About the Diocese

The Diocese of Broken Bay was established in 1986. It covers 2,763 square kilometres and incorporates 26 parishes. The deanery map shows deanery boundaries in bold red and parish boundaries in fine red lines.

After consultation with the Council of Priests throughout 2021, Bishop Anthony introduced a renewed deanery structure, replacing the former five-region model with three deaneries:

• Central Coast - Dean: Fr Brian Moloney
• North Shore - Dean: Fr Colin Blayney
• Northern Beaches - Dean: Fr Satheesh Ramachanatt

Though two deaneries are now larger in size, this structure supports local hubs of shared ministry, for example around health care, schools, and regional pastoral collaboration.

Deaneries foster shared mission among parishes, mutual support among clergy, sharing of local initiatives and resources, and coordinated pastoral care. The Dean supports the region's pastoral work, clergy fraternal and spiritual care, participates in Episcopal Visitations, and serves on the Council of Deans advising the Bishop on clergy personnel matters.

The Diocesan Coat of Arms is the primary heraldic identification of the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay. It is the central image expressing the unique origins, history, and identity of the local Church.

The Diocese of Broken Bay (Dioecesis Sinus Tortuosi) was erected from the territory of the Archdiocese of Sydney on 8 April 1986. The name Broken Bay reflects its central location in Sydney's northern region at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, linking north and south.

A defining symbol in the Coat of Arms is the lighthouse on the Barrenjoey Peninsula. The lighthouse unifies both sections of the Diocese and points to Christ as light, as well as the missionary spread of the Gospel across our communities.

The arms were designed by Mr Richard d'Apice and Mr Sandy Turnbull (Australian Heraldry Society) with Fr Guy Selvester, and illustrated by Mr Sandy Turnbull.

Mary Star of the Sea is the Patroness of the Diocese of Broken Bay. The official decree was received from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in May 2008.

Star of the Sea is an ancient title for the Mother of Jesus Christ, from the Latin Stella Maris. Under this title, Mary is invoked as guide and protector for all who travel or seek their livelihood on or by the sea.

As a faith community whose borders include the Pacific Ocean and Brisbane Waters, we look to Mary as our guiding star and model of discipleship as Mother of the Church.

Feast Day: 31 May

Mary, Star of the Sea, must be followed in faith and morals lest we capsize amidst the storm-tossed waves of the sea. She will illumine us to believe in Christ, born of her for the salvation of the world. (Paschasius Radbertus, d.865)