About
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle represents the Catholic Church in a region extending from Lake Macquarie to Taree and as far inland as Merriwa and Murrurundi. A diocese is simply a community of Christ’s faithful – it represents a portion of the people of God in a particular area, which is entrusted to a bishop.
Our Diocese
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle serves the Hunter and Manning regions, which have a population of almost 150,000 Catholics.
Our Diocese provides pastoral, educational, social welfare, housing and community development services through its parishes, pastoral groups and agencies, including Catholic Schools, Catholic Development Fund, CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, St Nicholas, and Hunter Community Housing.
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle employs approximately 5,565 staff across these agencies.
Our Vision
To live the joy of the Gospel and share it with the world.
Our Mission
At the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, we are committed to serving all in the community so that they may experience life to the fullest.
Guided by the Diocesan Synod of 1992-93, our mission embraces the teachings of Vatican II. Our Church, as the People of God and the Body of Christ, serves as a beacon of unity and communion with God and among all people. We exist to foster the Kingdom of God on earth by sharing the Good News of Christ – a message of love for every person while advocating for justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Our mission reaches its fullest expression in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. Through our actions in everyday life and our liturgical celebrations, we exemplify the core of our identity as a community founded on life, love, and truth.
Every baptised individual holds the right and responsibility to engage in the Church’s life and mission, embracing the Spirit’s call. We are urged to live out Jesus’ command: “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12).
Our Bishop: Most Rev Michael Kennedy
Bishop Michael Kennedy was installed as the ninth Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle on Friday 17 March 2023 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton NSW.
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Donations and support
Looking to contribute to your parish or the Diocese?
Your financial contribution would help us to bring practical, pastoral and spiritual assistance to people in our region.
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Diocesan Resource Centre
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Library (DoMN Library) provides faith-based resources to support those in our diocese engaged in Religious Education, Worship and Prayer, Formation and Education, Mission and Outreach, Leadership and Structure, academic study and personal development.
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Reports and Publications
Explore our reports and publications to stay informed about the work of our Diocese, our mission, and the impact we’re making across our faith community.
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Decrees
Decrees are a method of formally communicating decisions of the Bishop or an individual with executive authority within the Church.
View Promulgation here
