About Us

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 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.

What is the Catholic Church of Melbourne?

The Church crystallises the communion of God with all of us. It is both visible and spiritual. The Catholic Church of Melbourne is an Archdiocese. It is a portion of the people of God that is entrusted to Archbishop Hart, it is to be nurtured by him, with the co-operation of his priests. Gathered by the Bishop through the Gospel and the Eucharist in the Holy Spirit, it constitutes the Church of Melbourne. In this Church, the one holy, Catholic and apostolic church of Christ truly exists and functions.

What is the Vision and Mission of the Catholic Church in Melbourne?

The vision and mission of the Catholic Church in Melbourne is the same for the Catholic Church Universal. It is the Church’s mission to be a sign and instrument of communion with God and of unity among all men. The Church’s first purpose is to be the sacrament of the inner union of men with God. Because men’s communion with one another is rooted in that union with God, the Church is also the sacrament of the unity of the human race. In her, this unity has already begun, since she gathers men “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and times”; at the same time, the Church is the sign and instrument “of the full realisation of the unity yet to come” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 775.)

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.

Are You Interested in Becoming a Catholic?

In the Archdiocese of Melbourne there are 232 Catholic parishes. Those who are interested in becoming Catholics should, in the first place, make contact with their local Catholic church community. Most parishes have a programme for adults who are interested in becoming Catholics, called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The starting point for becoming a member of the Catholic Church is simply by talking to your local parish priest and/or the parish leaders. They are best instructed to be able to listen to you and understand what God seems to be doing in your life. If you wish, they can then introduce you to the basic steps in becoming a Catholic.