Bischöfliches Gurker Ordinariat

The Bischöfliches Gurker Ordinariat (Diocesan Ordinariate of Gurk) is the central administrative body of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gurk, also known as the Diocese of Gurk-Klagenfurt, which covers the Austrian federal state of Carinthia. It functions as the corporate and pastoral headquarters of the Catholic Church in the region, managing parishes, schools, social services, and church properties. The diocese is historically rooted in the medieval Bishopric of Gurk, established in 1072, and its seat is in Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia. The ordinariate oversees a wide range of activities, from liturgical coordination and clergy assignments to charitable work through Caritas Kärnten and educational initiatives. It also operates a publishing and media arm, including the diocesan website, online shop, and the children's magazine Regenbogen. The organization is not a commercial enterprise in the traditional sense but acts as a religious institution with significant public presence and service provision in Carinthia. Its public-facing brand, Katholische Kirche Kärnten, communicates its mission and services to the local population, including German- and Slovenian-speaking communities. The ordinariate is led by the bishop of Gurk, currently Bishop Josef Marketz, and is structured into various departments and offices, such as the Bischöfliches Seelsorgeamt (Pastoral Office) and the Stabsstelle Bibel und Liturgie. Through its website and events, it engages with contemporary issues, offering resources on faith, liturgy, and social support. The entity is recognized in Wikidata (Q108266159) as the diocesan ordinariate, reflecting its status as a formal ecclesiastical corporation.

The Bischöfliches Gurker Ordinariat traces its origins to the Diocese of Gurk, founded in 1072 by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg. For centuries, the diocese was a suffragan of Salzburg and played a key role in the Christianization of Carinthia. The ordinariate as an administrative body developed over time, with its seat originally in Gurk and later moved to Klagenfurt. In the 18th century, the diocese was reorganized, and in 1787, the seat of the bishop was transferred to Klagenfurt. The ordinariate has since been responsible for the governance of the diocese, including parishes, clergy, and church institutions. In the 20th century, the diocese became known as Gurk-Klagenfurt, reflecting its dual identity. The ordinariate has adapted to modern challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, by offering online services and maintaining pastoral care. Today, it operates under the public brand Katholische Kirche Kärnten, with a comprehensive website and various media outlets. The current bishop, Josef Marketz, has led the diocese since 2019, emphasizing synodality and outreach.

• 2019

  Josef Marketz appointed Bishop of Gurk.

• 1787

  Bishop's seat transferred to Klagenfurt.

• Diocese of Gurk founded by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg.

The public-facing administrative and pastoral brand of the Roman Catholic Church in Carinthia, providing religious, social, and educational services.

• Directorium der Diözese Gurk

  Annual liturgical directory with introduction in German and Slovenian.

• Regenbogen

  Children's magazine published by the diocese.

• Online shop

  Web shop offering books, magazines, and diocesan materials.

1. 1Katholische Kirche Kärntenkath-kirche-kaernten.at
2. 2Services | Katholische Kirche Kärntenkath-kirche-kaernten.at
3. 3Mehr als ein Buch - Wissenswertes über die Bibelkath-kirche-kaernten.at
4. 4Wo Geschichte lebendig wird – unterwegs in Oberwölzkath-kirche-kaernten.at
5. 5Bischöfliches Gurker Ordinariatwikidata.org