practitioners make to the hospital’s holistic mission. He commended the graduates for their resilience and growth, noting that the San’s dedication to spiritual care continues to be a defining expression of its values and identity.
CPE takes a different approach to learning. It is an adult learning model that allows students to use their own learning goals and capacity as a base for their education. Working in groups, students explore the dynamics and possibilities of the ministry experiences that they bring. The program develops the skills, self-awareness and reflective practice essential for effective chaplaincy and spiritual care. CPE equips participants to offer sensitive, compassionate support in moments of crisis, illness and transition. SAN CPE is affiliated with SAN Education and is a part of the New South Wales College of Clinical Pastoral Education.
Avondale University congratulates all 2025 CPE graduates and commends the San on their commitment to providing spiritual care for all.