Become a Priest Chaplain

Bradley Rafter
Sunday Mass with Soldiers
Archbishop online meeting with chaplains
Anthony Crook
Fr Giles Atherton
Bonaventure Echeta
Martin Monaghan RAN
Fr Brendan Quirk
Fr Raphael Abboud
Fr Damian Styles
Fr Paul Stuart
Fr Stuart Hall
Fr Camillus Nwahia
Fr Thomas Zaranski
Fr Trac Nguyen
Fr Kene Onwukwe
Fr Gabriel Ezenwa
Fr Jude Ezeme
Fr Martin Monaghan blessing of the pets
Fr Brendan Quirk on movie night when deployed
new Defence bibles issued to Chaplains
Chaplain Abboud blessing of the fallen

The Military Diocese requires priest chaplains who through Holy Orders exercise a share in the sacred ministry of the bishop as his chief collaborators in mission. Through their priestly ministry they are able to offer a full range of sacramental ministries including the Holy Eucharist in various settings.

Priest Chaplain Fr Christian entry into Defence

There are two avenues for attracting Priestly vocations:

  • For a lay man currently in the ADF or in civilian life wishing to discern a vocation to the priesthood, please contact the Military Diocese Vocations Director, Fr Damian Styles: Damian.styles@defence.gov.au
     

  • For existing clergy who are considering either full-time or part time (Reserve) ministry in the Military Diocese, please contact Monsignor Peter O’Keefe at the Chancery: Peter.Okeefe@cmoa.org.au or Phone: 0428 888 302

     

    MOA Coat of Arms

Responsibilities of a Military Priest ChaplainFr Gabriel and Fr Kene

  • Perform sacramental and liturgical ministry, particularly the celebration of Mass, in Defence Chapels, on ships and in the field;
     
  • Provide spiritual support and pastoral care within your unit;
     
  • Provide a spiritual and pastoral ministry across a Defence establishment where you are the only Catholic chaplain;
     
  • Provide leadership in regional Catholic teams across your geographic area, providing ministry coordination, guidance as required, spiritual and pastoral care to deacon chaplains and pastoral associates in your geographic area, whether they be Army, Navy or Air Force;
     
  • Conduct remembrance and memorial services, prayers and blessings;
     
  • Providing character formation – values and ethics;
     
  • Be an active contributor and team player within your team of multi-faith chaplains;
     
  • Be part of a multidisciplinary team (medical, psychological and welfare);
     
  • Advocate and provide for spiritual, mental health and emotional care of people; and
     
  • Be part of a Command Support Team advising Commanders on various personnel and welfare support issues concerning morale, spirituality and pastoral care.
     
  • Assume the function of key religious leader offering religious community engagement particularly in deployed and humanitarian settings as required.

ADF Chaplains building up and guiding our Defence community in the name of Christ

young men rejoicing with the cross in the background
Related topics
Kevin O'Sullivan

Become a Deacon Chaplain

For over 35 years the Military Diocese has been fortunate with15 permanent Deacons as Catholic Chaplains.

Owen Geddes Lay Associate in Army uniform - head shot

Become a Lay Pastoral Associate Chaplain

Within the Military Diocese, there is an opportunity for Catholic women and men, married or single, to be endorsed with a commission from the military bishop and appointed as ADF Chaplains. 

muliti coloured question mark buttons

Chaplaincy FAQs

Answers to some frequently asked questions about becoming a chaplain serving as Defence Force members.