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Who we are

The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst is a diverse mix of mountain ranges to the east, rolling tablelands through the Central West, sprawling plains to the north-west, and thriving regional and rural communities throughout.  At the heart of the Diocese are the people in our 17 parishes who, through Baptism and the Holy Spirit, are committed to knowing, loving and serving Jesus Christ in the modern world.

Bishop Michael McKenna leads the Diocese, with more than 65,600 baptised Catholics, located in the Central Tablelands and Central West Regions of NSW, Australia.

Our Diocese has been blessed with a rich diversity: traditional Aboriginal custodians, old settlers and newly-arrived migrants; rural, urban and industrial environments; sprawling, productive farmland; some of country’s most breathtaking natural treasures, as well as established townships and some of the fastest growing suburbs in Australia. Our Diocese dates back to the early days of European settlement, having been established in 1865.

Acknowledgement of country

We are in the country of the Wiradjuri, Gamilaraay and Wailwan peoples, the Traditional Owners who have walked upon and cared for this land for thousands of years. We pay respect to their Elders and acknowledge the memory of their ancestors, and celebrate their continuing cultures. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

The Diocese of Bathurst is located in rural New South Wales from Coonamble in the north, Cowra being the southernmost point, to Lithgow in the east and the most western point being Eugowra.

Facts and figures

Total Population: 232 699

Catholic Population: 65 677 (28.2 percent)

Born overseas: 4,037 Catholics

Area of the Diocese: 103,680 sq km

Number of parishes: 17

Mass is celebrated in 62 centres across the Diocese

Number of Catholic schools: 33

Number of students: over 10,000

Staff employed by the Diocese: 1,467