Profile of Catholic Clergy in Australia: Health and Wellbeing
A study on the health and wellbeing of Australian Catholic clergy was conducted by the National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR) and the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO). The study aimed at developing an understanding of the health and wellbeing of Australian Catholic clergy (excluding bishops) to inform discussion at the bishops’ Plenary Meetings and guide future pastoral strategies. It also provided priests and deacons with the opportunity to share feedback on their overall wellbeing, mental and spiritual health, and raise related concerns.
The project aimed to answer the following key questions:
- What are the key issues affecting Catholic clergy in areas of physical well-being, mental health and spiritual health?
- How have recent social and cultural changes in Australia affected the Catholic clergy?
- What are some other concerns that Catholic clergy in Australia struggle with?
- How can the support available for clergy be improved?
The study was conducted in two phases using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Phase One was an online survey, while Phase Two was one-on-one interviews. A Research Reference Group provided guidance throughout the project, and ethics approval was granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Christian Research Association.
A total of 825 priests and deacons (just over 27 per cent of all clergy in Australia) completed the Phase One survey, and 78 were interviewed in Phase Two. Both phases included a diverse mix of diocesan and religious clergy across age groups (under 30 to over 80), cultural backgrounds, ministry contexts (urban to remote) and work arrangements. Older participants were over represented in the Phase Two interviews, with 61 per cent aged over 70. Participants in both phases included those in active ministry and those fully retired, serving in diverse roles across parishes, chanceries, and in areas such as education, healthcare, and community services.
Publications from the study are available at the links below.
Executive Summary – A Profile of Catholic Clergy Health and Wellbeing
Thriving (& Surviving) in Ministry – A Profile of Catholic Clergy Health and Wellbeing
For additional information on the project, please contact either of the following:
Dr Trudy Dantis, Director, National Centre for Pastoral Research: trudy.dantis@catholic.org.au;
Fr Khalid Marogi, Director, Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office: khalid.marogi@acmro.catholic.org.au.