On 11 August, Australians will complete the five-yearly Census of Population and Housing, a snapshot the Australian Bureau of Statistics uses to track how the nation is changing, socially, culturally and economically.

For the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, the results will help shape how we plan and support Catholic life across the region for years to come.

Among the questions asked is one about religion. It’s always been optional, yet Australians consistently answer it: 93 per cent did in 2021, when just over five million people, one in five Australians, identified as Catholic.

For our Diocese, that data matters. It shapes how our parishes, schools, and agencies understand the communities they serve and plan for the future.

James Camden, Director of Mission and Evangelisation echoes the National Centre for Pastoral Research and says Census figures can help give a detailed picture of the Church.

“This data defines where self-identifying Catholics live, which in turn informs pastoral planning and the delivery of services people turn to in times of need. The information can support schools and even welfare support, services that our own parishes and agencies provide right across the Diocese. “

It’s worth noting what the religion question doesn’t measure: it asks nothing about whether someone believes in God, attends Mass, or is formally engaged with a faith community. That’s not its purpose.

For many Catholics across our Diocese, faith remains part of their identity even if they’re not regularly at Mass, and we are encouraging Catholics to tick the box that reflects that, a simple act that helps ensure our parishes, schools and social services are properly recognised and resourced.

There’s one important exception. Catholics from Eastern Rite traditions, including Syro-Malabar, Chaldean, Ukrainian, Melkite and Maronite communities, are asked to select “Other” and write in their specific community (for example, “Ukrainian Catholic”) rather than ticking “Catholic.” This ensures they’re counted accurately within their own community.