Technically called the "Military Ordinariate of Australia", the Military Diocese of Australia is charged with the pastoral care of the uniformed members of Australia's navy, army and air force, their families and of the civilians employed by the Department of Defence.

Our diocese is similar to other dioceses in Australia - we are headed by a Bishop, we have parishes, priests, etc. However, we do not have a designated geographical location. Instead, the Military Diocese of Australia extends across the nation and serves all Catholics in the Australian Defence Organisation whereever they serve - personnel in all parts of Australia and those deployed on overseas operations.

"Serving Those Who Serve The Nation"

INTERESTING FACTS

  • Although Australian Catholic chaplaincy have been provided for Australians serving in the Armed Forces since the "Boxer Rebellion", the Military Diocese of Australia was officially established under the Apostolic Constitution Spirituali Militum Curae on 21 July 1986 and given final approval in 1988.
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  • Our bishop, the Military Ordinary, has the rights and obligations of a diocesan bishop and a member of the Australian Defence Force's Religious Advisory Committee to the Service. Although non-uniformed, he holds the same status as a 2-star.
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  • The Chancery, or Headquarters, is located in Campbell (Canberra).
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  • There are estimated to be more than 20,000 baptised Catholic service men and women in the Australian Defence Force.
  • Pastoral care is provided by both full-time and reserve chaplains in the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force.

For more information about us, visit the Military Diocese of Australia's Website.

 

 


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