There are 3,017 clergy in Australia, of whom 1,810 are diocesan priests (including all priests and bishops, both active and retired, and priests from overseas working in the dioceses), 1,003 priests who belong to religious orders and 204 permanent deacons. [1] Figures from the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) data indicate that 727 overseas-born clergy arrived in Australia between March 2012 and September 2022.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is undertaking a research project to create a profile of Catholic clergy in Australia, including those born in Australia and those born overseas. The project will provide in-depth data about their spiritual, physical, mental and general wellbeing, including areas that require more care and support.
The project aims to answer the following key questions:
1. What are the key issues affecting Catholic clergy in areas of physical well-being, mental health and spiritual health?
2. How have recent social and cultural changes in Australia affected the Catholic clergy?
3. What are some other concerns that Catholic clergy in Australia struggle with?
4. How can the support available for clergy be improved?
It is expected that the findings of this proposed research project will offer a number of benefits.
- Identify and address challenges for the clergy, both common and unique to priests, deacons, newly ordained, priests transitioning to retirement, active in retirement and retired.
- Provide in-depth data about Catholic clergy in Australia and develop an overall clergy profile, with recommendations for cultural change when addressing issues related to clergy, their welfare and wellbeing.
- Support people who design and deliver programs for the ongoing formation of clergy.
- Assist dioceses to provide more focused in-service for clergy.
- Assist diocesan bishops to provide better support for clergy.
- Assist chancery personnel, especially those who have direct interaction with clergy.
- Assist parish pastoral councils, school principals/staff and various parish groups.
Participation in the research is completely voluntary and confidential. Findings will be reported nationally, and no diocesan reports will be produced.
Phase 1 Online Survey
The online survey ran from 15 May 2024 to 15 July 2024. It was anonymous and open to all Catholic clergy ministering in Australia.
Phase 2 Interviews
In Phase 2, clergy will have the opportunity to provide further in-depth feedback through one-on-one interviews.
How can I find out more about the project?
For more information on the project, please contact either of the following:
- Dr Trudy Dantis, Director, National Centre for Pastoral Research: trudy.dantis@catholic.org.au
- Fr Khalid Marogi, Director, Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office: khalid.marogi@acmro.catholic.org.au.
[1] Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (2024). The Official Directory of the Catholic Church in Australia 2024-2025, p.761.