About the NCP

The National Council of Priests is an Australian wide organisation of Catholic clergy – bishops, priests and deacons – who join together to support each other in their priestly ministry. Founded in 1971 by the priests of Australia, the NCP is a professional organisation of clergy working for the good of all clergy and offering services to the Catholic Church.


The Objects and Purposes of the Council

  • To promote a spirit of fraternity among the members and other clerics of the Catholic Church in Australia.
  • To devise ways and means for members and others to better serve the people to whom they are called to minister.
  • To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and to promote the spirit of ecumenism and to establish ecumenical links.
  • To effect a liaison with other national bodies of religious men and women and with national bodies of laity.
  • To maintain contact with similar associations.
  • To be a consultative body to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
  • About half of all Australian Catholic Clergy – Diocesan and Clerical Religious – are members. Members pay an annual subscription to belong to the NCP.


Activities & Initiatives

  • Builds links between Australian clergy – bishops, priests and deacons.
  • Publishes a quarterly magazine The Swag which is available to all clergy and lay people.  The Swag is also available at– http://theswag.org.au
  • Publish a quarterly news bulletin which is sent to all members (post or email).
  • Members Only web site –  http://nationalcouncilofpriests.com.au
  • Represents clergy at the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
  • Collaborates with the Leaders of Religious Institutes.
  • Sponsors a biennial NCP Convention to which all clergy are invited.
  • Sponsors clergy in ongoing education through bursaries.
  • Publishes the annual Clergy Contact List (members only)
  • Maintains an active interest in Clergy Renewal.
  • Promotes research associated with creative pastoral programmes.
  • Initiated and supports the Australian Catholic Clergy Remuneration Assistance Fund (ACCRAF) which assists clergy in poorer Australian dioceses.
  • Is a founding member and committee member of the International Committee of English Speaking Priests.
  • Publishes The Official Directory of the Catholic Church of Australia - print and online
  • Represents Diocesan Clergy on the Bishops’ Committee for Professional Standards.


Some of the issues currently receiving discussion include:

  • Care for Clergy
  • The on-going problem of acculturation of foreign priests into the Australian Church
  • Questions around the implementation and catechesis required for changed in the new liturgy
  • Professional Standards matters – Integrity in Ministry & Towards Healing
  • Further developing and strengthening good relationships with the growing numbers of permanent deacons, through a reciprocal arrangement between the NCP and the National Association of Decons.


Contact the NCP

PO Box 295, Belmont VIC 3216
Ph: (03) 5244 3680   Fax: (03) 5244 4762
Email: national.office@ncp.catholic.org.au
Skype: ncpnationaloffice