Pastoral Care

To walk with others in life's journey, sharing the ups and downs, 
the hardships and privileges of uniformed people and Defence families is our call.

Fr Giles Atherton and other Military Chaplains

The Military Diocese is deeply committed to providing pastoral care to all members of the Australian Defence Force and their families, wherever they may be.


 

Our chaplains are at the forefront of providing pastoral care to you and your family in the ADF regardless of personal circumstances, your faith allegiance or being of no faith, whatever your situation at any time. To be able to be shepherds, it requires that our chaplains be men and women of the Spirit, committed to their calling, prayerful and professional members of the armed services, seeking to integrate their vocations into the fabric of Defence life.

Chaplain Joel Vergara with COVID infected Servicing Members in quarantine

 


To walk with others in life’s journey, sharing the ups and downs, the hardships and privileges of uniformed people and Defence families is our call.    


 

Word of encouragement from Paul the Apostle:

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, do not be conceited. 
Do not repay anyone evil with evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

Romans 12: 15-17

How we support you


As uniformed members sharing many similar experiences in military service, our chaplains walk with you and offer support in times of anxiety, fear, stress or at a time when you are facing moral dilemmas, guilt, fatigue and aloneness. We seek to support you in your woundedness, injury and illness. We seek to bring consolation to the dying and those who mourn.

As unit chaplains and part of a multi-professional support team, we will strive to provide pastoral care through:

  • Being available and a presence in the workplace;
  • Being an integral part of unit life;
  • Providing pastoral counselling;
  • Assuring confidentiality in pastoral relationships unless obligation mandatory reporting is required;
  • Referring to other support agencies as required and sought by you;
  • Maintaining a network of faith-based and community networks;
  • Advocating with command for the spiritual, psychological and practical wellbeing of members and families;
  • Representing the welfare needs of individuals or groups to command;
  • Offering prayer support;
  • Providing opportunities for sacraments and worship.

This pastoral commitment is a corollary to our baptism, discipleship and integration of the Gospel into our lives which encompasses Christ’s pastoral mandate:  What motivates us is Christ’s example of selflessness, compassion and care.

 

Ask to speak with a Catholic Chaplain through the Defence Switch: 1300 333 3623

Mark Sexton supporting our military with bushfire relief

“Come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, 
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 
and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28

The Catholic Community


The Military Diocese encourages you to engage with your parish community, our chaplains, or a Catholic who has a good understanding of the faith, and who will provide pastoral support for any areas of concern.