Key Governance Relationships

Catholic Education Systems and Structures

Catholic education acts as a system of inter-connecting and inter-relating authorities and networks which includes the Pope, the Diocesan Bishop, Parish Priests, parishes, religious institutes and schools. Catholic life and organisation is fluid and dynamic with the principles of collegiality and subsidiarity informing and forming structures and relationships. 

All Catholic schools are established under the authority of the Bishop of their Diocese. The Diocese, often referred as to being the “local church”, is the main organisational unit of the Church with each Bishop being primarily responsible for its religious and pastoral needs. 

The major support for schools is therefore at the Diocesan level, through the Diocesan Education Council (DEC) which is a committee of the Bishop and its operational arm, the Townsville Catholic Education Office (TCEO). The Executive Director is responsible for the school and is the employer of staff in each systemic school. 

Across Queensland and Australia, Dioceses and religious institutes also work together where appropriate to support schools on wider issues such as compliance with Australian and State government requirements. This co-operation includes the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) representing the Dioceses of Brisbane, Townsville, Toowoomba, Cairns and Rockhampton, and all religious Institute schools and systems. At a national level, the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) represents the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC).

Blue: Public Juridic Persons
A Public Juridic Person is the term used for an entity established by Canon Law to perform a specific function. The most common PJP are dioceses, parishes and Religious Institutes.

Two Public Juridic Persons, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) and Mercy Partners are responsible for other Catholic secondary schools operating in the Townsville Diocese. Each of these authorities appoints a Principal to assist in leading, developing and managing their schools.

Green: Positions held by individual people
The Parish Priest is the spiritual leader of the school and is a member of the School Board.

Orange: Diocesan structures
Structure required in every diocese by Canon Law.

Yellow: TCEO structures