Catholic Education governance enters new chapter

In February, Archbishop Christopher announced a plan to alter the governance arrangements for Catholic Education in the Archdiocese.

Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited is certainly a mouthful – but it signals important things about our change in governance:

“Catholic” is, first and foremost, who we are.  We seek to bring Jesus to the world and the world to Jesus.

“Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn” is where we are situated.

We stand on the shoulders of giants.

The history and context of being both a sizeable rural diocese and centred on the national capital also denotes the particular relationships that define us.

“Education” is what we do.  Since its foundation, the Church has believed in the power of education to assist human flourishing.

The new company joins that mission which is more than two millennia old.

Around 40 years ago, Archbishop Carroll established the Catholic Education Commission to help govern Catholic Education.

Since then, the system has more than doubled in size and grown increasingly complex, particularly due to heightened multi-level regulation and a greater focus on baptismal accountabilities over the last two decades.

In consultation with advisors, Archbishop Prowse has decided to establish a company limited by guarantee to govern Catholic Education in the Archdiocese.

This decision follows the 2020 report Light from the Southern Cross on Church governance, Pope Francis’ focus on baptism and charisms, and Archbishop Christopher’s insights on “journeying together” in ministry.

The new company’s Board will consist exclusively of lay people responding to their baptismal call to proclaim the Gospel. Its Constitution emphasises that the company’s mission revolves around ecclesial relationships aimed at bringing Jesus to the world.

The company’s purpose is to manage educational ministry and serve as a force for good, shaping the nation and Archdiocese while advocating for those in poverty and on the margins through Christian witness.

In other words, it seeks to build on the rich heritage of this Archdiocese and the wider Church and, together, to open bold new ventures in Catholic education.

The Board is starting its journey with three priorities:

1. Ensuring our Catholic identity and mission guide our efforts.

2. Advancing educational excellence.

3. Ensuring our infrastructure meets 21st-century needs.

Archbishop Christopher highlighted that while classroom experiences will remain stable due to our dedicated staff, governance changes will introduce new practices.

The Catalyst initiative will enhance Religious Education and address teacher shortages by recruiting individuals who reflect our Catholic values, while also tackling infrastructure issues.

The Archdiocese faces challenges such as decreasing government funding, rising costs, and declining religious adherence despite a growing demand for Catholic education.

Our goal is to empower individuals to advocate for marginalized communities and embody the mercy of Jesus.

Pope Francis emphasised that education humanises the world, connecting the divine and human and countering individualism and indifference (Global Compact on Education, 15 October 2020).

The Board of Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited commits to honoring this faith and addressing the challenges presented by Jesus.