It has sent a four-page media protocol to religious orders and diocesan offices throughout the state, including a set response to stonewall journalists, as it prepares for the public hearings of the parliamentary inquiry into the handling of child abuse by religious and other non-government organisations.
The church's inquiry spokesman, Father Shane Mackinlay, told The Age last month that any questions or requests should go to James O'Farrell at Catholic Communications, who would pass them on as he thought necessary. He declined repeatedly to provide his own contact details.
In September, the same leaders released a statement about their joint submission to the inquiry, titled ''Facing the Truth''.
''The submission shows how the church of today is committed to facing up to the truth and to not disguising, diminishing or avoiding the actions of those who have betrayed a sacred trust,'' the bishops said.
However, the church protocols for media inquiries show the church of today plans to be extremely careful about precisely how it faces up.
If a journalist rings a diocese or religious order representative, they are to reply that they have to get more information and will ring back, then immediately contact James O'Farrell.
If he says the query relates only to that diocese or order, they can respond.
If it is a ''whole of church issue'', Mr O'Farrell will take over.
Father Mackinlay said yesterday the protocol was merely a matter of co-ordinating the church's response.
''When victims are giving their testimony we don't see it as our role to make any commentary or give any response but to respect their right to have their say,'' he said.
He said the church had not told parishes what to tell journalists.