In Appreciation for your Dedicated Service
Fr Mark completed many years of service as a Chaplain early in 2025 on reaching retirement from the Australian Army.
Mark is currently the Parish Priest of St. Mary of the Cross, MacKillop – Northern Light Parish. This large parish of 8.000 sq km covers the areas of Barossa, Kapunda, Balaklava and Hanley Bridge with 8 churches.
He has been a Reserve Chaplain since 2006 serving in various ARES units within SA including 3/9 Light horse, 3 health Support Battalion and the Adelaide Universities Regiment. Perhaps the highlight of his military service has been his deployment to Afghanistan inn 2011. This time was important to him, he has many cherished memories of this deployed service.
Marks’s military service began well before his Army chaplaincy. He joined the Australian regular Army (ARA) in 1976 with entry into the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He discharged from the ARA in 1979, later joining the Army Reserve. He served in the Army for 20 years prior to being ordained priest.
Mark was a secondary school teacher for 16 years in SA. He joined the seminary in 1996 as a late vocation, being ordained in September 2001. He has served in numerous parishes within the Archdiocese of Adelaide.
We recognise Mark’s long association with the Australian Army, and particularly his committed service as a Catholic Chaplain. Mark’s pastoral care is highly regarded and is deeply appreciated. His ability to get alongside soldiers, to serve constantly and with commitment to his priestly life is an example of what makes a loved and highly valued chaplain.
Thank you, Mark.
Every blessing for your future ministry in the Archdiocese of Adelaide.
