Three major Research Reports Launched: Executive Director Report September 2025

AMPJP August 2025 Forum – Three New Research Reports Launched!

As the Forum was designed to link to the Australian Catholic Education Conference, it was held at the Benson Hotel in Cairns.

This summary, drawn from the work of Mark Buhagiar and Moira Najdeski (left), details the many contributions on the theme of “On Whose Authority?”, linking lay leadership with baptism, with the purpose of providing high-level formation for Trustees, Executive Officers, Committee Members and Mission Directors.

Health Meeting

In the Health meeting preceding the AGM, Catholic Health Australia led the attendees through an enlightening  consultation process that contributed to the refreshed code of ethical standards in Catholic health and aged care. They were also briefed on the new Aged Care Act. The importance of Trustees working with and challenging their boards, and asking them about their collaboration with other Catholic organizations, was emphasized.

Education Meeting

Significant items discussed in the Education meeting included:

• • The Conversation Paper and the latest data and statistics regarding the presence of education RI/MPJPs in Australia.
  • Future directions for CORMSAA, including funding and proposed new Chapters in Queensland an
  • d South Australia.
  • Cooperation with Catholic parent bodies.

Forum Theme: On Whose Authority?

Moira Najdecki led the AGM with an outline of the progress already made against the AMPJP Strategic Plan, with these three major launches of research projects in Year 1.

At the Forum Dinner, Bishop Joe Caddy addressed synodality and challenged attendees to (re)read Gaudium et Spes, reflecting on “The joys, the hopes, the griefs and anxieties of this age…” by considering the consequences of not inviting or including everyone.  He called on every person to reach out to marginalised people in society, and to learn from them.

Prayer and Formation

Our Prayer and Formation led by Gabriel McMullen was uplifting and meaningful.

The image of MPJPs as carriers of the fire of charism was inspired by an indigenous story where women in many Aboriginal tribes carried fire during the grey, wet winter months. Fire meant life, and since it was impossible to start fires at every new campsite, hot coals were maintained in shell cones. Upon setting up camp, these coals could be enflamed into life. Similarly, MPJPs carry shell cones of charism.

Another powerful image was the emergence of MPJPs as an “ecclesial earthquake,” radically reshaping our understanding and governance of institutional commitments.

Main Presentations

Associate Professor Rev. Jamie Calder SJ (with facilitator Jennifer Stratton) presented his working paper Called by Love, Called to the Service of Stewardship: Theological Foundations of Lay Ecclesial Leadership in Ministerial Public Juridic Persons. He argued that MPJPs represent a “sign of the times” in Catholic Church governance, examining the foundations of authority for lay leadership, the authenticity and legitimacy of lay ecclesial leadership, and the theological identity of MPJPs as small intentional Christian communities called to stewardship of God’s mission

Dr. Ruth Powell summarized the 2025 Canonical Stewards Survey Report, highlighting demographics, religious profiles, areas for formation, and top priorities for Ministerial PJPs. Key themes identified in the Survey included Mission and Catholic Identity, Formation, Governance, and Succession. Stewards particularly want to learn more about Canon Law and Governance.

Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe discussed the outcomes of the Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church year one research project, which mapped MPJPs across Anglophone countries. She explored why religious institutes adopted MPJPs and how well this fits with synodality, referencing the ACU Governance Leadership Ministry program as an exemplar for forming canonical stewards.  She launched the report with other key participants.

Lawrie Hallinan (left) conducted a workshop on “How can MPJPs be Synodal?” as part of his PhD research, encouraging the discovery of synodal leadership methods that differ from hierarchical approaches.

Brother Michael Green (right) and Richard Quinn shared the journey towards the creation of the Marist Association, which has a large membership of twelve hundred, from whom future leadership will be drawn.

There were so many other outstanding presentations and facilitations. We would also thank Uncle Henry Fourmile (wonderful acknowledgement of Country), Gerald Scanlan, Archbishop Charles Balvo, Richard Haddock, Edwina Macarthur, Frank Malloy, Audrey Brown, Liz Vinning, Gary Humphrys, Jenny Parker, Julia Trimboli and summator Mark Buhagiar (pictured)!  The staff at the Benson were also very helpful. To everyone else in the huge team who assisted in some way and remain unnamed, an equally huge thankyou – and my apologies!

To our sponsors, the Catholic Development Funds of Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane’s ADF, Catholic Super and Makinson and d’ Apice Lawyers, a huge thankyou. The CDFs and Catholic Super gave excellent, mission-based presentations!

Perhaps the most important part of any conference are the informal meetings and conversations, getting to know others involved with MPJPs, and sharing the good times and the challenges.

AMPJP Leadership positions renewed

2025 AMPJP Council

AMPJP Council largely renewed their leadership positions at this week’s Council meeting following the 2025 AGM.  Moira Najdecki and Liz Vinning continue as Chair and Deputy Chair, Patrick Cooper and Martin Teulan as Treasurer and Company Secretary.

Neville Owen continues as AMPJP Member Representative to Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd, Moira Najdecki will replace Julianna Drobik OP when she retires from Council as Council representative on CORMSAA (Committee of RI and MPJP School Authorities Australia), and Jennifer Stratton will continue as Chair of the AMPJP Formation Committee.

This stability will assist in AMPJP fulfilling its plan to gently grow its presence in the Australian Church and support the ministries of its members. Thankyou to those who take on these extra responsibilities above their already substantial commitments to their own ministries and AMPJP.

(Kieran McCarthy, Beth Gilligan and Michael Green fms were then current Council members not present in the photo above).