About Us

The Life, Marriage and Family Centre (LMF Centre) is an agency within the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney that exists to extend the research, policy, pastoral and educational activities that the Church undertakes in relation to life, marriage and family issues. The Centre operates under the auspices of the Archbishop of Sydney, George Cardinal Pell and the guidance of the Episcopal Vicar for Life, Marriage and Family, Bishop Peter Comensoli.

The LMF Centre makes pro-life contributions on issues such as abortion and euthanasia, the use of reproductive technologies, the conduct of embryo research, and on bioethical issues more generally. Particular attention is also given to the promotion of a deeper understanding of the human person, human sexuality and the uniqueness of marriage compared to other forms of relationships. Marriage education and enrichment, as well as parenting and especially fatherhood, the effects of divorce and separation, and the interests of children are also areas of focus for the LMF Centre.

The LMF Centre carries out its work through the media and submissions to government as well as through contact with parishes, schools and other agencies of the Archdiocese. The works of the LMF Centre include:

• Development of various resources particularly for Marriage and Family Sunday and Respect Life Sunday.
• Hosting of a series of events with a specific pastoral focus for each eg. retreat days for divorced, pregnant mothers Mass, disability workshops, days for couples hoping to conceive.
• Conduct of research in relation to life, marriage and family issues especially in relation to family structure.
• Delivering presentations at parishes, schools, universities and public forums as requested.
• Developing submissions to government inquiries in relation to life, marriage and family issues.
• Responding to inquiries from public and Church organisations.