Sydney: A new national study shows that Catholic priests and deacons in Australia continue to find deep meaning and joy in their ministry, even as they face rising workloads, emotional strain and the effects of a rapidly changing society.

The 164 page report, titled Thriving and Surviving in Ministry, was prepared by the National Centre for Pastoral Research together with the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office. It surveyed more than a quarter of all diocesan priests and permanent deacons in the country and included detailed interviews with 78 clergy from a wide range of backgrounds.

According to the findings, most clergy expressed a strong sense of hope and satisfaction in their calling. Almost three out of four respondents said they felt confident in their ministry, and a

See Full Page