Our lead Defence Chaplains are key to being involved with understanding what is needed for Chaplaincy, being able to predict how you will proceed, and inspiring you towards achieving your goal.
AIR FORCE
Monsignor Peter O'Keefe AM
Fr Peter was ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga in March 1972 and served in the Riverina until 1982. In that year he was appointed as a chaplain in the Royal Australian Air Force where he served both as a full time and part time chaplain until 2017. He was appointed Director General Chaplain-Air Force in 2002. He assumed the office of Vicar General of the Military Ordinariate in 2010.
Monsignor Peter is currently the Catholic Member of the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services (RACS).
Along with Fr Richard Thompson, he serves as the Apostolic Administrator – Delegate in the Military Diocese in support of Archbishop Christopher Prowse as Bishop Administrator of the Diocese pending the appointment of a Military Bishop.
Monsignor Peter O'Keefe is the point of contact for Air Force Chaplaincy. For enquiries please send an email to peter.okeefe@cmoa.org.au
Defence Switch: 1300 333 3623
Mobile: 0428 888 302
NAVY
Fr Paul Stuart
Father Paul Stuart, RAN, STL, is a Senior Chaplain (O-6) in the Royal Australian Navy and is currently the ‘Authorised Faith Representative – Catholic’ for the Navy in the absence of an ‘Episcopal Vicar – Navy’.
He was ordained a priest in 1992 and commissioned as a Navy Officer-Chaplain in 2004. He has served as a priest/chaplain in numerous parishes, schools, colleges, hospitals, and to Catholic organisations such as Catholic Youth Ministry (3 World Youth Days: 2000, 2003, 2005) and the Catholic Lawyers Association, as well as in Aboriginal communities (Broome Diocese). He completed a Licentiate in Sacred Theology 1997-98 (Gregorian University, Rome) and served 6 years as Dean of Students & Studies at Corpus Christi College seminary (Clayton & Carlton). From 1999-2004 he was Vocations Director for the Melbourne Archdiocese. Fr Paul has served in many ships and naval establishments and has had three deployments to the Middle East in anti-terrorism and anti-piracy operations.
For enquiries into becoming a Catholic Navy Chaplain (full-time or part-time, as a priest, or as a deacon (married or celibate), or as a (Lay) Pastoral Associate (male or female, married or single), please email Father Paul at paul.stuart3@defence.gov.au
Defence Switch: 1300 333 3623
ARMY
Fr Damian Styles CSM
Fr Damian Styles is currently the Catholic Faith Group Lead Chaplain in Army.
He has served as a Catholic Chaplain since 2006 and is currently serving as a full-time Army Chaplain within the Australian Army. Fr Damian was ordained as a deacon 2004, then as a priest 2005 into the Military Ordinariate of Australia.
He has served on a number of operations and multiple postings across Australia.
For enquiries into becoming a Catholic Army Chaplain (full-time or part-time) as a priest, or as a deacon (married or celibate), or as a (Lay) Pastoral Associate (male or female, married or single), please email Father Damian at damian.styles@defence.gov.au
Defence Switch: 1300 333 3623
Enquiries for Navy, Army, or Air Force Chaplaincy please ask for a Catholic Chaplain
Defence Switch: 1300 333 3623
The Military Diocese welcomes your interest in seeking information about Catholic Military Chaplaincy.
Our Diocese is spread out all of over the country
with Chapels located in each State, served by dedicated Chaplains.
The proclamation of Christ and his Gospel.