Archdiocese
of Sydney

Who we are:

What is the Catholic Church?
The Church was instituted by Christ Jesus Himself. The Church is the Universal Sacrament of Salvation. In short, the Catholic Church is the place ‘where the Holy Spirit flourishes’. St Hippolytus.
The word ‘church’ means ‘assembly’. It describes that place where the Light of Christ shines out visibly. In the liturgical assembly we are gathered together by the Word of God and the Sacraments to form the People of God. This people, nourished by the Word, and by the Body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, themselves become the Body of Christ. This unity is expressed both on the local and universal level.

Who Founded the Catholic Church?
The Church was prepared for in the Old Testament, founded by the words and actions of Jesus Christ, established by His Saving Cross and His Resurrection, and revealed as the Mystery of Salvation by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. She will come to completion in the glory of heaven as the assembly of all the redeemed.

What is the hierarchy of the Church?
The Church is a hierarchical communion. Its members consist of laity, clergy and religious. The lay faithful (laity) are those who have become members of the Church through baptism. From among these, by divine institution, men are chosen to serve as bishops, priests and deacons (clergy). There are also those who profess the evangelical counsels, and are consecrated to God in a special way (religious).

What Can the Catholic Church Offer Me?
The Church in this world is the sacrament of salvation. She is the sign and instrument of the communion of God with His people. One becomes a member of the Church through Faith and Baptism. All are invited to come forward to become Catholics.

Map of the Parishes in the Archdiocese of Sydney (requires Flash player)