From safeguarding technology to international clergy support, the 2025 Vicars General Conference highlighted how Church leadership in Australia is evolving – with a renewed focus on collaboration, governance, and pastoral care.
Gathering at the Diocese of Parramatta’s head office from 26-27 May, Vicars General from across New South Wales – including Parramatta, Sydney, Broken Bay and Wollongong – came together to share ideas, address emerging challenges, and strengthen their shared mission of governance and Church leadership.
About Vicars General
Vicar Generals assist and represent the bishop in each diocese. They provide advice to and assist the bishop in serving the people of each diocese through effective administration and governance. In essence, they are the bishop’s right-hand people, ensuring the smooth functioning and governance of the diocese in his name.
New innovations
A standout moment of the two-day conference was the presentation of Parramatta’s new Ministry App – an online safeguarding and technology innovation that enables visiting clergy and religious to securely check in at parishes. Praised for its practicality, potential for adoption, and alignment with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, the App was widely recognised as a leading example of cross-diocesan innovation and sparked strong interest among attendees.
Encouraged by the strong response, conversations are underway for the App to be adopted more broadly to support ministry and safeguarding in other dioceses.
Helping those across our shores
Another key topic was the growing need to welcome and support overseas clergy, who serve an increasingly multicultural Diocese both in Parramatta and beyond.
Fr Fernando Montano VG EV PP offered practical insights into managing visa processes and canonical requirements, highlighting the Diocese of Parramatta’s proactive approach to grow pastoral ministry in the local Church.
The discussion reflected a shared commitment to ensuring clergy both reflect the diversity of parish communities in each diocese and receive solid formation to be pastorally equipped.
Vicars General from across New South Wales including Parramatta, Sydney, Broken Bay and Wollongong. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
A changing landscape
Also generating strong engagement was a session on the changing civil and canonical law and emerging legislation.
From parish mergers and compliance checklists to the legal implications of claim farming (where vulnerable people are pressured to lodge civil compensation claims) and fraudulent claims to the National Redress Scheme, the Vicars General acknowledged the increasing complexity of Church governance.
Presentations by legal experts and canonists, including Diocesan canon lawyer Fr Peter Blayney EV, encouraged open and informed dialogue on how to respond to such issues with integrity and clarity.
Governance teams
Throughout the conference, participants engaged deeply with the vital roles of Diocesan Finance and Pastoral Councils – not merely as governance bodies, but as essential collaborators in the Church’s mission.
Strengthening these relationships was noted by the Vicars General as a crucial step to ensure decisions are transparent and responsive to the needs of local communities.
Fr Peter Williams AM VG reflected on the significance of the gathering:
“This ad hoc gathering commenced before COVID and was simply an opportunity for VG’s to discuss matters of mutual interest in terms of their roles and responsibilities,” Fr Peter said.
“Now, it has matured and it was wonderful to have present the VG’s from Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and other places to really drill down into issues that are common to us all,” he said.
“I am delighted that the VG’s in Maitland-Newcastle have agreed to host the gathering next year.”
Fr Fernando Montano VG EV PP said it was the first time he had the opportunity to participate in gathering as a VG.
“For me it was a good to see the level of collaboration, the sharing of common issues, opportunities and concerns, and also the fraternity shared among the Vicars General from the different dioceses that participated,” Fr Fernando said.
“I look forward to continue with the communication and collaboration, now that I can put a face with the names.”
This year’s Vicars General Conference affirmed the deep unity among diocesan leaders – and a shared resolve to lead with humility, courage, and faith in action.
