The latest statements and media releases from the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are listed below including those from the Catholic Schools Office, CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning and the Catholic Community Fund.
Please direct any media enquiries or requests for interviews to the Communications Team via email: mediainbox@mn.catholic.org.au
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright on the trial of David O'Hearn
"Today I am able to confirm and comment on the case of David O'Hearn, a priest of this diocese who has been convicted of multiple sexual abuse offences against teenage boys. O'Hearn has not been in mi…
Give Us A Sign project calls for peace
A network of Christian churches and the Newcastle Muslim Association is calling for peace in the month of May through the Give Us A Sign campaign. The campaign seeks to engage churches, schools, mosq…
Missionary on wheels arrives in Newcastle
The word 'mercy' is not commonly used today but Pope Francis gave it new standing when he declared that 2016 would be an international Jubilee Year of Mercy. A unique initiative followed in the Dioce…
The name of the Hunter's newest secondary school is officially announced – St Bede's Catholic College, Chisholm
St Bede's Catholic College, Chisholm has this morning been announced as the official name of the Hunter's newest secondary school, which aims to cater for the increased demand for Catholic education i…
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright on the trial of Vince Ryan
'Yesterday afternoon I was advised that, on the first day of his trial, Vincent Gerard Ryan pleaded guilty to three of the six child sexual assault charges he was facing at the Downing Centre Sydne…
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright – Diocese policies on reporting to Police
Since the mid 2000's under Bishop Michael Malone, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has had a practice of reporting all available information about historic child sexual abuse allegations…
Following over 40 years' service, Director of Schools Ray Collins announces his retirement
After 44 years in education, 41 of them in Catholic Education, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Director of Schools Ray Collins will retire at the end of the 2016 school year. Mr Collins will have served…
Community comes together to celebrate Easter
"As we come together to celebrate Easter once more, I am reminded again of the power of community. Throughout our Diocese I am pleased to see the faithful join as one in this, our Holy Week where we r…
An Easter message from Bishop Bill Wright
Please see below the 2016 Easter message from Bishop Bill Wright of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. "First of all, I wish you a Happy Easter celebration in your family and community. A…
Response from Bishop Bill Wright on the Royal Commission
'This week Cardinal Pell has provided evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse from Rome. This evidence has helped to complete the disturbing picture of how…
