Sister Kari Hatherell Leads Catholic Religious Australia

The Ursuline sister assumed the presidency of the organisation in August 2026 to help navigate a period of structural change.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Catholicism

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a minimalist architectural archway, symbolizing institutional transition and leadership within a religious organization. — Sister Kari Hatherell assumed the presidency of Catholic Religious Australia in August 2026 to guide the organization through structural ministry reforms. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In August 2026, Ursuline Sister Kari Hatherell began her tenure as president of Catholic Religious Australia. The organisation represents leaders of religious institutes and societies of apostolic life across the country.

Why it matters

The leadership change arrives as Catholic congregations in Australia adapt to an ageing population and declining participation numbers. These internal shifts are forcing religious institutions to restructure their ministries to ensure long-term stability.

Catholic Religious Australia maintains a membership of approximately 150 leaders. Sister Kari Hatherell brings 30 years of experience in parish ministry within the Brisbane archdiocese to the role.

The players

Sister Kari Hatherell

She is the president of Catholic Religious Australia and previously served for 30 years in parish ministry within the Brisbane archdiocese.

Catholic Religious Australia

This body represents the leaders of religious institutes and societies of apostolic life throughout Australia.

The details

Catholic Religious Australia provides vital support and connections for leaders of religious institutes nationwide. To address sustainability concerns, many larger Church organisations are now shifting their ministries into Ministerial Public Juridic Persons to enable lay people to manage Church work.

Sister Kari Hatherell assumed the presidency in August 2026.

Culture Shift

The adoption of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons marks a significant move toward lay management within the Church. This shift reflects a broader societal movement within religious institutions to reorganise governance as traditional membership numbers continue to contract.

Parishioners may notice changes in how local Church ministries are administered as religious orders transition management duties. These structural adjustments aim to maintain essential services despite the reality of smaller, ageing congregations.

The takeaway

Religious life in Australia is transitioning into a new era defined by smaller, more streamlined operations. This shift emphasises the importance of delegating administrative roles to lay people to preserve the mission of the Church for the future.