Over the next few months, every parish across the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst will participate in the 2026 National Church Life Survey.

Our Diocese has participated in the National Church Life Survey since its beginning. The information gathered has been invaluable in helping us understand parish life, identify emerging challenges and opportunities, and plan more effectively for the future.

NCLS Research is a world leader in research that helps Christian churches, schools and agencies connect with their communities. For decades, its work has explored wellbeing, spirituality, effective leadership and church health, supporting Christian communities to understand their mission within a changing society.

This year’s survey will provide an especially important insight into the life of our parishes. Conducted in the same year as the Australian Census, it will help us better understand our Church communities and how parish life has recovered and changed following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey is also a wonderful opportunity to build upon the parish assemblies held across our Diocese during 2026. It will allow us to continue listening to the experiences, perspectives and hopes of our parishioners as we reflect on the life and mission of our parishes.

These individual responses will provide a clearer picture of who we are, how we are living our faith and where God may be calling us as a Diocese.

When the National Church Life Survey is offered in your parish, please take the time to participate. Your contribution will help inform planning and discernment within your parish and across the Diocese in the years ahead.

More information is available from NCLS Research.