Councils, commissions and committees

Diocesan councils, commissions and committees exist to help guide and provide the bishop with expert advice on a broad range of diocesan matters. Members of the councils, commissions and committees in the diocese serve selflessly to help the programs and business of the diocese run smoothly.

The terms of references are generally developed and approved by each council, commission and committee. Some positions are elected by representative bodies where appropriate and some are appointed by the bishop. Additionally, clergy and/or diocesan staff may resource the workload.

Councils

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Council of Priests

The Council of Priests is a group of priests chosen to assist the bishop in an advisory capacity in the governance of the diocese. Canon 495 of the Code of Canon Law lays down that every diocese must have such a council. The council addresses matters concerning the pastoral welfare of the people of God in the diocese.
local_phone (02) 4222 2468
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CatholicCare Advisory Council

Provides pastoral support and independent advice to the director of CatholicCare in relation to programs and organisational initiatives, including strategic objectives and directions of CatholicCare.
local_phone (02) 4222 2468
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Catholic Development Fund Advisory Council

Aims to ensure both the ethical management of CDF members’ funds and the wise use of resources to promote the pastoral works of the diocese. Members are drawn from a cross-section of Church, community and business personnel.
local_phone 1800 047 703
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Diocesan Council for People with Disabilities and their Families

Assists parishes seeking practical ways to become more inclusive of people with disabilities and their families.
local_phone (02) 4254 9318
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Diocesan Executive Council

Gathering of executive level staff to share and discuss key decisions and significant matters that impact across the diocese’s agencies and parishes.
local_phone (02) 4222 2468
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Diocesan Finance Council

Established in accordance with Cannon Law and not engaged in the day-to-day financial administration of the diocese. It is a council of vigilance—advising the bishop on financial matters such as administration and its improvement where opportune.
local_phone (02) 4222 2406
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Diocesan Justice, Ecology and Peace Council

Seeks to promote justice and peace, ecological concern and respect for life in society, in the light of the Gospel and the social teaching of the Church.
local_phone (02) 4254 9318
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Diocesan Pastoral Council

Considers the pastoral questions of our day and makes appropriate recommendations to the bishop. Acts as a significant form of collaborative dialogue and discernment in service of the pastoral needs of the diocese.
local_phone (02) 4222 2463
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Diocesan Professional Standards and Child Protection Council

Assists the bishop to build and maintain a diocesan culture that focuses on the dignity and safety of each person, with a special regard for the young and vulnerable—including adherence to legislative requirements, accountability, awareness raising and education, direction, structure and guidance.
local_phone (02) 4222 2405
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Diocesan Schools Council

Advises the bishop on matters pertaining to parish and diocesan schools, including—the evangelising thrust of Catholic schools, religious education, learning and teaching, strategic planning and resourcing.
local_phone (02) 4253 0938
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Parish SEDSO (School Enhancement and Debt Servicing Obligation) Council

Provides an income stream to ensure that contributions towards the costs for the construction, upgrade, maintenance and enhancement of parish primary schools are shared equitably among those families with children attending these schools.
local_phone (02) 4222 2422

Commissions

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Diocesan Liturgical Commission

Facilitates the liturgical formation and education of the faithful and promotes active participation in liturgy by all Christ's faithful.
local_phone (02) 4222 2462

Committees

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Clergy Life and Ministry Committee

Plans various conferences, in-services, professional development and retreats for clergy in the Diocese.
local_phone (02) 4222 2463
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Diocesan Committee for the Aged

Facilitates participation of ageing people in the life of the diocese and educates the wider Church to understand, welcome and support ageing people.
local_phone (02) 4227 1122
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Diocesan Development and Community Engagement Committee

Engages a broad cross-section of individuals, bringing together a greater depth of knowledge and expertise to the development of sustainable financial programs for the works of the diocese.
local_phone (02) 4222 2446
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Diocesan Education Priorities Committee

Each diocese in NSW is required to have a Diocesan Priorities Committee to determine priorities for applications made for Commonwealth Government Capital Grants.
local_phone (02) 4222 2424
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Diocesan Property Committee

Provides expert advice to the diocese, parishes and agencies on all property matters.
local_phone (02) 4222 2424
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Diocesan Remuneration Committee

Provides expert and independent advice regarding salaries to the Office of the Bishop, Catholic Development Fund and CatholicCare, and has oversight of executive level performance appraisals.
local_phone (02) 4222 2468
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North West Committee

Addresses the rapid development in the Macarthur and Southern Highlands growth areas and the impact that this has on the diocese, parishes and agencies.
local_phone (02) 4222 2468