Archdiocese of Hobart
The Catholic Church in Tasmania is the Archdiocese of Hobart entrusted to the Archbishop of Hobart, the Most Reverend Julian Porteous DD, and nurtured with the co-operation of his priests.
In the geographical sense, the Archdiocese of Hobart is the southern most diocese for the Catholic Church in Australia, corresponding with the coastal boundaries of Tasmania and includes some small islands, such as King, Flinders and Bruny. Presided over by Archbishop Julian Porteous, the Archdiocese is divided into twenty-seven parishes.
The Archdiocese service structure is defined through a number of areas, the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office, CatholicCare Tasmania (incorporating welfare, affordable housing and child care), Blueline Laundry, Marriage Tribunal, Catholic Development Fund.
Archbishop Porteous DD is assisted in his administration of the Archdiocese by Vicar-General Fr Michael Tate AO VG, Chancellor Fr Terry Rush VF PP and a group of senior priests who form a regular consulting group for His Grace. Across the Church agencies, the Archbishop meets regularly with senior managers and advisors as well as heading the governing councils of the major Catholic colleges across the State.
Tasmania's Catholic community is one of the largest non-government employers in the State, employing around 8800 people of all faiths, cultures, religions and backgrounds who deliver welfare, aged care, education, health care, affordable housing, childcare, charitable works, and laundry services to approximately 212,000 Tasmanians annually. (Data derived from annual reports & 2016 Census)
Working within the Church environment, irrespective of faith or background, sees many people brought together into a communion of life as part of a relationship with others, especially the marginalised and disadvantaged.
The patron saint of the Archdiocese is St Patrick who is represented in the blue of the Archdiocesan crest.