Welcome to this edition of the AMPJP Newsletter. As we continue to support leadership, collaboration and mission across Catholic ministries, we hope the stories, opportunities and updates shared here help strengthen connections and encourage the important work being carried out across the Church.
AMPJP Dinner, AGM and Forum
On the 23 & 24 August 2026 the annual AMPJP Dinner, AGM and Forum was attended by over 90 MPJP Trustees, Executive Officers, Mission Directors, and guests.
Health Meeting
The Health Meeting offered a presentation by Julia Trimboli and Martin Teulan on an evidence-based approach to Mission effectiveness and evaluation. This was based on the successful model of the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada.
Education Meeting
Participants heard from different MPJP’s on how they support Trustees in overseeing mission alignment. Audrey Brown facilitated the session hearing from Good Samaritan Education and Edmund Rice Education Australia. Marea Nicholson offered an update from NCEC as the CORMSAA representative for that body.
AMPJP 5-year Review
Moira Najdeki led our plenary gathering, inviting Sherry Balcombe to acknowledge the country on which we gathered. Terence Corkin from Faith-based Boards gave an overview of the 5-year review of AMPJP, offering very positive results. The summary is available for reading.
AGM and Dinner
The AGM followed, with a special presentation by Liz Vinning to Moira Najdecki as she stands down as Chairperson of the AMPJP Council.
And another special moment sharing a cake celebrating 10 years of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons.
IMAGES: Liz Vinning (AMPJP Council Member) and Gabrielle McMullen(AMPJP Founding Member) cutting the 10-year anniversary cake.
Dinner was blessed by Archbishop Peter Comensoli who joined us for dinner. During the dinner we were honoured to have Chad Glendinning give an address based on his experience working with MPJP’s in Canada.
AMPJP Forum
Monday was a full day opening with prayer, followed by Chris Jacobs-Vandegeer leading the session on The theology of the Eucharist and Lay Leadership. The middle part of the day was dedicated to hearing from canon lawyer Michael Sinclair on what Trustees need to know about canon law. Jamie Calder SJ brought the day to a conclusion furthering Chris’ reflection on the theology of Eucharist from the morning, and then celebrating Mass together.
To our sponsors, the Catholic Development Funds of Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane’s ADF, Catholic Super and Makinson d’ Apice Lawyers, a huge thankyou. The CDFs and Catholic Super gave excellent, mission-based presentations. Makinson D’Apice Lawyers also provided chocolates for the dinner that were very gratefully received!
IMAGES: Jeremy Ayliffe, Catholic SuperSponsor for AMPJP Healthand Education Meetings Archbishop Peter Comensoli offering prayer at the AMPJP Dinner sponsored by Mackinson D’Apice Lawyers
IMAGE: CDF Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane
Executive Officers and Mission Director Meetings
Prior to the main event, EO’s and Mission Directors met in two separate meetings as they continue to work together and network. It was good to see so many join at ACU Melbourne, which generously allowed their space for use. (Left: Mission Directors Meeting, Right: Executive Officer‘s Meeting)
Tribute to Moira Najdecki
Moira Najdecki is stepping down as chairperson of the AMPJP Council after four years. Liz Vinning, deputy chair of the AMPJP Council, gave the following tribute at the AMPJP AGM 2026:
“Thanks to Moira from AMPJP
Today, we gather to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Moira for her outstanding leadership and service to AMPJP.
When people speak about Moira, certain qualities are mentioned again and again: commitment, courage, thoughtfulness, integrity, inclusiveness, persistence, and vision. These are not simply words; they are qualities that we have all witnessed in action throughout her leadership.
One Councillor describes Moira as committed, direct, courageous, thoughtful, inclusive, and persistent. Another speaks of her loyalty, her values-based approach, and her strategic and visionary leadership. Together, these qualities paint a picture of a leader who is deeply grounded in her principles while always looking towards the future.
A third Councillor reflects on Moira as a woman of integrity and deep faith whose thinking is always directed toward the common good. Throughout challenging matters, she has persevered with grace and determination. Her gift for leading discernment has been invaluable, helping individuals and groups navigate complexity with wisdom and clarity. Her generosity of heart and mind has enabled diverse voices to be heard and has helped build consensus where others may have seen only obstacles.
A fourth reminds us of Moira’s calm and thoughtful presence. As Chair, she has been inclusive, respectful, and attentive to all. Her strong understanding of the institutional Church has strengthened AMPJP’s relationships and engagement. He also notes her important contribution in helping to steer and clarify the role of AMPJP, ensuring the organisation continues to serve its mission with confidence and purpose.
Another speaks of Moira as a careful conductor of our gatherings—attentive to people, alert to nuance, and deeply aware of the complexities of the issues before us. Her collaborative partnership with colleagues and the respect she has earned from Trustees and Stewards alike are a testament to the trust she has built over time.
And another describes Moira as a gentle yet strong leader who has patiently and strategically advocated for the place of Religious Institute and Ministerial Public Juridic Persons within the Australian Church. Through her ability to build relationships and foster effective collaborations, she has significantly strengthened the role and influence of AMPJP.
Across all these reflections, a common theme emerges. Moira has led with wisdom and humility. She has guided with courage and compassion. She has listened carefully, built bridges, and brought people together around a shared purpose. Her leadership has not only shaped AMPJP but also strengthened the relationships, vision, and mission that sustain its work.
Moira, on behalf of everyone who has had the privilege of working with you, thank you. Thank you for your integrity, your faith, your vision, your generosity, and your unwavering commitment to the common good. Your contribution has been profound, and your leadership has left a lasting legacy.
We offer our deepest gratitude and our very best wishes for the future. Thank you, Moira.”
ASCL Tribute to Neville Owen
AMPJP is very grateful to Neville Owen for commitment as the AMPJP representative on the Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited Governance body. The following is taken from the ACSL August newsletter.
Thank you to Liz Vinning
Liz will be stepping down as AMPJP Council deputy chair at the September meeting. We thank Liz for her support of the AMPJP executive and council, and for her steadfast and wise guidance.
Congratulations to Tony Biviano
Congratulations to our very own Tony Biviano for winning a Highly Commended Award for Best Online Layout for our new CathEvents site at the Australasian Catholic Press Association awards.
CathEvents gives AMPJP a growing national platform that significantly increases its visibility and strengthens its standing as a connector and leader across the Catholic Church in Australia. It extends AMPJP’s reach well beyond its membership, while demonstrating practical leadership by helping ministries, organisations and individuals discover, share and participate in opportunities that strengthen the life and mission of the Church.
From Martin Teulan, Executive Director, AMPJP
It has been a busy period for AMPJP as we continue to build stronger connections with other organisations. I’ve been glad to represent AMPJP, and to take part as a member of the wider church, at a number of events, including:
- The launch for the book “Leadership after the Synod” by Anne Benjamin and Charles Burford. AMPJP is a leader in promoting lay leadership in the Church worldwide through our partnership in the Co-responsible Governance in a Synodal Church project.
- The Catholic Social Services Australia’s 70th Anniversary dinner where Ged Kearney opened with humour, empathy and support. Malcolm Turnbull delivered a faith-filled and powerful call for the end of “Angertainment” and instead the renewal of inclusiveness. He focused on the call of Jesus to “Love God and Love your Neighbour”.
- Catholic Social Services Australia’s 2026 Parliamentary Advocacy Summit Church. From CSSA: “Martin Teulan, Executive Director of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP), opened our first session with “The Role of Lay Leadership in the Australian Catholic Church Today – Loving God, Loving your Neighbour.” His session invited us to reflect on the important role of lay leadership in carrying forward the mission of the Church and living the Gospel through service and faith sharing.”
- As part of our close co-operation, I attended the Catholic Religious Australia National Assembly. One very important element was the visit by two members of DICLSAL, who shared that the Dicastery is getting close to a decision as to how MPJPs will be supported when those MPJPs no longer are linked to a religious institute. Congratulations also to the newly appointed executive of CRA, President Kari Hatherell OSU, Alan Gibson CM as Vice President and Karon Donnellon as Executive Member.
- The Catholic Health Australia Code of Ethics Update Forum was an excellent example of a joint approach to the formation of Trustees between AMPJP and CHA. The excellent presenters, Brigid Meney, David Kirchhoffer and Dan Fleming brought our Trustees up to date with the latest developments in the development of the new Code.
- I facilitated a talented and informative panel at the CDF Catholic Connect luncheon in Melbourne. Over 200 participants from many different ministries heard from Virginia Bourke, Chair of Mercy Health, Elizabeth Labone, CEO of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, John McClusky, CEO of the Catholic Development Fund and consultant economist Ivan Colhoun.
2027 AMPJP Calendar
The 2027 AMPJP Calendar of Events is now available. All MPJPs have been sent a copy. Please contact ampjpevents@ampjp.org.au if you have not received the calendar.
Webinar series: Civil responsibilities of Trustees
For Trustees & Executive Officer’s
Paul Davis, an experienced Trustee and public speaker, will be leading two afternoon sessions about the responsibilities of Trustees of MPJP’s in Civil Law. You are invited to attend these two sessions that will build on from each other to offer an understanding of the Civil Law Duties of the Trustee Role.
20 & 27 October 4pm – 5.30pm AEDT
Via zoom
Please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HweyBmkISzeBK-omiKtcdw
Monthly Must-Read for Trustees
Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church: Approaches to the Exercise of Authority by Lay Persons: Background Paper:
Click here to read