Australian GovernmentStudy Australia

Religious Assistants


Religious Assistants support Ministers of Religion or religious communities in performing a variety of religious functions associated with the practise of a religion, including worship, spiritual guidance, and pastoral care and teaching.

What the job involves

  • Conducts services of worship and acknowledgment of faith

  • Delivers sermons, homilies, special talks, and plans music for services

  • Participates in activities of communities, encourages people to be aware of their responsibilities, and organises community projects

  • Conducts classes of religious instruction, and supervises prayer and discussion groups, retreats and seminars

  • Conducts premarital and family counselling and refers people to professional service agencies where necessary

  • Assists with performance of marriages, funerals and special memorial services according to tradition and ecclesiastical and civil law

  • Visits members of the community in their homes, hospitals and other institutions to provide advice and religious comfort

  • Keeps records as required by the church and civil law