The Diocese of Parramatta’s Strategy Lead for the Pastoral Plan, Rachael Kama, has been appointed to the Secretariat for Mission and Volunteering within the Order of St Augustine (OSA), a significant international role that will help shape the future of Augustinian mission and volunteer initiatives around the world.
Rachael is also the only lay person and the only woman serving on the Commission for Pastoral Ministry and Mission, bringing a distinctive perspective to the international body as it seeks to support the mission of the Church around the world.
The appointment was made by the Prior General of the Order of St Augustine, Fr Joseph Farrell OSA, and Fr Martin Davahan OSA, Assistant General of Europe and Moderator of the Commission for Pastoral Ministry and Mission.
She will serve alongside Augustinian clergy from Belgium, North America and Germany, contributing to a newly established secretariat that will coordinate and animate mission and volunteering initiatives across the global Augustinian family.
Rachel with Pope Leo XIV and, from left, OSA Prior General Fr Joseph L. Farrell, Liliana Tapia and Luis Arana. Image: Supplied
Reflecting on the appointment, Rachael said she was “humbled and grateful for the opportunity to contribute more intentionally” to the order’s mission, particularly through a role that builds on her long-standing involvement in Augustinian volunteer networks and international collaboration.
The secretariat is still in its formative stage, with members tasked with helping to shape its identity and direction. Its work will include shared reflection and discernment on the missionary needs and opportunities facing the order worldwide, developing practical initiatives in mission and volunteering, and fostering greater collaboration across the five global regions of the Augustinians.
“The secretariat is still in its early phase of formation, but I’m genuinely excited about helping to shape its identity and direction from the ground up,” Rachael said.
The long-term goal is to establish clearer guidelines and stronger networks to support the order’s mission into the future.
Speaking during a workshop with Fr Saldie Resolado OSA, pictured left. Image: Supplied
She noted that the spirit of the role is “deeply synodal, grounded and collaborative rather than heavily administrative”, reflecting the same values that underpin her work within the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
Rachael believes the appointment is a natural extension of her current ministry and professional work.
“The role resonates deeply with my current work as Strategy Lead, Pastoral Plan where much of what I do involves pastoral strategy, synodality and connecting communities in service of the Church’s mission.”
Her connection to the Augustinian family spans more than two decades through parish ministry, youth leadership, World Youth Day initiatives, international lay formation and volunteer service. “This appointment feels like a natural deepening of that journey,” she said.
Rachel with priests from Holy Spirit Parish St Claire, pictured from left, Fr Peter Tangey OSA, Parish Priest Fr Percival Sevare, and Fr David Austin OSA. Image: Supplied
“Being invited to bring that experience into an international Augustinian context is something I receive with real gratitude.”
Rachael recently attended part of the OSA Australasian Province Chapter, supporting reports on lay ministry. “It was a privilege to be among Augustinian friars from Australia, Vietnam and Korea. Knowing our local parish communities are in such faithful hands brings me great joy and peace,” she said.
During the chapter, Rachael also spent time with the Prior General of the Order, Fr Joseph, during his time in Australia. “It was wonderful to spend time with Fr Joe during his visit. Witnessing him and his brother friars reflect on their past while discerning their future was both humbling and inspiring, a genuine experience of synodality in action.”
The auditorium where sessions of the Ordinary General Chapter were held. Image: Supplied
Rachel’s new role is an example of the Pastoral Plan priorities of Listening, Dialogue and Discernment; Mission; and Formation. Visit Synodality to learn more.
