The Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy
The Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy
National Conference 2026
Dates
Monday 6 to 10 July
Conference Venue
Corpus Christi College, Melbourne
Early Bird Discount
Ends 1 May
Registrations Close
12 June
An Invitation from the ACCC Chairman
My Lords, Monsignori, Fathers, Deacons and Seminarians,
I am pleased to invite you to the 2026 National Conference of the Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, to be held 6–10 July 2026 at Corpus Christi College, Carlton — the regional seminary serving Victoria and Tasmania.
The annual conference is central to the life and mission of the Confraternity. It offers clergy a valuable opportunity to step back from the immediate demands of ministry, to be renewed through prayer and fraternity, and to engage in serious theological reflection in support of faithful and fruitful pastoral service.
The theme for the 2026 Conference will be “Newman and the Life of the Priest Today.” This theme is especially timely following the recent declaration of St John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church. Newman’s penetrating insights into conscience, conversion, ecclesial fidelity and the interior life remain deeply relevant for priests navigating ministry in an increasingly secular and fragmented culture.
The conference will include daily liturgy and prayer, substantial keynote addresses, time for fraternity and conversation, and space for personal reflection. It is intended to strengthen clergy for the work of evangelisation and pastoral leadership in the present moment.
I encourage you now to mark 6–10 July 2026 in your calendar and to plan to attend. Registration is now open. If you commit in the next few weeks you will have the benefit of the Early Bird discount. Please note spaces are limited. Your presence and participation contribute greatly to the strength and vitality of the Confraternity.
I look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne in July.
In Christ,
Fr Gregory Bellamy
Chairman, Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy
Bishop James Conley | Keynote
Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
Bishop Conley was appointed Bishop of Lincoln by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, having previously served as an auxiliary bishop of Denver. He is widely respected for his intellectual seriousness, pastoral realism and clarity of witness.
Newman was a decisive influence in Bishop Conley’s own conversion to Catholicism, and this personal connection gives particular depth and authenticity to his engagement with the conference theme. In recent years, Bishop Conley has also spoken with notable courage and pastoral sensitivity on matters affecting clergy wellbeing. His pastoral letter on mental health, A Future with Hope, has been widely read and discussed, including coverage in The Catholic Weekly, and reflects a deeply Catholic approach that integrates spiritual, theological and human dimensions.
During the conference, Bishop Conley will address several major areas of urgent relevance to priestly life today:
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Talk 1: Introduction: Newman: Conversion and Vocation
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Talk 2: Men not Angels: The Priesthood and Vulnerability
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Talk 3: Cor ad Cor Loquitur: The Heart of the Priest
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Talk 4: Conscience: Priestly Health and Wellbeing
Fr Nicholas Pearce | Presenter
Archdiocese of Melbourne
Fr Pearce is a priest of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, who has served in as Assistant Vocations Director, Deputy Director of Proclaim: Office for Mission Renewal, and Senior Chaplain for Youth, Young Adults and University Students. He holds Master’s degrees in Psychology (2020) and Clinical Mental Health Counselling (2024) from Divine Mercy University and works part-time with CatholicCare Victoria, focusing on the intersection of faith, mental health and addiction. In 2025 he commenced a PhD at the University of Notre Dame Australia researching the mental health and wellbeing of Catholic clergy.
Dr Eamonn Mathieson | Presenter
Catholic Medical Association
Dr Mathieson is the national chair of the Australian Catholic Medical Association. He is an anaesthetist, working in the field for over twenty years. His areas of interest include bioethics and medico-legal issues having studied at the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family. He is a Knight of Magistral Grace in the Order of Malta. Dr Mathieson will present on “The Health of Medicine today”.
Conference Location and Accommodation
Corpus Christi College
180 Drummond St, Carlton VIC 3053
This year’s Conference will be held in Corpus Christi College, the Regional Seminary of Victoria and Tasmania.
Lunch and Dinner each day will be well provided, with the exception of the Conference Dinner on Thursday.
Conference Dinner
Il Gambero
166 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
The Annual Conference Dinner will be held on the Thursday evening at the Il Gambero Restaurant, Carlton.
The Conference Dinner is included in the ‘Clergy: Single, Twin Share & Non-Residential’ as well as the ‘Seminarian’ registrations. It is also open to members who cannot attend the Conference or who are registering for a ‘Single Day Pass’. In this case they will need to purchase the ‘Conference Dinner’ ticket.
ACCC Conference 2026 Registration Fees & Information
Early bird discount closes Friday 1 May
Registrations close 12 June
| Early-bird price (Until 1 May) | Regular price (After 1 May) | ||
| Clergy | Single Room Non-Residential Clergy | $1100 $550 | $1200 $650 |
| Transitional Deacons | Includes accomodation if required | $100 | $100 |
| Seminarians | Includes accomodation if required | $100 | $100 |
| Day Rates | Full Day Conference Dinner Only | $100 $150 | $100 $150 |
Rural Clergy: In recognition of the additional travel costs faced by isolated clergy from rural Dioceses, a rebate of $200 is available on application. If you live and work outside a metropolitan area and would like to apply, please email Carmel Negline at secratariat@clergy.asn.au. Privacy will be respected.
