Our Bishop

Most Rev Michael Kennedy, Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle

Born in 1968 in Wagga Wagga, Bishop Michael Kennedy is the youngest of nine children to John and Fidelma Kennedy.

His education began at the Christian Brothers School in Wagga Wagga, followed by a Diploma of Education at the Sydney Catholic College of Education. Bishop Michael taught for several years at Xavier Catholic College in Albury. In 1992 he began seminary studies at Vianney College in rural New South Wales. He continued his academic studies in 1994 at the Urban College of Propaganda Fide in Rome, Italy. While in Rome, Bishop Michael attained a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and a Diploma in Mariology from the Marianum Pontifical School.

Bishop Michael was ordained a priest in 1999 for the Diocese of Wagga Wagga where he held various positions including Assistant Priest and Parish Priest, Rector of Saint Francis’ Residential College at Charles Sturt University, Lecturer in Moral Theology, Mariology and Church History at Vianney College, Diocesan Director of Vocations, a member of Diocesan Council of Priests and College of Consultors, Diocesan Catholic Schools Commission member and Vicar Forane.

He was appointed the tenth Bishop of Armidale in February 2011 to March 2023. From November 2012 to July 2014, he was the Apostolic Administrator of the Wilcannia Forbes Diocese. Bishop Michael is currently a member of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service.

Bishop Michael Kennedy was installed as the ninth Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle on Friday 17 March 2023 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton NSW.