General Communique | Diocese of Melbourne & Diocese of Sydney Joint Clergy Conference - 19 to 22 May 2025

Clergy from the two Australian Diocese gathered together in a spirit of love, fellowship and a common purpose over three and a half days to discuss the “Priest and his duties”. Led by their Graces Bishop Daniel of the Diocese of Sydney, Bishop Domadious of the Diocese of 6th October and Bishop Joseph of the Diocese of Botswana.

Our priests attended lectures, participated in workshop, discussion groups and private reflection on the role of the priest and how a priest can effectively minister in this day and age. The wide range of topics and in-depth studies help focus the mind of the clergy on enhancing their ministry and living a balanced and productive lifestyle.

A hierarchy of action came to the forefront and shaped the discussion and outcome of the conference. For a priest to be effective he needs to concentrate on (1) His Personal Salvation, (2) the Salvation of his family and (3) the Salvation of his flock. These three dimensions shape the way in which a priest can go about his sacred task of serving the Lord. In the area of personal selfcare, the priest is advised to maintain a system of personal holiness and spiritual care, spiritual growth and holiness, including attention to his physical and mental wellbeing. In so doing the priest will be equipped to tackle the challenges and demands of ministry.

In terms of the priest’s family, the importance of a sound family life where appropriate and sufficient attention and care a given to his home and his families spiritual, physical and social wellbeing is addressed. In so doing a priest can go about his ministry comforted that his family is cared for. The Salvation of the congregation is the paramount vocation of the priest. His attention, his devotion and his energy are invested in spiritual care, spiritual growth and holiness of his flock.

The conference produced a series of outcomes and recommendations to ensure that these three dimensions of a priest’s life are lived to their fullest. The clergy left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and affirmed their eagerness to serve God’s holy people with all the grace that God provides through the sacrament of priesthood.