A survey conducted by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has found Catholic clergy enjoy a strong sense of wellbeing.
A total of 825 priests and deacons participated in the survey to determine how they can be better supported and better serve their communities in turn. In a second phase of the study, 78 priests and deacons provided valuable feedback on their working and personal lives.
The study report Thriving (and Surviving) in Ministry proposed a plan for “targeted pastoral strategies to support clergy in areas of wellbeing, mental health, and spiritual care”.
“This study stands as a hopeful and pioneering effort – one that opens the door to deeper understanding, continued dialogue, and meaningful action to nurture the wellbeing of those who serve the Church,” the report said.
At the November plenary, the bishops agreed to establish a working group to explore ways to better support clergy.
The study revealed most clergy (95 per cent) valued their ministry and work, while 73 per cent felt adequately supported. 71 per cent said they were “hopeful” and 75 per cent had good or very good self-confidence.
Challenges expressed by clergy included experiences of loneliness, difficulties in pastoral ministry, heavy workloads and gaps in training and mentoring.
Participants in the survey encouraged future priests and deacons to embrace their vocations with enthusiasm, while also having realistic expectations, undergoing deep discernment and engaging with their local communities.
Commission chair, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Archbishop of Canberra – Goulburn, said: “I encourage dioceses to read this report carefully and for clergy particularly to reflect with their bishop and others on the significance of these findings for the ongoing pastoral care of our priests and deacons.” The executive summary and the full report, Thriving (and Surviving) in Ministry, is available at the National Centre for Pastoral Research website.
