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Bishops

The bishop holds three formal offices. These are teaching, sanctifying and governing.

The bishop is his diocese's chief teacher of doctrine and leader of public worship. A bishop's involvement in the activities and institutions in his diocese is, in some instances, consent and encouragement; in others, advice and guidance; and, in others, full ownership and direction.

Additionally, the bishop “governs the particular church (diocese) entrusted to him with legislative, executive and judicial power, in accordance with the law." The last phrase is important. Some matters are reserved to the Pope, other matters, including the rights and responsibilities of individuals or groups within the Church, are defined in Church Law.

See also: The Catholic Church in Australia

In this section:

• Ad Limina - the visit of the Australian Bishops' each five years to Rome
• Permanent Committee
• Commission Membership - listing what bishops are on which commissions
• Information on the President of the Australian Bishops Conference, and his statements
• Information on every Australian Bishop
• Plenary Meetings - the Australian Bishops gather for one week from the first Friday in May and the Monday following the Feast of Christ the King in November.