Our newly established Diocesan Pastoral Council met for the first time in March 2026.

The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) plays a particularly central role in driving the priorities and pastoral life of a diocese. Of all our new Advisory Boards and Councils, this group touches most specifically on the mission of the Church, representing the structure of participation required by Church law.

Forming this group presents as a key component in engaging others in pastoral life and driving the mission of the Church and the intention of our Diocese.

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s other Boards and Councils have also been formed and have had their inaugural meetings over recent months.  Our developing governance framework and approach to synodality was recognised as ‘good practice’ by the Vatican’s Synod Office.

Read more about our Governance framework here.

Bishop Michael Kennedy said, “The layers and structure of our Advisory Boards and Councils are interconnected. They operate in a synodal way, a collaborative way, that allows all to be heard in their areas of expertise and providing advice to me, as the bishop, and our Trustees for critical discernment.”

By promoting synodality and collaborative discernment, the DPC ensures that pastoral initiatives are responsive, inclusive and mission-driven.

James Camden, Director of Mission & Evangelisation said, “The DPC serves as a vital link between the bishop and the faithful, enabling shared responsibility in the life and direction of the Diocese. The members reflect a wonderful diversity of the Church. Remarkably, half the group are new to the Diocese in the last five years.”

Read Bishop Michael Kennedy’s full letter to the Diocesan community here. 

Our Diocesan Pastoral Council pictured from left to right – back row: Catherine Garrett-Jones, Fr Graham Fullick, Megan Davies-Bennetts, Ben van der Winjgaart (Chair), Bishop Michael Kennedy, Giavanna Angeli, Luke Drain and Henrique Menezes.

Front row: Taylor James, Sr Gaye Lennon, Louise Stanbridge, Fr Greg Barker, Nelson Borges and James Camden (Director Mission & Evangelisation).