Diocesan financial administrators from across Australia gathered in Lismore, New South Wales, for their annual national forum. Source: Lismore Diocese.
Hosted for the first time by a regional diocese, the Lismore Diocese welcomed the administrators to its accommodation and retreat centre, Invercauld House, for the October 19-21 forum.
The forum offered participants the opportunity to reflect on their shared responsibility to manage the Church’s economic resources in accordance with Church teaching and law, while connecting with colleagues from dioceses around the country.
Lismore Diocese business manager Greg Isaac said it was a great honour to host this year’s forum.
“It was a privilege for the Diocese of Lismore to host DFAs from across Australia — many of whom were visiting Lismore for the first time,” Mr Isaac said.
“Delegates particularly enjoyed the guided tour of Lismore’s floodplain and St Carthage’s Cathedral, the opportunity to speak with the Mayor of Lismore, Steve Krieg, and see firsthand how our diocese has recovered and adapted following the 2022 floods.”
DFA group chair Helen Delahunty said the forum was a positive experience.
“The role of the DFA is integral to the mission of each diocese and archdiocese, so this annual meeting allows all of us to get to know each other in a social sense, while hearing from speakers about various issues, but also to get to know what is working well in the other dioceses,” Ms Delahunty said.
“The collaboration and camaraderie gained from this meeting will endure for many years to come.”
Lismore Bishop Greg Homeming OCD celebrated Mass on each day of the forum and addressed participants during the after-dinner session, emphasising the importance of stewardship within Church leadership.
The forum included a full program of sessions over two days, covering topics such as insurance, civil claims and redress, financial sustainability, and governance.
The forum concluded with discussions on future opportunities and the election of the Archdiocese of Hobart to host the 2026 forum.
FULL STORY
National Forum brings Australia’s Church finance leaders together in Lismore (Lismore Diocese)
