Pastoral Leader – Community Life and Worship

Simone joined the Pastoral Services team of the Archdiocese of Adelaide as the Pastoral Leader for Community Life and Worship in September 2023. 

Simone came to Adelaide from North America where she served many years at the diocesan level as a liturgical consultant and editor. Despite her Canadian accent, Simone is an Australian citizen, having been born in the country before moving to Canada at the age of three.

She has an M.A. in Pastoral Liturgy and a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies, both from the University of Notre Dame in the USA. Simone’s ministry focuses on the connection between liturgy and life; her book, Holy Labours: A Spiritual Calendar of Everyday Life was published by Novalis Canada in 2021. In her spare time, Simone can be found hiking and paddling as well as studying languages. 

Pastoral Services – Community Life and Worship

Lauren joined the Pastoral Service Team in February 2021 as an Events Assistant and moved into the newly formed Community Life and Worship team at its inception. 

She brings over 20 years of experience in Music Ministry and holds an Associate Diploma from the Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide. With her many years of working and volunteering in Parishes and schools in Adelaide and then Minnesota, USA, paired with her mission and service work across the USA with a program called, Young Neighbours in Action, Lauren found a passion for church hospitality, family faith formation, and liturgy that is alive with music and the arts. 

Lauren has been involved with the development and distribution of the Archdiocesan seasonal prayer resources and in partnership with CESA, some of the recent family faith formation resources. Lauren also assists with logistics and hosting Archdiocesan events both in the Cathedral and throughout the Archdiocese. The Community Life and Worship team oversees the approval of liturgies for Confirmations and Special Opening and Blessing of buildings, celebrated by the Archbishop.

Pastoral Services – Community Life and Worship

She brings extensive experience and skills from working in parishes as a Pastoral Associate for more than 18 years. Orla holds an Associate degree in Church Ministry from ACD and a graduate certificate in Leadership and Catholic Culture from ACU. 

Orla’s main focus of work is working with Pastoral Associates and Parish Pastoral Councils in formation and planning. She is happy to work with parishes in developing strategies and resources for volunteer recruitment, Baptism and Bereavement Team training and formation, and to provide general advice or support in any matters pertaining to Pastoral Care in parishes.