A new national study has found that Catholic clergy across Australia report a strong sense of wellbeing and offered valuable insights into how priests and deacons can be better supported in their ministry now and into the future.

Commissioned by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, the research involved 825 priests and deacons through a nationwide survey, followed by in-depth interviews with 78 clergy. The resulting report, Thriving (and Surviving) in Ministry, provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots to date of the lived experience of clergy life in Australia.

A Hopeful Picture With Clear Pathways Forward

The study revealed overwhelmingly positive indicators of wellbeing among clergy:

• 95% value their ministry and the work they do
• 73% feel adequately supported
• 71% describe themselves as “hopeful”
• 75% report good or very good self-confidence.

These findings affirm the deep commitment and resilience of clergy serving communities across the country. The report describes the study as a “hopeful and pioneering effort” that invites continued reflection and action to strengthen pastoral care for those in ministry.

Challenges in Ministry

Alongside positive outcomes, the study also highlighted several challenges frequently experienced by clergy, including:

• Loneliness and social isolation
• Complex pastoral demands
• Heavy workloads
• Gaps in formation, training, and ongoing mentoring.

Clergy who participated in the interviews emphasised the importance of realistic expectations, deep vocational discernment, and strong engagement with local communities for those preparing to enter ministry.

Next Steps: A National Working Group

In response to the findings, the bishops agreed during the November plenary to establish a national working group that will explore ways to strengthen clergy support systems, particularly in the areas of mental health, wellbeing, and spiritual care.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Chair of the Commission, encouraged dioceses to take the report seriously and to reflect on its findings with their clergy.

“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.”

Accessing the Report

For further reading, both the executive summary and the full Thriving (and Surviving) in Ministry report are available through the National Centre for Pastoral Research website.