Katholische Kirche Steiermark

What Katholische Kirche Steiermark does

Katholische Kirche Steiermark, formally the Diocese of Graz-Seckau (Diözese Graz-Seckau), is a Roman Catholic diocese founded in 1218 and headquartered at Bischofplatz 4, 8010 Graz, Austria. It operates as a nonprofit ecclesiastical institution under the Holy See, led by Diocesan Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl since 2015. The diocese serves 726,832 Catholics (out of 1,271,716 total Styrian residents as of January 2025) through 388 parishes organized into 8 regions and 47 pastoral care spaces, delivering sacraments, worship services, spiritual counseling, and community pastoral care. Its go-to-market is direct-to-consumer through the parish network combined with community-led volunteer engagement programs for youth (Kaleido summer camps, Jungschar), women's groups (200+ active groups through Katholische Frauenbewegung), and interfaith dialogue.

The diocese operates a diversified portfolio of approximately 15 wholly-owned subsidiary institutions spanning early childhood education (KiB³, ~100 facilities, ~700 staff across ~80 locations), adult education (Caritas Akademie, Bildungsforum bei den Minoriten, Katholisches Bildungswerk), a community integration center (Begegnungszentrum Graz-Süd, or BeZ, with 71 staff across three Graz locations), a church music conservatory, retreat houses (Haus der Stille, Kapuzinerkloster Irdning, Haus der Frauen), and a conference center (Schloss Seggau). Revenue derives primarily from the Austrian Kirchenbeitrag (church contribution collected from members), supplemented by educational course fees, childcare tuition (e.g., BeZ Spielgruppe at €100-200/month, Lerncenter €135/year), and facility rentals.

The technology stack is conventional and non-proprietary: a siteswift CMS for web properties, the Glauben Leben mobile app for service discovery, WhatsApp for the 'Be Blessed!' digital blessing service (17,000+ messages sent), Spreaker for the GRÜSS GOTT! podcast, Matomo and Google Analytics for web analytics, and the pilgern.at pilgrimage portal. The diocese underwent a major Strukturreform (structural reform) in 2020 reorganizing parishes into new administrative regions, and has announced a 2026 product slate including Sommerkirche (summer outdoor services), Kaleido summer camps, and a new youth council to engage members under age 25.

Name

Katholische Kirche Steiermark

Legal name

Diözese Graz-Seckau (Katholische Kirche Steiermark)

Website

https://katholische-kirche-steiermark.at

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Diocese of Graz-Seckau (Katholische Kirche Steiermark) is a Roman Catholic diocese founded in 1218, serving 726,832 Catholics across 388 parishes in Styria, Austria, through religious services, early childhood education (KiB³), adult education, community integration (BeZ), retreat centers, and a parish network led by Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Services and Pastoral Care

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Educational Services (611), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Denominational & Ecclesiastical Governance Bodies (Dioceses, Synods, Conferences) (BPAGAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD), Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites) (BPAGAJAL)

Keywords

• Religious services
• Pastoral care
• Parish administration
• Early childhood education
• Community integration

Headquarters

HQ city

Graz

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Kirchenbeitrag (Church Contribution): Voluntary contributions from Catholic members, traditionally collected through the church tax system in Austria. The church contribution supports diocese operations, parish activities, educational institutions, and social services.
2. Educational Services Revenue: Fees from educational programs, training courses, seminars, workshops, and certifications offered through various diocesan Bildungseinrichtungen (educational institutions) including adult education, language courses, and professional development.
3. Facility Rental: Revenue from renting church properties, event spaces, conference centers such as Schloss Seggau, Bildungshaus facilities, and parish halls for community events and secular functions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Katholische Kirche Steiermark operates the Diocese of Graz-Seckau, providing Catholic religious services, sacramental ministry, and pastoral care through a network of 388 parishes serving 726,832 Catholics across Styria, Austria. Beyond spiritual services, the diocese runs early childhood education through KiB³ (~100 facilities, ~700 staff), adult education institutions (Bildungswerk, Caritas Akademie, Bildungsforum), a music conservatory, the Begegnungszentrum Graz-Süd community integration center, retreat houses, and digital outreach (podcast, apps, WhatsApp blessings, online pilgrimage portal). Revenue is sustained through member church contributions (Kirchenbeitrag), educational program fees, and facility rentals.

Product overview

The Katholische Kirche Steiermark operates as the Diocese of Graz-Seckau, a comprehensive religious and social services organization serving 388 parishes with 726,832 Catholics. The organization offers a multi-faceted portfolio including spiritual services (sacraments, worship, pastoral care), educational institutions (KiB³ early childhood education with ~100 facilities and ~700 employees), community centers (Begegnungszentrum Graz-Süd), digital services (podcasts, WhatsApp blessings, cemetery apps), language and learning support (German courses, tutoring centers), and specialized facilities (conference centers, retreat houses, music conservatory). The portfolio reflects a platform approach combining traditional religious services with modern community support programs and digital engagement tools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Diózese Graz-Seckau (Parish Network and Diocesan Administration) Central diocesan organization encompassing 388 parishes in 8 regions and 47 pastoral care spaces, serving 1,271,716 residents (726,832 Catholic) across Styria with religious services, sacramental ministry, and pastoral care.
• KiB³ - Kinder in Bildungs- und Betreuungseinrichtungen Diocesan umbrella organization for early childhood education and care, uniting parish crèches and kindergartens across nearly 100 facilities in roughly 80 Styrian locations, employing approximately 700 staff.
• Begegnungszentrum Graz-Süd (BeZ) Community meeting center offering cultural exchange, language learning, childcare, tutoring, and integration services, operating three locations (Graz-Süd, Liebenau St. Paul, St. Peter) with 71 staff including 40 volunteers.
• BeZ Spielgruppe (Playgroup St. Peter) Playgroup project for toddlers aged 2–5 providing childcare support Monday–Thursday 7:30–15:00 and Friday 7:30–13:00, at €100/month for church members (max €200/month for non-members, max 17 hours/week).
• BeZ Lerncenter (Tutoring Center Graz-Süd) Learning support center for children and youth up to 14 years, offering homework help, reading support, and test preparation at a one-time fee of €135 per school year including snacks and drinks.
• Deutschkurse (German Language Courses) Free German language courses at A1 to B1 levels plus alphabetization for migrants and newcomers, with registration via waiting list; add-on childcare during course hours at €10 per child per month.
• Be Blessed! Maturasegen (Digital Graduation Blessing) Digital blessing service delivered via WhatsApp messages containing prayers and blessings for high school graduates (Matura), with over 17,000 messages sent.
• GRÜSS GOTT! Podcast Official podcast of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau distributed via Spreaker, featuring spiritual content and faith-based reflections.
• Glauben Leben Mobile App Mobile application for finding Catholic church services and accessing spiritual content, available for download in Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• Stiller Begleiter App Mobile application providing cemetery management and grief support resources for bereaved parishioners and families.
• Konservatorium für Kirchenmusik Church music conservatory established in 1989 as a private school with public rights, providing music education and training future church musicians.
• pilgern.at (Online Pilgrimage Portal) Online pilgrimage portal bundling around 100 pilgrimage routes totaling roughly 30,000 kilometers, offering pilgrim information, networking with pilgrimage companions, and a digital pilgrim passport.
• Schloss Seggau Kongress- und Tagungszentrum Conference and seminar venue with modern conference technology located at Schloss Seggau, offering event hosting services for church and secular organizations.
• Haus der Stille (Silence House) Silence house providing spiritual retreat and encounter space, offering courses for life and faith deepening for individuals and groups.
• Haus der Frauen (Women's Retreat and Education Center) Women's retreat and education center offering formation programs and contemplative stays for women.
• Kapuzinerkloster Irdning (Contemplative Retreat) Contemplative retreat center hosted at a Capuchin monastery (Kapuzinerkloster) in Irdning.
• Schule des Daseins (Spirituality Program, Stift St. Lambrecht) Programs in spirituality and personal development offered at Stift St. Lambrecht.
• Katholisches Bildungswerk Steiermark (Adult Education) Legally recognized adult education institution offering lectures, seminars, and workshops across Styria through parishes and regional structures.
• Caritas Akademie (Adult Education of Caritas) Continuing adult education offering run by Caritas within the Diocese of Graz-Seckau.
• Bildungsforum bei den Minoriten Continuing education provider for priests and laypeople; member of the Forum Katholischer Erwachsenenbildung.
• Familienreferat (Marriage and Family Education) Diocesan unit providing marriage preparation, family education, and support services for couples and families.
• Katholische Frauenbewegung (kfb) Catholic women's movement offering formation, advocacy, and community programs; around 200 active women's groups across Styria.
• Forum Glaube-Wissenschaft-Kunst Diocesan forum convening discussions on faith, science, and art.
• Fachbereich Kinder & Jugend (Statewide Children and Youth Ministry) Diocesan children and youth pastoral department responsible for statewide children and youth ministry, including the Jugendzentrum Spektrum in Leoben.

Quantifiable outcome

• 17,000+ WhatsApp messages sent through 'Be Blessed!' digital blessing service
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of Graz (Universität Graz)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Begegnungszentrum Graz-Süd collaborates with University of Graz through Dr. Sabine Haring (Institute of Sociology) and Mag. Florika Griessner (Institute for Theoretical and Applied Translation Studies) on the Projekt Mischmasch mentorship program supporting women with migration backgrounds.
• City of GrazminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeZ's Musikalische Pfade project is co-funded by the Diocese of Graz-Seckau and the City of Graz, promoting cultural integration through music walks in Graz.
• Diocese of Graz-SeckaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeZ Graz-Süd is an initiative of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau, embedded in the pastoral care space Graz-Südost. The diocese provides organizational support and funding for community center operations.
• Forum Katholischer ErwachsenenbildungcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple diocesan education institutions including Bildungsforum bei den Minoriten, Familienreferat, and Katholische Frauenbewegung are recognized members of this Austrian adult education forum.
• Music for Fun Music SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on New Year's Guitar Music event, demonstrating community music education partnerships.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Diözese Gurk-Klagenfurt: Neighbor Austrian diocese covering Carinthia, operating parishes, schools, and social services with a similar mix of faith-based education, retreat houses, and pastoral care programs as Diocese of Graz-Seckau.
• Diözese Feldkirch: Catholic diocese covering Vorarlberg, the westernmost Austrian diocese, operating parishes, schools, and community programs with the same ecclesiastical governance model and educational/social service mix as the subject company.
• Diözese St. Pölten: Catholic diocese in Lower Austria delivering religious services, faith-based education, and Caritas social outreach through a regional parish structure analogous to the Diocese of Graz-Seckau's 388-parish network across Styria.
• Evangelische Kirche A.u.H.B. in Österreich: The Protestant (Lutheran/Reformed) Church in Austria, the other major Christian denomination operating under a similar parish-based structure across Austrian states, offering comparable pastoral care, faith-based education, and community services with overlapping but religiously differentiated target audience.
• Erzdiözese Salzburg: Archdiocese covering Salzburg and a portion of surrounding regions, operating parishes, church music conservatory (analogous to Graz-Seckau's Konservatorium für Kirchenmusik), retreat houses, and educational institutions. Same ecclesiastical structure and service mix as the subject company.
• Diözese Innsbruck: Catholic diocese serving Tyrol, providing pastoral care, parish-based community programs, faith-based education, and Caritas social services through a comparable parish network model. Operates in a similar geographic and demographic Austrian context.
• Diözese Linz: Catholic diocese covering Upper Austria, offering the same combination of parish-based pastoral care, faith-based K-12 and early childhood education, adult education programs, and Caritas social services as the Diocese of Graz-Seckau. Comparable in size, structure, and operating model.
• Erzdiözese Wien (Archdiocese of Vienna): The largest Catholic diocese in Austria, operating parishes, schools, and social services across Vienna and surrounding Lower Austria. Directly comparable to Diocese of Graz-Seckau as a fellow Austrian Catholic diocese delivering sacraments, education (kindergartens, schools), and Caritas-affiliated social services through a similar parish-based model.
• Diözese Eisenstadt: Catholic diocese in Burgenland, smaller but structurally analogous to Graz-Seckau with parishes, faith-based education institutions, retreat facilities, and Caritas-aligned social services.

Others

• Caritas Österreich: National umbrella of Caritas social services, closely tied to Austrian Catholic dioceses (including Caritas Steiermark, the social arm of Diocese of Graz-Seckau). Comparable through shared social services delivery (counseling, support, education) and faith-based nonprofit model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kathkirchestmk
• Facebookfacebook.com/kathkirchestmk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/katholische-kirche-steiermark

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Katholische Kirche Steiermark