In 1992 the Catholic Bishops of Australia established the Australian CouncilĀ for Clergy Life and Ministry, a National Office, and Diocesan Directors to enhance the Ongoing Formation and Education of Clergy andĀ to ensure their Ongoing Support and Care.
The Year for Priests, announced by Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the death of the St John Mary Vianney, will begin on 19 June 2009, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.