There are no students for the ordained ministry in the Diocese at present, but every effort is made to raise the level of community awareness about the vocation of all the baptised. The Diocesan Vision Statement is The People of God in the Diocese of Townsville, living in partnership within their communities as clergy, religious and laity, share with the Bishop responsibility for the life and mission of the Church. There is a strong commitment to evangelisation and mission within the Diocese and a commitment to support anyone exploring religious life or priesthood as a serious option for their future. They are involved in hospital chaplaincy, adult education and serve on various diocesan committees and boards. The Diocese encourages priests to undertake ongoing education and inservice.
Provision is made for periodical sabbatical leave.
Accommodation and ongoing care are provided for retired priests. Several retired or semi-retired priests are involved in parish ministry with a lay leader or leadership team. A man who is interested in priesthood initially makes contact with the Bishop and enters into a formal process of reflection and discernment. If he then wishes to continue in this direction, he makes formal application to begin training for priesthood. Seminary formation takes place over a number of years, during which a man would undertake studies designed to help him develop spiritually, socially, intellectually and pastorally.