2024 Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide Annual Report

We respectfully acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of this country and especially acknowledge the traditional owners on whose lands we live and work throughout the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide. We also acknowledge Elders, past and present, and pay tribute those who have contributed to the social, economic, cultural, political and spiritual life of our community. This acknowledgement affirms our commitment to social justice and the importance of healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Cover image: Students tree planting at Victoria Park Wetlands during Season of Creation. Picture:

Ben Macmahon

Who We Are

The Catholic Church in South Australia dates back to 1842 when Francis Murphy was appointed the first bishop.

Today the Adelaide Archdiocese is home to 253,870 Catholics, 15.7 per cent of the total population (ABS 2021 Census).

The Adelaide Archdiocese covers an area of 105,000 sq km, taking in the city of Adelaide and outer metropolitan areas as well as the regional areas of Yorke Peninsula, Riverland, Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Coorong, South East and Limestone Coast.

The Church employs more than 10,500 South Australians working across the industry sectors of education, health, social services and parishes. The Church also has many volunteers who assist and support their communities.

The Adelaide Archdiocese comprises 87 schools, 56 parishes with 125 Mass centres, four Eastern Rite Mass centres and 22 multicultural communities.

Vision

The Adelaide Catholic Archdiocese strives to be a welcoming Christ-centred community of servant leaders, committed to listening, discerning and growing in the Spirit, as disciples journeying together and as co-creators of the world that God desires.

Mission

As followers of Jesus, loved by God, nurtured and formed in community we are called to be:

• Sharers of faith, hope and love

• Builders of bridges

• Healers of broken relationships

• Agents of transformation in a world that cries out to be made whole.

We acknowledge the Catholic Social Teaching principles of:

Dignity of the Human Person

We uphold the dignity of all independent of ethnicity, creed, gender, sexuality, ability, or age.

Community and the Common Good

We believe that the common good is served when we work together to improve the wellbeing of all people and creation, in our own communities and in our wider world.

Dignity of Work

We believe that work is dignified and an intrinsic good and that workers must always be respected and valued, demonstrated through their right to productive work, a just wage and to form and join unions.

Preferential Option for people who experience social or economic poverty

We believe that for justice to be upheld, we must speak and act particularly for those experiencing poverty, vulnerability or whose voices are not heard.

Solidarity

We believe that all humankind is interdependent, that we need one another and that we are called to stand in solidarity with each other in our one human family.

Subsidiarity

We believe that whatever can properly be done at the local level should be done at that level and not subsumed by a higher authority.

Care of God’s creation

We believe the earth and all life on it are part of God’s good creation. We are responsible for taking care of the world in which we live, for sharing all its wonders and resources, and preserving them for all who follow after us.

From the Archbishop

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:1)

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, as we look back on 2024, we do so with hearts filled with profound gratitude to God, whose providence and grace have sustained us through another year of life, mission and communion in the Archdiocese of Adelaide. The words of the psalmist echo deeply in our experience this past year. In all things - the celebrations and challenges alike - we have seen the goodness of the Lord, moving among us, drawing us together and sending us forth.

2024 has been marked by moments of joy and purpose across our Archdiocesan community. We give thanks for the many people - clergy, Religious, lay leaders, parishioners, educators, students, volunteers and staff - who have served so generously, each according to their gifts, and who continue to respond to the Spirit’s prompting with courage and love. Your witness, commitment and faith have been the living expression of the Gospel in our time and place.

In 2024 we celebrated significant milestones in the life of our Archdiocese. Our parishes and communities gathered for liturgies, pilgrimages and pastoral initiatives that reawakened in us a deep sense of communion; here I think especially of our third Diocesan Assembly and the 75th Marian Procession.

The ongoing efforts in parish renewal, outreach to the vulnerable and faith formation have borne fruit in the lives of individuals and families across the Archdiocese. We witnessed again how the Church becomes most radiant when it listens attentively, walks humbly and acts justly.

A special source of gratitude this year has been our engagement with the global Church through the Synod on Synodality. As the final phase of the Synod unfolded in Rome, we were spiritually united with the universal Church in prayer, discernment and dialogue. The final document of the 2024 Synod begins with these words, ‘Every new step in the life of the Church is a return to the source. (#1)’. These words have resonated with our Archdiocesan journey and confirmed the path we are walking together.

In light of this, we give thanks for the many listening and discernment moments that have taken place across our Archdiocese this year - among parishes, schools, the various diocesan ministries and communities of consecrated life. These conversations are not ends in themselves but expressions of our deep desire to be more faithful to Christ and more responsive to the needs of our time. They challenge us to grow in participation, co-responsibility and missionary discipleship.

Education, social outreach and pastoral care have continued to flourish in 2024. Catholic schools across the Archdiocese have provided high-quality, faithbased education to thousands of students, forming them not only in knowledge but also in faith and character, forming both saints and scholars. Our Catholic agencies have responded with compassion to those in need - refugees and asylum seekers, the homeless, families in crisis and all who are vulnerable. We are deeply thankful for the presence of Christ made visible through these ministries of service and love.

As we turn our gaze to the year ahead, we do so with joyful anticipation of the Jubilee Year, beginning in 2025. This holy year, proclaimed by Pope Francis as a time of renewal, reconciliation and mission, invites us to rediscover the mercy of God and to become signs of hope for our world. In a time often marked by fragmentation and uncertainty, the Jubilee offers us the opportunity to become a more united, more generous and more welcoming Church.

On behalf of the Archdiocese, I offer heartfelt thanks to each and every person who has contributed to the life of the Church in Adelaide this past year. Your presence, your prayers and your gifts - whether seen or unseen - are part of the unfolding story of grace that God is writing in our midst.

As you read through this annual report, may you see not just the work of the past year, but the living presence of Christ at work in our communities. Every initiative, every act of service, every expression of faith shared in these pages is a testimony to the love of God active among us. Let us give thanks for all that has been, and look forward in joyful hope to all that is yet to come.

May the Lord bless you and your families abundantly. And may Mary, Mother of the Church, continue to intercede for us as we journey together in faith, hope and love, knowing always that God is good, good indeed.

In Domino

+Patrick O’Regan Archbishop of Adelaide

From the Vicar General

The year 2024 began with a visit to India by myself and Fr Anthoni Adimai as part of the ongoing program to secure missionary priests for ministry in the Archdiocese. Well known bishops and Religious superiors offered priests for interviewing and six were chosen to begin the visa process to come to the Adelaide.

During the year, there were three parishes that were without a parish priest and were administered by deacons. Thanks go to Deacons Andrew Kirkbride, Arturo Jimenea and Tim Grauel who were pastoral directors of the Greenacres/Walkerville parish, the Murray Bridge cluster of parishes and the Lefevre parish respectively and to Fr Philip Marshall who took on the role of priest moderator.

The Clergy Life and Ministry Team with its director Fr Roy Elavumkal continued to provide opportunities for the ongoing formation of our priests and deacons. Clergy gatherings were held in February, the Monday of Holy Week, June, August and November. The two highlights were the June gathering with Bishop Tim Norton on Interculturation and the August Vianney Day with theologian Massimo Faggioli on Vatican II and Synodality.

A clergy retreat was also held in August at Sevenhill. Supporting the wellbeing of clergy is Emma Grieve, as manager of Clergy and Wellbeing assisted by our nurses Brie Yang, Heidi Oria and Josephine Herrera Pelaez. The priests are wonderfully served and most grateful for the care they receive from this dedicated team.

Within the Office of Justice, Healing and Inclusion a new initiative was undertaken called Embrace Life to take an explicit pro-life focus. It will promote and encourage those positive initiatives and agencies such as the annual Walk for Life and the pregnancy support agencies of Genesis and Birthline. It will also promote the respect for the dignity of human life in the face of Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation now operative in our state and throughout Australia.

Regional Assemblies were held throughout the Archdiocese and were very successful in bringing people of various parishes together to encourage their shared mission in their regions. These assemblies then culminated in the Diocesan Assembly held in June at the Vietnamese Church and Centre at Pooraka. The tradition of Diocesan Assemblies has continued by way of consultation and dialogue and in December meetings began to prepare for a Diocesan Synod which is planned for 2026.

Several regular initiatives and gatherings continued during the year including, for example: Leaders Forums held by Catholic Education SA, the Centacare Council, the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the Deans’ Meetings and the Council of Priests. The celebration of confirmations continued and were shared between the Archbishop, the Vicar General and the local parish priests.

Various initiatives for the promotion of Vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life continued during the year including the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on the fourth Sunday of Easter, National Vocations Awareness Week on the first two Sundays in August and the Vocations Prayer Vigil in the Cathedral in November. A discernment group for those discerning a call to the priesthood and diaconate continued to meet approximately every fortnight on a Saturday morning in the sacristy of the Cathedral. This group continues to expand. Rostrevor and Blackfriars College Year 10 students were visited by priests to share their vocation stories and provide a more personal experience of the life and ministry of a priest. The recitation of the Rosary on the first Saturday of each month in MacKillop Plaza after the 8am Mass prays for vocations, as well as praying for peace.

During 2024 there were two students for the Archdiocese of Adelaide in the Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane. As well as holiday times, they returned to Adelaide for Holy Week and Easter, and for a month before Christmas when they were in parishes for pastoral experience. To maintain the connection with the Archdiocese, the Vocations director visited the students in Brisbane on three occasions.

In December, we mourned the loss of Fr James Thomson, assistant priest of Salisbury parish. We continue to thank God for the blessings of his priesthood, we pray that he is sharing in the gift of eternal life, and for God’s gift of peace and consolation to be with his parents and family.

Fr Dean Marin Vicar General Director of Vocations

From Centacare Catholic Community Services

In 2024 Centacare focused on transformation, embracing change and new beginnings. We launched the five-year Strategic Plan 2024-2029, driven by innovation and a deep sense of accountability. Our strategic plan is our roadmap for purpose and sustainability in the community services sector. Underpinned by our Catholic Social Teaching principles, it renews our commitment to centre our everyday practices around the needs of those we walk alongside. The plan sets out our key goals and priorities, mapped against our measurements for success.

Connecting Communities, Connected Lives is the key messaging in our strategic plan, and it inspired the concept of our new brand and logo design, which came to life in June 2024. We are deeply connected to our new brand and logo – we now operate under the name Centacare Catholic Community Services (previously Centacare Catholic Family Services). Our brand reflects our approach of inclusivity, warmth and professionalism in our work.

The symbol in our new logo holds profound meaning: the ripple represents the impact of our support and interventions; the steps represent the journey we undertake with our clients; and the arc (or ark) represents the safety and stability we provide along the way.

Over the past 12 months, Centacare has supported more than 20,000 clients across 62 services at 34 locations. Centacare receives grant funding from government contracts (State and Federal), representing 61.2% of Centacare’s total income. Our fee for service programs, which include income from NDIS, represent 36.7% of Centacare’s income.

To ensure our agency has longevity in delivering community services to South Australians, we endorsed a revised corporate structure. This led to the appointment of Liam Connelly – director of Corporate and Business Operations, and Dr Jonathon Louth – director of Strategy, Research, and Innovation (forward planning arm).

Our structure was streamlined to form four core service units, led by our executive managers:

• Children’s Services Unit (CSU) – Amalie Mannik

• Mental Health, Counselling and Wellbeing Services (MHC&WS) – Kim Formosa

• Domestic Violence, Homelessness & Youth Services (DVH&YS) – Megan Welsh

• Care and Support Services (Disability Services) –Helen Yates

During this period, we successfully secured the Your LINC adult mental health outreach tender in partnership with KWY Aboriginal Corporation, with the Department of Health and Wellbeing.

Centacare launched the SPRING Youth Service. SPRING aims to minimise hospital presentations for young people in distress by providing mental health services through its outreach capacity and operating hours across the weekend.

Our Stabilising Trauma in Everyday Practice was rolled out to leadership for testing and feedback, with the aim of rolling out the program across the organisation in 2025.

The Otherway Centre has been reinvigorated as a cultural hub and place of spiritual connection. The Centre has undergone some initial upgrades with further plans in progress.

We opened our newly renovated disability service at Elizabeth North. The service delivers innovative programs designed to provide our participants with a wide variety of activities dedicated to their interests and NDIS goals.

Centacare drafted three submissions to the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, directly responding to prevention and support strategies.

We were honoured with several nominations at the South Australian Child Protection Awards 2023. Two of our foster carers were chosen for the Positive Impact award.

The Centacare Governance Framework led to the establishment of seven new standing committees which work together to fulfil core functions of Centacare’s governance, risk and compliance requirements.

Centacare welcomed external assessors for our seventh review under the QIC Health and Community Service Standards and achieved full accreditation. The auditors celebrated our “passionate, skilled staff working to provide the best outcomes for clients”. It was also satisfying to learn that our diverse clients and carers “felt listened to, empowered, and advocated for”.

Thank you to our valued staff, leaders, government and non-government partners, Catholic Charities, Charitable Trusts, sponsors and Catholic schools for their commitment to the people we provide support to.

I am grateful to Archbishop Patrick O’Regan, the Executive of the Curia, the Centacare Executive team, the Advisory Council, and the Diocesan Finance Council for their ongoing support and guidance.

Leanne Haddad Executive Director Centacare Catholic Community Services

From Catholic Education South Australia

Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) continued to grow in the Archdiocese of Adelaide in 2024 through strategic initiatives that enhanced faith formation, curriculum development, leadership capacity and systemic innovation.

CESA advanced its commitment to spiritual and faith formation through the development of the Growing Deep Formation Framework. This initiative provided a shared understanding of formation for leaders, staff, students and families, identifying key dispositions such as openness, curiosity and reflection. The framework is supported by a suite of resources aligned with CESA and Archdiocesan documents.

Programs such as VIP (Visionary, Inspired, Prophetic) and Growing Faith Leaders supported new and aspiring religious leaders in schools through retreats, inquiry projects and mentoring. The Growing Deep: Strategic Formation in Your School program enabled school leadership teams to align Catholic identity and mission goals with strategic planning, supported by data analysis and spiritual formation.

Professor Massimo Faggioli PhD, professor of historical theology at Villanova University Pennsylvania, spoke with leaders in September on the Signs of the Times for the Catholic Church. He is a leading authority on the papacy, Vatican II, the Roman Curia, liturgical reform and the Synod.

The Religious Education (RE) Curriculum team facilitated professional learning in assessment and moderation, resulting in the development of annotated student samples and improved task design. The Crossways RE curriculum was further enhanced through collaborative inquiry and the development of new learning designs for challenging content.

Ministry initiatives included the Catholic Schools Music Festival which celebrated its 36th year with more than 2000 student participants, and the Rise Up: Tree Planting Day which engaged students in environmental stewardship during the Season of Creation. The Raise Your Voice forums amplified student perspectives on education, faith and the future, reinforcing the importance of youth voice in Catholic education.

CESA expanded leadership development offerings which targeted professional learning, mentoring and in-school placements, with more than 300 leaders participating in 2024. The programs emphasised mission, governance and strategic leadership.

The Principal Wellbeing Framework was developed to support the health and sustainability of school leaders. The Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) certification process was streamlined, resulting in increased participation and success rates.

The CESA Improved Learning through Allied Health program was launched to address barriers to learning for students with disability. The program aims to use allied health expertise in schools to strengthen inclusion and equity for students with disability through excellence in teaching and learning. Recruitment of allied health professionals progressed significantly, with full implementation in 2025.

The Shiloh Human Capital Management (HCM) system was developed to unify Human Resources operations across diocesan schools. Shiloh will streamline personnel management, compliance tracking, recruitment and analytics, with phased implementation beginning in 2025.

CESA experienced continued enrolment growth across the state reaching 54,276 students, a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Strategic land acquisitions in Mount Barker and Riverlea Park supported the expansion of Catholic education into high-growth regions, with new schools planned for 2027 and beyond.

Scholarship programs for pre-service teachers and Education Support Officers supported workforce sustainability in regional and metropolitan schools. The Special Authority to Teach initiative enabled final-year pre-service teachers to undertake temporary relief teaching, further enhancing the number of teachers entering Catholic education in the State.

The South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools initiated a comprehensive review of its statutes and constitution to modernise governance structures. The CESA Manual for School Board Members was also reviewed to clarify the advisory nature of school boards and redefine roles and responsibilities.

Cybersecurity and data stewardship remained a focus, with more than 12,000 applications assessed for compliance. CESA contributed to the development of a national rapid assessment tool under the auspices of the National Catholic Education Commission Cyber Security Working Group.

In 2024 Catholic Education in the Adelaide Archdiocese remained dedicated to its core values of faith, excellence and accessibility. By deepening the understanding of Catholic mission and identity, providing strategic leadership and implementing innovative programs, CESA successfully expanded access, improved outcomes and strengthened its community of schools, centres and offices. These accomplishments lay a solid foundation for continued growth and transformation in the coming years.

Dr Neil McGoran Executive Director Catholic Education SA

Diocesan Pastoral Council

The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) met five times in 2024 with synodality continuing to be a focus of the work of the DPC. We began the year by engaging with theologian Reverend Associate Professor Ormond Rush who explained the connection between the synodality Pope Francis called us to and the second Vatican Council. Synodality is a blueprint for the processes within the DPC, and the DPC’s engagement with the broader Archdiocese. A key goal for the DPC is to embed synodality into the fabric of the Archdiocese.

The DPC took many opportunities over the year for dialogue and listening and deepening everyone’s understanding about synodality. These included engagement with Parish Pastoral Councils (PPCs) and parish priests at two gatherings during the year, members of the DPC visiting PPC meetings and at the Diocesan Assembly. The DPC developed the first draft of the Leadership in Service of a Synodal Church Framework at the end of 2023, and in 2024 extensive consultation with individuals and groups across the Archdiocese was undertaken. The Framework will be revised because of the feedback and will be launched in 2025.

The strategic objectives of the DPC are built around the recommendations from the Diocesan Assemblies, the Plenary Council and the Synod in Rome. In addition, issues referred to the DPC were discussed and actions proposed in response. One such issue was the scourge of domestic violence in our community. The DPC met with Centacare personnel to learn more

about this important concern and how Centacare is supporting people in domestic violence situations. Actions were planned to better inform the Catholic Archdiocesan community on the facts surrounding domestic violence and how we can support victims.

Safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable people continues to be a high priority for the Archdiocese. Accordingly, the DPC met with Adam Cartland the director of Integrity and Safeguarding to learn more about how we are ensuring this remains a priority.

The DPC agenda this year has also included discussions on the following:

• Pastoral Planning in the Archdiocese

• Actions from the Council for Integral Ecology

• Inclusive language in Liturgy

• Instrumentum Laboris (Working document for the Synod in Rome)

• Towards the Diocesan Synod

• Year of Prayer/Jubilee

• Archdiocesan Communications Review

• Embracing Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples in the life of the Catholic Church

Monica Conway Chairperson of the Diocesan Pastoral Council

Pastoral Services Team

The Pastoral Services Team, under the leadership of the Executive Director and Assistant Director of Pastoral Life and Mission, is made up of several teams which support the areas of Justice, Healing and Inclusion; Community Life and Worship; Formation for Spiritual Direction; Cathedral Music and Archdiocesan Events and Resource Development. In addition to these areas, detailed below, much was achieved in the areas of building synodality, pastoral planning and formation:

• Between the 2022 and 2024 Diocesan Assemblies, parishes, schools and communities were clustered into regional groups and invited to hold Regional Assemblies as a way of making the synodal processes more localised. The Pastoral Services Team supported these local assemblies.

• The 2024 Diocesan Assembly aimed to bring together the outcomes of the Regional Assemblies and to progress the work of the 2021 and 2022 Diocesan Assemblies. A significant feature of the 2024 Assembly was the use of conversations in the Spirit, a listening and discernment method utilised at the Plenary Council and global Synod on Synodality. At the conclusion of the Diocesan Assembly, it was announced that the Archdiocese would work toward a Diocesan Synod to be held in 2026.

• Building on our commitment to becoming a synodal church on mission, the Pastoral Services Team continued to gather parish priests and chairpersons of Parish Pastoral Councils for discussions, networking and formation.

• A pastoral planning working group was developed to begin examining the immediate and long-term needs of the Archdiocese. Support was provided to parishes facing pastoral planning decisions, including the merger of the Aberfoyle Park and Blackwood parishes.

• The Pastoral Services Team supported a review of the Catholic Communications Strategy in response to growing needs in communications across the Archdiocese.

Community Life and Worship

The Community Life and Worship team supports parishes, schools and communities to build their capacity for ministry in the areas of liturgy and evangelisation through programming, resources and education. The team works closely with the Diocesan Liturgical Commission in developing policies and resources, consults on all episcopal liturgies and offers individual consultations for parishes and communities seeking to improve their community life and worship.

In 2024 the team continued to support significant diocesan liturgies including the Rite of Election, Chrism Mass, Marian Procession and Diocesan Assembly. At each of these celebrations, a key aspect is the inclusion of representatives from across the Archdiocese. The team also continued to support liturgies in parishes, schools and communities, especially regarding the sacrament of confirmation, school blessings and liturgies with the Archbishop.

The CLW provided many consultation and formation offerings across the Archdiocese including church renovation and design, parish pastoral council formation, pastoral associate formation, training for coordinators of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, liturgical ministry training, music leadership and the Certificate in Pastoral Liturgy courses on Word and Initiation. These offerings continue to build up the capacity for liturgical and community ministries in parishes and communities. We are grateful for the many individuals who work tirelessly as pastoral

associates, ministry coordinators, pastoral council members and volunteers in the life of parishes and communities across the Archdiocese.

This year, the CLW also produced several significant resources including the Archdiocesan Liturgical Calendar, Year C, Lent and Advent prayer booklets, Year of Prayer for the Jubilee, monthly formation articles in The Southern Cross, the opening of the Jubilee Year liturgical resources, and the Community Life and Worship website.

Justice, Healing and Inclusion

The Justice, Healing and Inclusion team experienced a dynamic year in 2024, supporting 22 multicultural communities and celebrating key feast days including St Thomas, St Bakhita and, for the first time, St Charles Lwanga and Companions. The Archdiocese of Adelaide is deeply grateful for the richness, diversity and cultural vitality that our multicultural communities bring to the life of the Church. We especially acknowledge the commitment of our migrant chaplains, many of whom also serve in parish settings, and the multilingual gifts of our clergy, which allow the Eucharist to be celebrated meaningfully across languages. In the spirit of Pope Francis' call to welcome, protect, promote and integrate with compassion, our multicultural communities continue to play a vital role in offering hospitality and support to newly arrived migrants.

A key initiative this year was the launch of the Draw Near Project in the Clearview-Kilburn Parish, in collaboration with St Brigid’s School, Kilburn, and St Gabriel’s School, Enfield. This pilot outreach and education program was established to support communities with significant populations of asylum seekers. It aimed to foster greater understanding and dismantle misconceptions. Through formation sessions and practical acts of solidarity - such as assembling and distributing care packages - school communities and parishioners were invited into deeper engagement with the needs of those seeking refuge.

The year also saw a revitalisation of the Council for Integral Ecology with a renewed and diverse membership contributing to its monthly meetings. Notable highlights included a series of Laudato Si’ Week video reflections shared via social media in May, and a rich program of Season of Creation events in September. These included an immersive evening at the UNISA Planetarium and an ecumenical prayer service held at Mercy Grove, Belair National Park, hosted by the Holy Family Catholic Parish.

Our commitment to presence and pastoral care remained steadfast through the work of our hospital and prison chaplains. These dedicated individuals continued to accompany those who are sick, anxious, alone or imprisoned - offering comfort, support, and a profound expression of our mission to serve with compassion and dignity. We are grateful for their work.

Embrace Life, established in partnership with Fr Dean Marin, Vicar General, is a dedicated group focused on exploring life issues through the lens of faith, compassion and professional insight. The group hosts quarterly panel discussions open to the Catholic community, featuring speakers from organisations such as Birthline, Genesis Pregnancy Support, Walk for Life, and those working in palliative care. These sessions aim to inform, inspire and foster respectful dialogue around complex life matters, grounded in lived experience and Catholic values.

Cathedral Music

The wider Cathedral parish music program, led by Music Director Timothy Davey and Music Coordinator Astrid Sengkey, continued to expand the past 12 months, growing to include six choirs, a selection of cantors and a roster of organists to service the music needs of the seven sites of the Cathedral parish.

The Cathedral Music team has increased live music to seven weekend Cathedral parish Masses, incorporating the talents of one of its Young Organist Program students. The team caters for weddings, funerals, ordinations and special Masses throughout the year and supports the provision of music to the annual Marian Procession. One aspect of this work is maintaining the magnificently restored 1927 Casavant Frere organ in the Cathedral. The monthly check-up under the careful ministrations of Pipe Organs Victoria has proceeded uninterrupted.

The Cathedral Choir is committed to preserving and developing the long-standing choral traditions of the Cathedral, introducing contemporary choral works and reinvigorating the long-established chant and motet practices handed down to us from over 150 years of choral customs in the Adelaide Archdiocese. The popular Vigil Community Choir maintains the Vigil Mass tradition. The Youth Choir assists at the Sunday evening Mass several times a month and a cantor and organist maintain live music at Burnside and Dulwich each weekend.

The Children’s Choir, formed in late 2020, keeps maturing as more children graduate into secondary school. It is pleasing to note that a number of younger voices have joined the choir and are being mentored by the older children and learning performance etiquette and liturgical formalities from their more seasoned choral companions.

In the second year of the Young Organist program, sponsored by the Cathedral Parish, Gina Dutschke has further developed the students’ skills. The students’ recital performances in the new year were again enthusiastically received by the congregation. The hope that senior members of this group would start accompanying Masses has begun to materialise and there is great hope that more of the young performers will be ready to take up the challenge of supporting congregations with their newly acquired skills.

The annual Fringe Pipe Organ concerts were once again very popular, with an additional recital of congregation friendly hymn tunes performed by Cathedral Organist James Lloyd to an enthusiastic ecumenical audience of more than 200 hymn enthusiasts.

The mid-year Concert program featuring choristers from Holy Cross Church and the Cathedral Sunday Choir with accompaniment from the Flinders University Chamber Ensemble under the direction of Arthur Siow was again a popular and well-attended celebration of more challenging music with a spiritual or liturgical emphasis. This concert was twinned with a Christmas Carol service in December which also highlighted the collaboration of the two choirs with an orchestral backing. The annual carol singing also delighted the large congregation at 11pm Christmas Eve, prior to the ever-popular midnight Mass

Spiritual Direction Formation Program

The year began on a strong footing, welcoming back second year students alongside those nearing the culmination of their formation journey. Six students successfully completed the program and received their certification in May.

The program consisted of 40 formation sessions across two semesters. A highlight was the addition of a six-day silent directed retreat for current students and recent graduates held in October at the Passionist Monastery. The program's integrated approach -

Cathedral Music Director Timothy Davey

balancing theological insight with practical application - remains central to its mission: to deepen students’ spiritual lives and prepare them to serve as spiritual directors within the wider community.

A significant and welcome development was the appointment of Lesli Townsend as Coordinator of the Spiritual Formation Program. Having supported the program in a dedicated volunteer capacity for the past five years. Her appointment heralds a promising future for the continued growth and strengthening of the program. Bruno Benci continued to provide invaluable administrative support, enhancing the program’s efficiency and organisation. In addition to the core team, the continued presence of Rev Dawn Colsey during formation sessions offered a rich source of wisdom and pastoral care to the student cohort.

Supervision in Spiritual Direction is a cornerstone of the program, equipping students with the discernment and pastoral tools needed to offer one-on-one spiritual guidance. We are grateful to the supervision team, including the trusted contributions of Stephanie Brabin and Sr Lil Girardi.

The Archdiocese’s Spiritual Direction Forum continued in 2024. This gathering of spiritual directors created space for meaningful connection, sharing of insights and mutual encouragement. With the number of qualified spiritual directors steadily growing within the Archdiocese, such forums serve as vital touchpoints for ongoing professional development and peer support.

Archdiocesan Events and Resource Development

With a focus on the vision and mission of the Archdiocese, the Events and Resource Development team continues to provide support for all diocesan events including major liturgies, gatherings and publications.

Underpinning this work is the aim to offer all people an opportunity to connect with their faith by listening to the needs of the community and ensuring all who come feel welcome.

Consecrated Life

At the beginning of each year, women and men living the consecrated life embrace the challenges before them. In the Archdiocese of Adelaide, religious communities walk alongside the people of God in many ways. A new initiative by Catholic Religious SA (CRSA) in 2024 saw Religious from both dioceses invited to bi-monthly meetings to share about their ministries. Among them, Sister Theresa Swiggs rsj shared insights into her work as Pastoral/Chaplain coordinator at Nazareth College. The Sisters of St Anne of Madras, who have ministered in both Adelaide and Port Pirie since their arrival from India in 2007, spoke about their work in Port Augusta, especially their prison ministry.

Sarah Moffatt, executive director of Pastoral Life and Mission, regularly attends CRSA meetings, shares aspects of Archdiocesan life and welcomes the participation of Religious. For example, Religious were invited to offer reflections on the document Leadership for a Synodal Church, which was under review by the Diocesan Pastoral Council. A group of Sisters, Brothers and priests gathered to study and provide thoughtful insights.

Significant gatherings during the year such as the Plenary Council, the second Diocesan Assembly and the Synod on Synodality impacted the lives and ministries of Religious. The guiding vision of ‘Community, Participation, and Mission’ continues to inspire our synodal way of being Church.

In September, CRSA sponsored a visit from Sister Mary Pellegrino CSJ, who spoke at The Monastery to a large gathering of religious. Her talk, ‘Along a Paschal Journey: Prophetic Witness in a Time of Challenge’, was both timely and inspiring.

As of December 2024, the Archdiocese had 166 women in 16 congregations, 65 men in 14 priests’ congregations and 18 members in two Brothers’ congregations. Additionally, two priests from the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter serve the Tridentine Latin Mass Community. One priest in the NeoCatechumenal Community also serves within the Archdiocese. While many Religious are retired or in care, a significant number remain active in ministry across parishes, nursing homes and schools - formally and informally. Many also accompany those on the margins of society including asylum seekers, refugees, the homeless and prisoners.

Six lay people continue to live the consecrated life independently of any religious congregation. The Preca Community, founded in Malta, had six members until November 3 when its leader, Brother Franco Zardo, passed away. His life was celebrated in a Funeral Mass at Hindmarsh parish. The community continues its outreach to families and young adults, especially senior secondary students.

In 2024, the Archdiocese gave thanks for 13 Religious who were called home to God after many years of service: Sr Marie Foale rsj, Sr Elisabeth Dmytryk rsj, Sr Catherine Clark rsj, Sr Agusta Bresba rsj, Sr Grace Cini FCJ, Sr Rosemary Campbell OP, Sr Bernadette Wogan OP, Sr Rosemary Yelland OP, Br Peter Faulkner CFC, Sr Anne Cashen RSM, Sr Deirdre Murphy RSM, Fr Michael Austin Head SJ, and Fr Terry Bowman MSC.

Priests from the 14 religious orders in the Archdiocese play a vital role, serving in 25 parishes with some also in the role of chaplains. Communities including Filipino, German, Hungarian, Indian, Italian, Polish, Slovenian, Spanish and Tamil benefit from their pastoral presence. Dominicans, Salesians and Franciscans are also chaplains in secondary colleges.

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, marked his 12th year of papacy in 2024. He epitomises the essence of consecrated life and inspires Religious through one of his many titles: ‘Servant of the Servants of God.’

Sister Elizabeth Morris RSJ Vicar for Religious

Sr Lilly Reetha Alphonse

Interdiocesan Tribunal

The Tribunal of the Province of Adelaide is so named because it covers the activities of the three dioceses which make up the Province - Adelaide, Darwin and Port Pirie.

The Judicial Vicar, Mons Paul Quirk JCL, is a priest of the Port Pirie Diocese. The Tribunal is strongly supported by the Diocese of Port Pirie with two other priest judges incardinated in that diocese and without their assistance it would be difficult to process cases within a reasonable time. Two judges also assist the Perth Tribunal with any overload they may face from time to time.

The Darwin office continues on a limited number of staff. Applications received in Darwin are assessed in Adelaide, while the interviews are conducted by the Darwin Tribunal. The case monitor in Darwin keeps in touch with the parties to the marriage and sends the completed case to Adelaide for judgment.

Currently we have three Defenders of the Bond of Marriage. A submission to extend the reappointment of two of the Defenders of the Bond of marriage has been made to The Signatura, who, apart from the Pope, is the highest judicial authority in the Catholic Church. A request has been made by the Signatura to find more qualified personnel to fulfill this role for the future viability of the Tribunal. It is to be hoped this permission will be granted to allow the efficient process of nullity to continue here in Adelaide while seeking people interested in studying Canon Law. Our other Defender is a qualified Canon lawyer.

The Tribunal is charged with the administration of justice as a court of first instance for all matters of the public good brought before the Church. Although most cases brought before the Tribunal involve challenges to the canonical validity of marriage, the court also acts as the competent forum for other issues, including penal matters.

Our aim is always to provide pastoral support to those who approach the Tribunal as well as to apply the law in a just manner.

In 2024 the new cases introduced remained consistent with the past several years. There are also those cases in which a divorced, but not baptised person, wishes to marry a Catholic person who is free to marry.

The Holy Father will, in some circumstances, dissolve the prior bond of a person who has not had a sacramental marriage to allow them to marry a Catholic. All the preparation and investigation of such cases is carried out in the Adelaide Tribunal and relayed to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The CDF has streamlined its response to these cases as the average time for a response is now approximately five months from the time of submission. This is a positive outcome for those hoping to enter into a new sacramental marriage.

As reported previously, remuneration is not asked for in Documentary Cases, apart from those sent to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Our continued policy of not requiring contributions from those in financial difficulty remains.

The fee charged for marital cases is based on ability to pay. Although the suggested fee does not cover the costs, the Archdiocese continues to fund the Tribunal and any monies paid by the parties to nullity cases offsets those expenses. Anyone in hardship, on concession cards or unemployed is not asked to contribute, but the experience of the Tribunal is that most people want to contribute what they can.

The annual conference of the Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand was held in Brisbane in 2024. It was a very successful conference and the focus was again on the revision of Book VI of the Code of Canon Law, which covers penal processes.

The Director of the Adelaide Tribunal was part of a panel answering random canonical questions put to the group. All presentations at the conference were published in the Proceedings, an annual publication of the Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand.

The Judicial Vicar and the Director of the Tribunal are often called upon by priests and lay people working in parishes to clarify matters of Canon Law. This continues to be an important part of the work of the Tribunal and we are always open to assist anyone who is uncertain of their rights in Canon Law or who has a question about the Church and how it operates.

The Tribunal assists in preparation of decrees and canonical research on behalf of the Archbishop or chancery staff when required to do so.

Sue Rivett JCL Director Interdiocesan Tribunal of Adelaide

Integrity and Safeguarding

During 2024, safeguarding across the Archdiocese took on a renewed focus led by the Integrity and Safeguarding Department. The department continued to build on momentum from the previous year’s amalgamation of its key areas - Professional Standards Office, Child Protection Unit and the Screening and Verification Authority – delivering critical services in a more efficient and unified manner. The year brought with it learning and collaboration, forging of new working relationships across the Archdiocese culminating in fresh perspectives and approaches to safeguarding to create a culture that places the safety of all at the centre of its thinking and actions.

Following the release of National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (Edition 2), the Archdiocesan Safeguarding framework - Safe Environments for All (SEFA) was reviewed and enhanced in line with these new standards, with continued guidance from the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. New safeguarding requirements related to adults at risk were incorporated, in addition to further refinements around the practices and processes relative to the safeguarding of children. Working closer together with parishes to embed a culture of safeguarding and awareness was a key focus for the department.

Significant work was undertaken to enhance good governance, as well as ensuring all key safeguarding foundational policies and practices continued to meet all state based legislative requirements and best practice as determined by the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. Committing to a future safeguarding audit by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited ensures the Archdiocese remains steadfast in its ongoing safeguarding efforts.

The Integrity and Safeguarding Department consists of two main areas; the Integrity and Professional Standards Team and the Safeguarding Operations Team.

Integrity and Professional Standards

The Integrity and Professional Standards (IPS) team plays an important role in abuse prevention, risk assessment, risk mitigation, investigation and the provision of appropriate protective responses to reports of alleged abuse or misconduct, particularly those relating to children, young people and adults at risk.

Its ongoing role is to receive, assess and respond to all reports relating to alleged abuse, harm or misconduct, both current and historical, within parishes and communities. In this process, the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is the priority.

Key focus areas include:

• the management of current persons of risk within parishes and communities

• the delivery of just, ethical, and sensitive responses to victims and survivors of historical allegations of abuse,

• the appropriate management of reports relating to current boundary violations, and

• coordinating independent investigations regarding alleged sexual abuse.

All safeguarding-related reports were received and assessed with interventions tailored according to the particular circumstances of each notification.

National Redress Scheme

In 2024, the IPS team experienced an increase in the number of applications for redress received and processed.

Responses were underpinned by trauma-informed principles, as well as the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice. The team initiated highlevel, independent, investigations and undertook robust risk assessment and risk mitigation interventions in various circumstances.

Complaints and allegations were managed through various processes including: the National Redress Scheme, the National Response Protocol, Integrity in our Common Mission and through the administration of civil litigation.

Institutional Records Service

The Institutional Records Service within the IPS received more than 90 applications requesting copies of records from former residents of Catholic institutions. These requests involved liaison with Religious orders, former residents and their lineal descendants, legal representatives and numerous applications managed through the Stolen Generations Redress Scheme. The Institutional Records Service continues to be an important function of the IPS.

Safeguarding Operations

The Safeguarding Operations Team worked steadily across the 2024 year developing and delivering safeguarding education and training programs to ensure all Archdiocesan clergy, Religious, employees and volunteers understand their legal and moral obligations relating to safeguarding and screening. Ensuring all groups have the tools, information,

resources and support needed to implement and adhere to the requirements of the Safeguarding framework (SEFA) was a key goal.

The review and redevelopment of mandated training programs saw a move away from the delivery of the generic government safeguarding package toward an online modulated approach to learning, tailored specifically to the Church context and with specific assessment of training needs according to role types.

SEFA incorporates a multi-tiered approach that enhances education and awareness as well as prevention and intervention strategies. SEFA provides the framework for parishes and Catholic multicultural communities to implement the safeguarding initiatives within the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and measure their safeguarding progress, laying the foundation for parish and community cultures which are genuinely safe for children, young people and adults at risk.

Our newly established Training and Safeguarding Officers have partnered closely with our parish leadership teams as well as our Catholic communities to provide ongoing support and guidance relative to safeguarding to ensure the creation of safe and welcoming environments for all children, young people and adults at risk across those spaces.

Safeguarding Operations also incorporates a centralised screening service that partners directly with Department of Human Services to facilitate required Working with Children, Aged Care and Vulnerable Persons checks on behalf of all Catholic locations across the dioceses of Adelaide and Port Pirie. During 2024, the team processed 15,841 clearances. The service assists in continuing to meet South Australian legislated requirements as well as the nationally identified Catholic Safeguarding requirements. The team provides follow-up, monitoring and notifications to locations and individuals across the Archdiocese. In 2024 the helpdesk service responded to 8256 calls and 67,289 emails.

The team also continued to facilitate all registrations and management of ongoing national requirements relative to the Australian Catholic Ministry Register (ACMR) for clergy resident in the dioceses of Adelaide and Port Pirie and conducted all Integrity screening for those proposed visitations or appointments to the Archdiocese ensuring that all safeguarding state and national requirements continued to be met.

4 Eparchy and 22 Migrant Chaplaincies and Communities

Our People

Diocesan Offices, Parishes and Agencies

232 employees 41 new employees

Centacare Catholic Community Services

22,000 clients 531 Employees

1545 Confirmations

132 Priests 13 Deacons

56 Parishes 125 Mass Centres

Catholic Education SA

101 schools across 120 campuses

54,276 students

9,500 staff

(includes Port Pirie Diocese)

Safeguarding 15,841 clearances processed

Clergy Care and Wellbeing

The Clergy Care and Wellbeing team continues to offer a vital service to the Archdiocese by supporting the health, dignity and care of clergy across all stages of life. With the support of the Vicar General, the team - led by the manager of Clergy Care and Wellbeing - has further refined and expanded its work in 2024 to ensure both compassionate response and proactive care.

A major focus this year has been on improving systems to enhance efficiency and coordination. The team has been implementing new software to streamline the delivery and tracking of clergy health assessments. This digital platform is designed to simplify processes, improve accessibility to key health data and support a more responsive model of care.

In line with the Clergy Care and Wellbeing Strategy, health assessments have been reviewed and updated to reflect current best practice and the evolving needs of clergy in the Archdiocese. These updates ensure that assessments remain comprehensive, evidence informed and personcentred, providing the right foundation for tailored care planning and early intervention where needed.

Welcoming new clergy continues to be a significant part of the team’s role. In 2024, the Archdiocese welcomed two new missionary clergy from Kenya. Building on experience from previous years, the team has implemented a more coordinated and culturally sensitive approach to supporting newly arrived clergy. This includes a two-way interculturation effort to both learn about their culture and welcome them to the Australian culture, structured health screening, connection with appropriate health services and ongoing accompaniment as they settle into life and ministry in South Australia.

Ongoing pastoral and clinical support for retired and active clergy remains central to the team’s work. From preventive care and health education to acute response and end-of-life support, services are provided with discretion, compassion and respect. Sadly, this year we farewelled a beloved priest to God. As always, the Clergy Care and Wellbeing team walked alongside him and those close to him, offering support through this time.

As the needs of clergy evolve, so too does the work of the team. Through collaboration, innovation and a deep commitment to wellbeing, the Clergy Care and Wellbeing team continues to uphold the mission of care that lies at the heart of our Archdiocese.

In 2024, the Archdiocese welcomed two new missionary clergy from Kenya.

Archbishop’s Office

The Archbishop’s Office serves as the primary centre of operations, delivering essential administrative support to the Archbishop, Vicar General, Vicar for Religious, senior executive leadership personnel, clergy, Religious groups, parishes, migrant communities, agencies and the wider community.

Additionally, it offers crucial services through the Diocesan Centre Reception and the Record Services and Archives Office, ensuring the seamless management of records and frontline support. To assist in these areas, the team enthusiastically welcomed two new members, strengthening its ability to deliver high-quality service while enhancing workplace efficiency.

Archbishop’s Office

The year began with the first of many annual tasks, starting with the Annual Vatican Return which compiles statistical data on baptisms, confirmations, marriages and funerals for reporting to Rome. This was followed by updates to the Official Catholic Directory, the Mass Count Data collection in May and the coordination of Easter and Christmas Mass Times.

Throughout the year, the team maintained constant communication with clergy and parishes, ensuring they remained informed about developments within the Archdiocese. They also managed the administrative and logistical needs of various councils, committees and meetings.

The volume of enquiries and requests continued to grow with clergy, parishes, the general public and various internal departmental seeking assistance on a wide range of topics. These included requests for baptism and confirmation information, overseas marriage requirements, Mass times and contact information.

The team successfully managed the scheduling and administration of the 2024 Sacrament of Confirmation Program, in which around 1550 candidates were confirmed across 75 ceremonies. In addition, they processed around 330 marriage permissions, 350 visitation requests, as well as 13 Papal Blessing requests, ensuring seamless support for the Diocese’s diverse needs.

Furthermore, 418 parish supply arrangements were sourced to address illnesses, annual leave and priest shortages, reinforcing continuity in pastoral care. The team also managed about 121 telecommunication requests from clergy, assisting with general enquiries, new phone acquisitions and setups, as well as NBN connections.

Efforts to improve the central database remained a priority, alongside ongoing reviews of processes and practices to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance with canonical, civil, and Diocesan policies.

Visa-related work continued for missionary priests on loan from India, Africa, Korea and Croatia, with close collaboration with the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) to ensure compliance with the Labour Agreement for lodging of applications. During this period, three new visas were granted for a replacement chaplain for the Korean Catholic

Community, a chaplain for the Croatian Catholic Community and two African priests to serve in the Archdiocese, who were all warmly welcomed. In addition, four visas were lodged in 2024, and we welcomed two visiting priests from the Philippines and Sri Lanka, with the possibility of future long-term ministry in the Archdiocese.

Record Services and Archives

The Record Services and Archives office (RSA) maintained an ongoing commitment to providing vital research and information services to the diocesan offices, parishes and the public. Key highlights for 2024 were the continuation of major projects and essential services for enquiries from the greater Catholic community.

The progress of the Clergy File Reclassification Project and Parish Boundaries Project strengthened the collaboration of the RSA and Archbishop’s Office teams and continued to streamline the capture, filing and retrieval of crucial information.

The RSA also appreciated its dedicated volunteer assistance for the Archbishops’ Correspondence Project. Support to parish anniversary celebrations provided further opportunity for the RSA to consolidate resources to help preserve and build the historical narrative of the Archdiocese.

Although it was a busy year for both offices, filled with challenges and changes, the team remained committed to delivering exceptional service and support to the Archdiocese of Adelaide.

Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults

The Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults (COYYA) started off 2024 by welcoming two new Diocesan Youth Ministry Support Officers who job shared one full-time position (0.4 & 0.6 hours a fortnight respectively). They spent terms 1 and 2 connecting with local youth ministry groups in schools, parishes and communities to understand the current context and needs of youth ministry in Adelaide.

COYYA continued to engage with youth ministry groups and initiatives throughout the year, providing support where needed.

Its first event for 2024, held during the Pentecost Weekend in May, was ‘Power Up’ where more than 150 young people attended a variety of hands-on workshops, a vigil Mass celebrated by Vicar General Fr Dean Marin, food and a praise and worship concert by Gen Bryant (singer-songwriter of contemporary and Christian music from Melbourne).

COYYA launched the ‘One of Us Youth Ministry Network’ in June. This was an initiative that was trialled during 2024 following consultations with youth ministry groups. The purpose of this network

was to allow youth ministry leaders across Adelaide to gather for ongoing formation, networking and tailored support. The network met on four occasions covering discussion topics and formation workshops that were identified by network members, such as effective and appropriate use of social media, sharing of local youth ministry resources and more networking.

COYYA also hosted its second annual ‘Rise Up’ tree planting day during Season of Creation in September when 120 Year 10-12 students from 12 Catholic schools gathered to plant 2000 trees in the Victoria Park Wetlands, with support from the City of Adelaide Council. This opportunity allowed young people from different schools to gather, reflect on the Pope’s call to care of our common home and take ecological action in their local community.

Throughout the year, COYYA presented at several school retreat days, and supported the running of the Chaplains Reflection Day and the UniSA Catholic Studies Pathway Course Reflection Evening by providing workshops and presentations at both.

Communications

The Communications team provides news and information to parishes, schools, agencies and the wider community through a variety of communication platforms.

These include The Southern Cross monthly newspaper (print and digital with two Electronic Direct Mails per month), the bi-monthly Living Catholic e-newsletter, websites, social media pages, the Find a Mass app and the Intranet. The Easter and Christmas editions of The Southern Cross were once again inserted in The Advertiser, dramatically increasing readership at these key times on the Christian calendar.

The team also has responsibility for regularly updating the electronic sign, editing and proofing the weekly parish e-news and producing the annual report. Marketing support is provided to the Catholic Charities manager and other fundraising activities.

The Communications team has responsibility for providing public relations, media liaison and strategic communications advice for the Archdiocese, including crisis management support for Catholic Education SA. The Director is a member of the Archbishop’s Consultative Panel and the Executive of the Curia.

A draft Communications Strategy prepared in 2023 was the catalyst for a review process involving input from Catholic agencies as well as comparative research and analysis. Proposed marketing initiatives including an increased focus on digital media strategies and branding were put on hold pending the review.

In her role as chair of the Australian Catholic Media Council, the director was heavily involved in the organisation of the triennial Australian Catholic Communications Congress held in Sydney from August 28-30.

Katie Spain was recruited as senior journalist at the beginning of 2024, following the resignation of Lindy McNamara.

Adelaide Archdiocese website

166,000 clicks

3.29m impressions

The Southern Cross website 9,000 active users

YouTube

4,300 subscribers, 42,400 views

Archdiocesan app 14392 app opens, 7836 Mass searches, 3686 readings

Catholic Charities

In 2024 Catholic Charities deepened its community ties and expanded its impact across the communities it works to serve.

Under the leadership of the new manager, Christina Francis, the year saw fresh momentum and creative outreach. The Me4U campaign, which is at the heart of Catholic Charities’ engagement with schools across SA, continued to thrive, not just through fundraising but through meaningful encounters.

More schools invited Catholic Charities to speak about its mission, helping students reflect on giving back as they prepare for life beyond the classroom. More than 100 schools participated in the annual September Appeal and Me4u campaign, raising $33,450 through gold coin donations, casual days, bake sales, fetes, and Walk-a-Mile marathons.

Schools also stepped up with practical support. St Michael’s Primary School collected 235 Bags of Love for children in foster care and for young families in need. These were distributed by Centacare in time for Christmas, spreading warmth and smiles. At Easter, students from St Aloysius College gathered Easter eggs and treats for women at Catherine House and children in the Foster Care program, adding joy to the season.

The annual Thanksgiving Mass, held in September, welcomed more than 200 students from 11 schools. Following the Mass, an engaging interactive expo at Cathedral Hall gave students the chance to experience basket weaving, dot painting, and thank-you card making - a celebration of cultural connection and community giving.

Beyond schools and parishes, community involvement widened. The Catholic Women’s League raised funds during Catholic Charities Month, demonstrating the growing support from the community at large.

In 2024, Catholic Charities also embraced new ways of donor engagement, most notably by spotlighting longtime donors in the November newsletter. These stories offered personal glimpses into why supporters give and the values that unite the Catholic Charities community. As the needs grow, so does the spirit of generosity. Catholic Charities remains deeply grateful for the ongoing support of individuals, schools, parishes and donors who continue to make a difference where it’s needed most.

Catholic Mission

As the Australian arm of the Pontifical Missionary Societies, Pope Francis’ global mission agency, Catholic Mission, continues to support initiatives in 1100 dioceses around the world and within Australia.

In 2024 the Adelaide Archdiocese continued its focus on education with the continuation of the schools and community engagement program Socktober. More than 50% of schools contributed to Mission events, activities and challenges.

A new Immersion was developed to support the community of Coober Pedy, enhancing secondary students’ experience in remote communities through Outback and Indigenous programs while developing their own faith journey.

Parish appeals for Mission Month in October have returned to being the main source of donations for the year. Parishes also continued to deliver the message during Mission Month about our work around the world and in Australia.

The director had the opportunity to travel with two teachers from St Francis of Assisi College, Renmark, to Thailand where they were able to assist with teaching English to refugees from Myanmar. The teachers also explored an opportunity to develop an Immersion project for their students in the coming years. The English language program is run by the local missionary priest based in Umpang.

St Joseph’s School Payneham provided bags of hope and love for people sleeping rough in Port Augusta and Coober Pedy. They included messages of compassion from the students along with jumpers, scarf, gloves, personal items and a blanket. Food donations were held at the parish to support anyone needing a meal.

Mary Mackillop College Kensington Year 12s listened to the story of Catholic Mission, understanding the challenges before preparing their stand for showcase day where they shared their understanding and promotion of mission to other college students.

Continued financial support from parishes and donors enabled Catholic Mission to support missionaries throughout the world.

Tony Johnston

Catholic Mission Diocesan Director for the Adelaide Archdiocese

St Joseph’s School Payneham provided bags of hope and love for people sleeping rough in Port Augusta and Coober Pedy. They included messages of compassion from the students along with jumpers, scarf, gloves, personal items and a blanket.

Caritas Australia

About Caritas Australia

Caritas Australia celebrated 60 years of service in 2024, with the Catholic Overseas Relief Committee that later became Caritas Australia having been founded in 1964. That same year, Catholic parishes in Adelaide conducted the first Lenten appeal, raising money for a fishing boat to support the needs of the communities in the Tiwi Islands. That Lenten appeal has grown to become Project Compassion, with its iconic boxes now recognised across every Catholic school and parish in Australia, and with the campaign having raised $9.5m in 2023.

Caritas Australia now works in 36 countries across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, as well as with First Australian communities. It is part of one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, Caritas Internationalis, which is a confederation of 162 member organisations with programs in 200 countries.

Caritas Australia partners with local organisations and global networks to support people in need, regardless of religion, race, or politics. It focuses on both immediate relief and long-term sustainable development by empowering communities to lead their own progress. In times of crisis it provides emergency aid and also advocates for social

and ecological justice. Caritas’ mission is to build a just and thriving future for all through compassion, collaboration and hope.

SA Caritas Advisory Committee

The South Australian Caritas Advisory Committee is an integral part of Caritas Australia’s mission in the Adelaide Archdiocese. Alongside dedicated Caritas Ambassadors, who serve on the front lines, the committee meets monthly to support, advocate and actively contribute to the work of Caritas across the region. Their leadership and commitment are vital to the success of our mission here in Adelaide.

Caritas Ambassadors

Each year, during February and March, Caritas ambassadors work tirelessly to promote Project Compassion. Their efforts align deeply with the Lenten call to pray, fast and give alms - core expressions of the Catholic faith.

In 2024 parishes across the Archdiocese engaged wholeheartedly in the Project Compassion campaign. Many displayed the Caritas Project Compassion prayer during Mass via screens, hosted fundraising events such as morning teas and marketplaces and provided space during liturgies for the powerful Project Compassion stories to be shared. These stories deeply move parish communities, inspiring a generous and compassionate response.

Through these collective efforts, parishes help advance Caritas Australia’s mission to end poverty, promote justice and uphold human dignity, in full alignment with Catholic Social Teaching.

Project Compassion 2024

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s major annual fundraising and awareness campaign, held during Lent. It involves Catholic schools, parishes and communities across Australia participating in events to raise funds and awareness for global poverty and development issues. The 2024 theme, ‘For All Future Generations’, highlights stories of three resilient women from the Philippines, Malawi and Samoa.

In 2024 Adelaide alone raised more than $603,000, contributing to a national total of $9.7 million, supporting 71 programs across 36 countries. Caritas expresses deep gratitude to all supporters, especially schools such as St Francis De Sales College which was the top fundraising school in Australia. Activities included fun runs, water walks and educational events promoting Catholic social teaching and justice.

Emergency Relief

In 2024, Caritas Australia responded to numerous global emergencies alongside its long-term development programs. The organisation continued to provide critical support to vulnerable communities impacted by the global food crisis in Africa and the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

In the first part of the year, severe floods in Kenya prompted a heartfelt response from the Adelaide Archdiocese, raising more than $27,000 in addition to Project Compassion, in solidarity with a nation that has long provided Australia with dedicated missionary clergy. Tragically, in May, a deadly landslide struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea, killing hundreds and displacing thousands. Caritas’ local partners responded swiftly, delivering food, shelter and clean water.

Adelaide’s faithful also continued their generous support of ongoing appeals for crisis-affected regions including Lebanon and Gaza, upholding the Catholic values of solidarity and the preferential option for the poor. Additionally, Caritas Australia launched an emergency appeal for Vanuatu after two powerful earthquakes caused widespread devastation, affecting more than 116,000 people.

Thanks to the unwavering generosity of the Australian public, particularly the Adelaide community, Caritas Australia is able to respond rapidly to humanitarian disasters while continuing its vital long-term development work across the globe.

The passing of a legend

On November 11 Caritas Australia stopped to honour the passing of a very special person in its history, David Shinnick OAM KSS.

While David was involved in many initiatives and an integral part of the Adelaide Archdiocese, no project was closer to his heart than Project Compassion. His work embodied the spirit of the Vatican II Decree on the Laity, which upholds acts of mercy and aid to those in need as central to the Church’s mission.

Though Project Compassion is now known nationwide for its vital support of vulnerable communities, few realise that it began in Adelaide at St Bernadette’s parish, sparked by the vision and commitment of David and a group of like-minded individuals. What started as a local act of compassion has grownthrough David’s early leadership - into a powerful national movement that touches the lives of millions around the world.

We give thanks to David and his compassion, courage and legacy.

Catholic Earthcare

Catholic Earthcare aims to inspire and accompany the Australian Catholic community in its commitment and journey towards ecological conversion, fostering just relationships with earth and one another.

In September, Catholic Earthcare held a Catholic Earthcare Convocation entitled ‘Wonder, Weave and Heal’. The threeday national event involved 40 speakers, with 145 adults and 50 students participating.

Within the Archdiocese, 25 schools and five parishes have registered for the Catholic Earthcare Program. Catholic Earthcare provides tools and support for schools and parishes to create and implement their own Laudato Si’ Action Plan. It also empowers communities to embrace ecological conversion through grassroots action, education, advocacy and collaboration.

Business Services

This past year has been a period of quiet strength and determined progress for the Catholic Church Endowment Society Inc. (CCES). As custodians of significant financial, property and operational resources across the Archdiocese of Adelaide, we have been entrusted with more than just balance sheets and buildings. We are entrusted with legacy, responsibility and mission. In 2024, our mission of supporting faith, education, community and care was carried out amid a complex and evolving landscape.

While the disruptive force of COVID continued to recede, a different set of external pressures shaped our operating environment. Inflation continued to bite into service delivery costs, particularly in housingwhile technology, in all its promise and peril, redefined how we think about risk, efficiency and service.

CCES has responded not with retreat, but with renewal. Through enterprise-wide planning, a peoplefirst culture and strategic financial stewardship, we have not only protected our foundations but laid the groundwork for what comes next.

Financial resilience and growth

We are pleased to report that CCES ended 2024 in a strong financial position. The consolidated result before asset revaluations grew to $19 million, up from $16 million in 2023. Despite economic headwinds, including rising costs across multiple sectors, we increased our net asset position from $131 million to $135 million.

These figures are not just numbers. They represent the continued viability of parish programs, the security of our workers and clergy, and the ability to invest meaningfully in education, health and community.

The Catholic Development Fund (CDF), which serves as the financial engine room for much of our educational infrastructure, also experienced significant growth. Loan balances rose to $315 million, driven by the expansion of Catholic schools across South Australia. This reflects both the strength of Catholic education and our continued commitment to invest in the next generation.

Conversely, the Diocesan Presbytery Fund (DPF) continued to operate at a deficit. The underlying cause remains consistent – escalating costs of care,

especially in health and accommodation services where compassion must always be balanced with viability. This is a reality many charitable institutions face, and we are actively exploring new financial models to ensure our care-based missions can remain sustainable in the long term.

The Uplift Program

Perhaps one of the most transformative efforts in 2024 was the continued rollout of our three-year Uplift Program - a major, enterprise-wide initiative to embed modern risk governance and resilience into every facet of our organisation.

The program is not a ‘compliance exercise’. It’s a cultural shift.

Under the Uplift Program, we have begun to build what will become a mature, best-practice Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework. The vision is to give CCES and by extension, all Archdiocesan agencies a common language for risk, a shared understanding of exposure and a unified approach to making decisions that safeguard mission, people and property.

We’ve prioritised six critical pillars:

• Property Risk – including comprehensive inspections, fire safety reviews and risk-based maintenance planning across schools and parishes.

• Valuations – updated insurance valuations for all major sites, enabling smarter cover and better cost control.

• Data and Systems – foundational work to assess risk system integration needs across CDF, HR, IT, and Treasury.

• Alternate Risk Financing – exploring self-insurance and other financing models that give us greater control over premium costs.

• People Risk and WHS – aligning safety performance with financial strategy.

• Enterprise-wide Insurance Reform – negotiated favourable terms, giving us better protection and pricing across our portfolios.

This body of work is coordinated through a dedicated Risk Management Group and overseen by an external program office. It is measured quarterly and designed to outlast any one leadership team ensuring that risk maturity becomes a permanent feature of the Church’s governance.

Business Continuity Planning

In a world of growing uncertainty, we know we must be ready for more than just slow-moving risks.

In 2024 we completed a comprehensive refresh of our Business Continuity Plan (BCP). This plan outlines how we continue to operate should we lose a major site, critical IT systems, third-party services or key personnel. More importantly, it creates clear lines of communication, accountability and action in the early hours of a crisis.

This work has been more than a technical rewriteit has involved collaboration across finance, IT, HR, facilities, and leadership. And at its heart, the BCP is about protecting what matters most, our people and our purpose.

Reimagining Property

We also took significant steps in 2024 to unlock the social and spiritual value of our property holdings.

Too often, surplus parish properties can sit idle. Recognising this, we initiated new partnerships with regional not-for-profit organisations, reactivating underutilised parish properties for community housing, early childhood services, mental health outreach and social enterprise.

These arrangements aren’t just about rent - they’re about reimagining Catholic assets as community hubs. They are practical, grounded examples of Pope Francis’ call for a “Church that is poor and for the poor.”

In parallel, a new Property Risk Management Framework was introduced, ensuring that we meet our compliance obligations while making mission-driven use of our physical footprint. This includes proactive fire safety audits, heritage compliance reviews and structured maintenance strategies.

People, Culture and Operational Leadership

None of the above would be possible without our people.

Across our parishes, schools, and agencies, staff and volunteers have continued to deliver services with compassion, professionalism, and care - often under immense pressure. We’ve made particular progress in the workplace health and safety (WHS) space, with better data reporting, stronger oversight of claims and collaboration with CS&IM to manage workers’ compensation.

At a leadership level, we’ve focused on capability building and succession planning, ensuring that operational and financial governance structures are well understood and embedded not only at the centre, but across all our affiliated organisations.

Looking Forward

We enter 2025 with momentum, discipline and hope.

The second year of the Uplift Program will focus on consolidating our ERM systems, finalising property valuations and establishing a clearer enterprise view of risk appetite. Our insurance strategies will mature and we expect to have stronger insight into the viability of alternate risk financing models.

We will continue to support school capital development through the CDF and seek solutions for the long-term pressures on aged care finances.

Above all, we remain committed to ensuring that every financial decision, risk strategy and property use ultimately serves people - because people are the reason we exist. In that, our mission remains unchanged.

Dr Carlo D’Ortenzio Diocesan Financial Administrator

Financial Statements

Catholic Church Endowment Society includes the operations of the Archdiocese and the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) treasury service. The CDF provides a source of funding to Parishes and the Education sector. It also holds deposits on behalf of Diocesan Parishes, Schools and Agencies. Total Assets include Investment Properties, loans, and Investments with Financial Institutions. Total Liabilities include Deposits held with the CDF and borrowings.

Catholic Church Endowment Society

Income Statement For the year ended 31 December 2024

636,449

135,387

Catholic Education Office

Adelaide Diocesan Schools

Statement For the year ended 31 December 2024

The Catholic Education Office provides services to all Catholic schools including order and Diocesan schools within South Australia. Total Assets comprise of Cash, Property & Equipment and Motor Vehicles. Total Liabilities include Loans and Employee Provisions.

78,289

Balance Sheet

1,447,073

411,889

1,035,184

The above information is extracted from individual Diocesan School Financial Reports and does not form part of the Audited Catholic Church Endowment Society Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements.

Catholic Church Early Years Inc

Centacare Community Services

Income Statement For the year ended 30 June 2024

Catholic Church Early Years Inc has been established to operate Catholic Early Learning Centres across the Diocese.

Total Assets include Property, Plant & Equipment. Total Liabilities represent borrowings from the Diocese.

Diocesan Catholic Charities

year ended 31 December 2024

Diocesan Presbytery Fund

the year ended 31 December 2024

Catholic Charities is a Deductible Gift Recipient which collects donations from the general public to distribute to various Catholic Organisations throughout the Archdiocese. The Total Assets comprise of Cash Deposits.

Profit/(Loss) for the year (1,111)

(1,051)

The Diocesan Presbytery Fund (DPF) operates to support all Archdiocesan priests both retired and active. The main source of income is from the first collection at Parish Masses. Total Assets include Cash Deposits and Motor Vehicles provided to Clergy.

Priest Retirement Foundation

the year ended 31 December 2024

Priest Retirement Foundation is a Deductible Gift Recipient established in 2017, however it did not commence operations until late 2020. It’s purpose is to raise funds from the public for charitable purposes for the benefit of retired clergy within the diocese. No distributions were made in 2024 and Total Assets include Cash Deposits.

Contact Directory

Adelaide Catholic Diocesan Centre – Reception 8210 8210 cco-reception@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Archbishop’s Office 8210 8210 cco-reception@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Archives and Record Services 8210 8115 archives@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Australian Catholic University 8234 7462 adelaide.theology@acu.edu.au

Bequest Office 8210 8210 bequests@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Pastoral Life & Mission

Community Life & Worship 8210 8130 worship@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Diocesan Events & Cathedral Music 8210 8220 events@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Hospital and Prison Chaplaincy 8210 8140 aheinemann@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Justice, Healing and Inclusion 8210 8140 jhi@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Multicultural Office 8210 8140 multiculturaloffice@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Spiritual Direction 8210 8229 spiritualdirectionoffice@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Catholic Charities 8210 8157 charities@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Catholic Development Fund 8210 8215 cdf@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Catholic Earthcare 8210 8105 philippa.rowland@gmail.com

Catholic Education Office 8301 6600 info@cesa.catholic.edu.au

Catholic Safety & Injury Management (CSaIM) 8210 8101 enquiries@csaim.org.au

Catholic Life Initiatives 8210 8210 tgrauel@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Catholic Mission Office 8210 8199 tjohnston@catholicmission.org.au

Catholic Office for Youth & Young Adults 8301 6155 julian.nguyen@cesa.catholic.edu.au

Caritas Australia 8210 8172 caritas@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Centacare Catholic Community Services 8215 6700 enquiries@centacare.org.au

Clergy Care Team 8210 8210 clergycare@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Communications – Southern Cross 8210 8117 cathcomm@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Financial Services 8210 8210 finance@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Human Services 8210 8134 hr@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Integrity & Safeguarding

Integrity & Professional Standards 8210 8150 receptionprofstandards@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Safeguarding Operations - Screening Enquiries 8210 8150 receptionsava@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Training & Safeguarding Operations 8210 8150 caasafeoperations@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Interdiocesan Tribunal of the Catholic Church for SA and NT 8210 8225 srivett@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Parish Finance Liaison 8210 8241 Parishfinance@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Property Office 8210 8210 property@adelaide.catholic.org.au

Vocations 8210 8122 vocations@adelaide.catholic.org.au