Catholic Administrators gather in Sydney

By Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese
Director, Catholic Communications
22 October 2004

Cardinal Pell will give the first keynote address at the inaugural Catholic Administration Conference to be held in Sydney from 24-26 October 2004.

The Catholic Administration Conference represents a significant professional development opportunity for those involved in management and administration of Church affairs.  The focus on improving the administration of the Church’s resources is of particular interest to those who serve the Church on advisory and management Boards.   Over 250 people, including six Bishops, many priests and religious as well as lay leaders will be participating from all over Australia.

The theme of the inaugural Conference emphasises the call to professionalism and the important obligation of promoting the mission through planning, people, and resources.  Leading speakers and opinion setters have accepted invitations to address the Conference which will provide an important and challenging programme for participants.  The opportunity for so many to gather, share experiences and identify ways to improve existing practices, is expected to greatly benefit the Church.

Cardinal Pell will speak at the Opening Dinner this Sunday night, setting the scene and acknowledging how important professional administration is  in supporting the mission of the Church.   His presentation will also feature a projection of the Australian Church scene in 2005 and beyond.

Mr Tony Abbott, Member for Warringah and Minister for Health and Ageing and Leader of the House will deliver the keynote address at the Conference Dinner on Monday 25 October.

Media identity Mr Michael Willesee will conclude the Conference with a look at the future, at how well the Church is addressing the likely future changes that will affect her in Australia, whether the areas that need to change have been identified and plans developed to make these changes happen.

On behalf of the Conference organizers, Mr Tony Abela of the Diocese of Wollongong says “The conference is an important opportunity to reflect on the way we assist the clergy in the administration of church affairs.  We support the mission of the church by the way we plan and by the way we manage our people and resources.  We all need to be challenged and to be open to new ideas - the conference is an important vehicle for sharing experiences and improving the way we carry out our roles."

For more information, visit www.catholicadminconf.info

Copies of talks and papers are available from Marita Franklin on 9390 5300 or at media@sydney.catholic.org.au. Interviews can be arranged with speakers.