My Lords, Fathers and Deacons,
It is my pleasure to announce our next ACCC Annual Conference. Much has changed in the world since we last gathered three years ago. The demands on clergy during this time have been exhausting. I invite you to join me at this year’s Annual Conference to renew your priestly zeal and enthusiasm. We are blessed to be hosting Dr Robert Royal (President, Faith and Reason Institute; Editor, The Catholic Thing) as our international Keynote Speaker. We will also hear from Robert Falzon (menALIVE) and Fr Anthony Robbie. This year, the conference will return to the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales which boasts a tranquil landscape, beautiful chapel, well-appointed conference rooms and ensuited bedrooms. I hope you can join us in July for what promises to be another highly successful conference.
In Christ,
Fr Gregory Pritchard
Chairman, Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy
Dr Robert Royal is the Founder and President of the Faith and Reason Institute in Washington D.C. and is Editor-in-Chief of The Catholic Thing. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from Brown University and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Catholic Univeristy of America. He writes and speaks frequently on questions of ethics, culture, religion and politics and has appeared on various media platforms, including as a regular guest on EWTN Raymond Arroyo’s The World Over. Dr Royal has authored several books and published numerous articles including with First Things, Communion, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and The American Spectator.
Robert Falzon is, firstly, a devoted husband and father. In 2003, he co-founded MenALIVE, a national Australian Catholic ministry to men. Prior to devoting himself full-time to MenALIVE, Robert was a successful and awarded small-business owner. In 2011, Robert published his first book titled How to grow a Men’s Ministry. Since then, he has co-authored The Father Factor and authored Raising Fathers. Robert’s Christ-centred message for men will be a welcome contribution to our conference.
Father Anthony Robbie is a priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Parish Priest of Bondi. He is the postulator of the cause of canonisation for Eileen O’Connor.
The Benedict XVI Centre features very comfortable, modern accommodation for up to 150 people in two separate wings. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and reverse cycle airconditioning. The Centre offers wifi in all buildings and common areas.
The heart of the Benedict XVI Centre is its magnificent Romanesque Chapel with traditional pew seating for up to 150 people. Thanks to its beautiful artwork and comfortable cushioned pews, guests have found it to be a place of absolute serenity where they can truly reflect and find peace.
Situated west of Sydney in Grose Vale, the Benedict XVI Centre is surrounded by lush natural wilderness. There are also onsite facilities for sport and recreation including a pool and basketball courts.
3.00pm | ACCC Executive Meeting | Mary MacKillop Hall |
4.00pm - 6.00pm | ACCC Conference Registration | Cardinal George Pell Hall |
6.00pm | Solemn Vespers | Chapel |
7.00pm | Dinner followed by Convivium | Cana Dining Hall |
6.30am - 8.00am | Breakfast | Cana Dining Hall |
6.30am & 7.15am | Masses sine populo | Chapel |
8.30am | Lauds | Chapel |
9.00am | The Priest, the Man | Robert Falzon | Cardinal George Pell Hall |
10.30am | Morning Tea | Green Square |
11.00am | The Priest, the Minister | Robert Falzon | Cardinal George Pell Hall |
12.30pm | Concelebrated Mass | Chapel |
1.30pm | Lunch (Light Meal) | Cana Dining Hall |
4.00pm | Afternoon Tea | Green Square |
5.00pm | Holy Hour with Vespers and Benediction | Chapel |
7.00pm | Dinner (Main Meal) followed by Convivium | Cana Dining Hall |
6.30am - 8.00am | Breakfast | Cana Dining Hall |
6.30am & 7.15am | Masses sine populo | Chapel |
8.30am | Lauds | Chapel |
9.00am | Concelebrated Mass | Chapel |
10.30am | Morning Tea | Green Square |
11.00am | The Postmodern Trinity: Race, Class & Gender | Dr Robert Royal | Cardinal George Pell Hall |
12.30pm | Lunch (Main Meal) | Cana Dining Hall |
4.00pm | Afternoon Tea | Green Square |
5.00pm | Holy Hour with Vespers and Benediction | Chapel |
6.00pm | Dinner (Light Meal) | Cana Dining Room |
7.30pm | Public Lecture | Dr Robert Royal The Catholic Thing: God Made It and It Made Us | Cardinal George Pell Hall |
9.00pm | Convivium | Cana Dining Hall |
6.30am - 8.00am | Breakfast | Cana Dining Hall |
6.30am & 7.15am | Masses sine populo | Chapel |
8.30am | Lauds | Chapel |
9.00am | Towards a Realistic Renaissance | Dr Robert Royal | Cardinal George Pell Hall |
10.30am | Morning Tea | Green Square |
11.00am | Presentation from Conference Sponsors | Cardinal George Pell Hall |
11.15am | Eileen O'Connor: The Path to Canonisation | Fr Anthony Robbie | Cardinal George Pell Hall |
12.30pm | Concelebrated Requiem Mass for Deceased Members | Chapel |
1.30pm | Lunch (Light Meal) | Cana Dining Hall |
2.30pm | ACCC Annual General Meeting | Cardinal George Pell Hall |
4.00pm | Afternoon Tea | Green Square |
6.30pm | Solemn Vespers | Chapel |
7.00pm | Pre-Dinner Drinks | Cana Dining Room |
7.30pm | ACCC Conference Dinner | Cana Dining Hall |
9.30pm | Convivium | Cana Dining Hall |
6.30am - 8.00am | Breakfast | Cana Dining Hall |
6.30am & 7.15am | Masses sine populo | Chapel |
8.00am | Rooms must be vacated | |
9.00am | Concelebrated Mass | Chapel |
10.00am | Morning Tea available prior to departure |
It is hoped that a Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will be offered on Thursday afternoon, following the AGM. More information will be made available if the relevant permissions are confirmed.
Price prior to 27 May | Price after 27 May | ||
Clergy | Single Room Twin/Triple Share Non-residential (all week) | $900 $700 $550 | $950 $750 $550 |
Transitional Deacons | Twin/Triple Share | $100 | $100 |
Seminarians | Twin/Triple Share | $100 | $100 |
Day Rates | Full Day Tues/Wed (inc. lunch & dinner) Half Day Tues/Wed (inc. lunch only) Full Day Thursday (inc. lunch only, not Conf. Dinner) Conference Dinner Only | $100 $60 $60 $100 | $100 $60 $60 $100 |