PASTORAL LIFE AND MISSION CENTRE
PASTORAL LIFE AND MISSION CENTRE
This Centre is a sign of our commitment to walk together as a diocesan family. Everything that happens within will ultimately be directed outward to provide formation support and pastoral services to our parishes, our clergy, our schools, our ministries and the wider community. The Pastoral Life and Mission Centre is not simply an office space, but a mission-focused centre reminding us of who we are as a Diocese and why we exist - to serve the mission of Christ and the people entrusted to our care. We hope to strengthen collaboration, to improve accessibility for parishes, and to foster a spirit of shared responsibility, to listen, to connect and to enrich our diocesan life.
Caritas
What is Caritas Australia?
From humble beginnings in 1897 Germany, Caritas, named after a Latin word meaning love and compassion, grew to become one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies. The Catholic Agency for Aid and Development, Caritas began in Australia in 1964. And many people, then and now, feel that supporting Caritas is a great way to reach out to people in need.
Caritas means love and compassion. Together we can help the poorest of the poor live a life of dignity. We can help them become self-sufficient so they don’t need to rely on charity; we can help them go to school and learn better ways to farm using sustainable agriculture techniques; and we can help them support their family and community.
What does Caritas do?
Every day, Caritas Australia and our local partners are supporting people in need around the world. We are assisting them to break free from the cycle of poverty, regardless of their ethnicity, political beliefs, gender or religion. Our work includes:
- Responding to emergencies such as the food crisis in East Africa.
- Implementing Disaster Risk Reduction strategies, particularly in the Pacific Islands, where villagers are experiencing rising sea levels.
- Helping farmers with sustainable agricultural practices, such as the Farmer Field School in Nepal.
- Building water catchments in regions like Ethiopia, so communities have access to fresh, clean water and are able to grow crops.
- Providing access to education and workshops in regions of South-East Asia, so vulnerable people can learn new skills.
- Training rural midwives in quality antenatal, delivery and postnatal care for women in rural areas.
- Alleviating poverty in Indigenous Australia through projects such as the Tjanpi Desert Weavers which generate an income and provide sustainable development opportunities for women in rural communities.
We rely on people like you to care about your fellow human beings and the world around you. And we hope to make more people aware of the causes of injustice and poverty, and encourage them to take action too.
Catechetical Office
Catechetical Office
The Catechetical Office is the pastoral arm of the Diocese dedicated to promoting, coordinating, and supporting the Church’s ministry of catechesis. Inspired by the mission of Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher, the office seeks to form faithful disciples through sound Catholic teaching, lifelong faith formation, and the proclamation of the Gospel.
Working in collaboration with the Bishop, clergy, religious, parish leaders, Catholic schools, and lay faithful, the Catechetical Office develops and coordinates programs that foster a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. It provides formation and ongoing support for catechists, sacramental coordinators, religious education teachers, and parish faith formation leaders, ensuring that catechetical ministry remains faithful to the teachings of the Church.
The office also assists parishes in the preparation of children, young people, and adults for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation, promotes adult faith formation, and provides catechetical resources that respond to the pastoral needs of the Diocese. Through workshops, retreats, seminars, and continuing formation opportunities, the office encourages catechists to grow both in their knowledge of the faith and in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Recognizing that parents are the first educators of their children in the faith, the Catechetical Office also seeks to support families in their vital role as the domestic Church.
Guided by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the Church’s mission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19–20), the Catechetical Office strives to nurture communities of faith where the Gospel is taught, lived, and joyfully shared.
Catholic Mission
About Catholic Mission
Catholic Mission is the Pope’s international mission agency in Australia and is part of the global network of Pontifical Mission Societies operating in over 160 countries. We partner with communities to help them flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and faith formation, while also being an active voice for human rights.
Ways to Partner with Catholic Mission
They are many ways to partner with Catholic Mission to create a more just world:
World Mission Month
Each year, in October, join Catholic Mission in celebrating the work of Mission in Australia and around the world. You can give a gift through your local parish appeal, volunteer as a Mission ambassador to spread the word in parishes around your area, learn more about our work and donate online, and pray for missionaries and the people they serve. Your support is essential as it enables missionaries around the world to continue serving the spiritual and practical needs of their local communities.
Socktober
Socktober is a fun and educative celebration of World Mission Month for Australian children and youth. It is a comprehensive education, formation, and fundraising initiative that engages school communities and children in the global work of Mission. Using the world game of soccer, Socktober connects students in Australia with the children they support, incorporating learning, prayer, advocacy, and financial support for children and communities in need around the world.
Staff Formation
Catholic Mission facilitates opportunities for staff across diocesan agencies, healthcare, aged care, education, and social services to encounter God in the world and in their work. Through an immersive, interactive pedagogy of dialogue, encounter, and experience, it aims to engage the whole person. By bringing the concept of Mission to life, it empowers staff and enriches the lives of those they serve.
Student Formation
Catholic Mission facilitates experiential workshops and provides a range of interactive multimedia resources to educate students on issues of Mission and justice. Students are empowered to contribute to God’s Mission in the world by turning their faith into actions through prayer, advocacy, and action, including fundraising.
Immersions
Catholic Mission offers immersion programs for both adults and senior secondary students, providing unique opportunities to engage with overseas and Indigenous Australian communities. These programs allow participants to experience firsthand the challenges faced by marginalised communities, broadening their perspectives and inspiring them to take action to create a more just world. This fosters a broader vision of Jesus’ Mission and enhances cultural awareness.
Workplace Giving
Workplace giving offers a simple and practical way for employees to make a meaningful impact through regular, pre-tax deductible contributions automatically deducted from their pay. These contributions support missionaries in enhancing the lives of children, communities, and future church leaders in Australia and around the world.
Clergy Life and Mission
The main purpose of the Clergy Life and Mission is to support, organise and plan for the clergy ongoing formation, which includes the Professional Development Days, Professional Supervision, Clergy Annual Retreat and Clergy Annual Conference.
Diocesan Youth Ministry
Our Vision
Transforming the world through forming Christ in and loving all young people.
Our Mission
To demonstrate and grow excellent ministry to young people by providing leadership, mentorship and administrative and creative support to the Church in the Diocese of Bunbury, so that all young people can be empowered to live as disciples of Christ.
ACBC Office For Youth: http://www.youth.catholic.org.au/
Click Here → About Diocesan Youth Ministry Office
Click Here →YOUTH EVENTS
Marriage Office
THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601 “The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament”
Can. 1055 §1. The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring, has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament between the baptized.
Media and Communication
Purpose
The Office of Media and Communications exists to proclaim the Gospel and support the mission of the Catholic Diocese of Bunbury through effective, professional, and faith-filled communication. It serves as a bridge connecting the Diocese, parishes, schools, ministries, and the wider community by sharing the life, mission, and teachings of the Church.
Mission Statement
To communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ through truth, creativity, and service, fostering unity, engagement, and evangelization across the Diocese of Bunbury and beyond.
Vision Statement
A connected and informed diocesan community where the Gospel is communicated with clarity, integrity, and hope through traditional and digital media, inspiring faith and active participation in the mission of the Church.
Goals
1. Proclaim the Gospel Through Media
- Utilize print, digital, social, and multimedia platforms to share the message of Christ and the mission of the Church.
- Promote evangelization through engaging and accessible communications.
- Foster communication and collaboration among parishes, schools, agencies, and ministries.
- Highlight the diverse ministries, events, and achievements within the Diocese.
3. Inform and Engage the Faithful
- Provide timely, accurate, and relevant information regarding diocesan initiatives, events, and pastoral priorities.
- Ensure that communication reaches all sectors of the diocesan community.
- Support open and responsible communication that reflects the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Maintain public trust through professional and ethical communication practices.
- Offer communication resources, training, and guidance to diocesan organizations.
- Assist in promoting local parish and school activities, celebrations, and outreach programs.
- Develop and maintain effective online platforms, including websites, social media channels, podcasts, videos, and digital publications.
- Engage audiences through innovative and mission-focused communication strategies.
- Document and celebrate the history, heritage, and ongoing mission of the Diocese of Bunbury.
- Promote diocesan publications, including newsletters, reports, photographs, and archival materials.
Core Values
- Truth – Communicating with honesty, accuracy, and integrity.
- Faith – Rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Service – Supporting the mission of the Diocese and its communities.
- Excellence – Striving for professionalism and quality in all communications.
- Collaboration – Working together to strengthen the Church’s mission.
- Hope – Sharing stories that inspire faith, compassion, and Christian discipleship.
Motto
“Communicating Christ, Connecting Communities.”
“Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
Priests Welfare Foundation
The Priests Welfare Foundation provides social welfare, maintenance, necessities of life and relief from poverty to sick and retired priests in the Bunbury Diocese.
The foundations’ annual appeal is held on the first weekend of September and coincides with Fathers’ Day, encouraging people to reflect on the care and support received from the “Spiritual Fathers” who are our priests. This is reflected in the motto of the foundation “For the Care of our Spiritual Fathers”.
OUR VISION
The Bunbury Priests Welfare Foundation aims to grow over time and provide a regular and recurring income source for enhancing the work of the diocese in caring for our sick priests and those in retirement.
WHY IS THE FOUNDATION NECESSARY
The ordination of a priest brings with it a commitment by the Diocese to take care for him and provide for his needs, including after retirement.
Managed by priests, for priests, the Foundation’s purpose is to provide social welfare, maintenance, necessities of life and relief from poverty to our Priests when in need of support.
Vocations Ministry
Vocations Ministry
Purpose
The Vocations Ministry exists to promote a culture of vocation throughout the Diocese of Bunbury by helping people hear, discern, and respond generously to God’s call. The Commission seeks to foster awareness of vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, permanent diaconate, marriage, and dedicated lay service in the Church.
Vision
A Diocese where every person joyfully discovers, embraces, and lives God’s call, building a vibrant Church enriched by faithful vocations to priesthood, religious life, marriage, diaconate, and lay ministry.
Mission Statement
To inspire, accompany, and support individuals in discerning God’s call, fostering a culture of vocation through prayer, formation, witness, and service within the Diocese of Bunbury.
Goals
- Promote a Culture of Vocation
Encourage all Catholics to recognize that all baptised people are called by God to a holiness of life.
Foster family, parish, school, and Diocesan communities where vocations are nurtured and celebrated.
- Encourage Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life
Raise awareness and importance of priestly and religious life for the life of the Church.
Provide opportunities for people to encounter and learn about these vocations.
- Accompany Vocational Discernment
Offer spiritual guidance, mentoring, retreats, and discernment programs.
Support individuals seeking to understand and respond to God’s call.
- Strengthen Prayer for Vocations
Promote regular prayer for vocations in families, parishes, schools, and diocesan communities.
Encourage vocation-focused prayer initiatives.
- Collaborate with Families, Parishes, Schools and Diocesan communities.
Work closely with clergy, religious, educators, youth ministers, and parish leaders to promote and foster vocations.
Provide resources and formation materials for vocation awareness and education programs.
- Support Seminarians and Those in Formation for ordained ministry
Foster a spirit of encouragement and support for seminarians and candidates for ministry.
Invite the faithful to accompany them through prayer and community support.
Motto
“Learn from me” (Mt. 11:29)
“…for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Mt. 11:29
