Over the past fortnight, Goals Familiarisation Workshops have been held in Wangaratta, Wodonga and Rochester, as part of a Diocese-wide initiative to support parishes in understanding the Sandhurst Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals. Facilitated by the Office of Mission and Pastoral Life, the workshops aim to explain what the Goals mean, why they matter, and how they can enrich parish life. So far, 27 of the Diocese’s 38 parishes have taken part.

The workshops introduce participants to the three Strategic Directions of the Goals: Gospel mission and pastoral outreach, belonging and a sense of community, and life-giving and empowering formation. Parishioners are invited to reflect on the significance of these Goals for their own parish context and to engage in meaningful discussion about how to live them out locally.

Facilitators encourage parishes to consider how the Goals connect to what is already happening in their communities and how they can be incorporated into future planning. Participants have been enthusiastic about the opportunity to explore the Goals further and to develop a new Parish Strategic Plan aligned with diocesan priorities.

These workshops form the first step of the Diocesan Formation Support Plan, leading into parish-based planning processes to implement the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals. Archbishop Shane wrote to the People of God in Sandhurst, noting that these workshops provide “an ideal opportunity for leaders in parishes, schools and faith communities to come together in the implementation of our Shared Mission Agreements.”

Parishes wishing to participate are encouraged to book a workshop through the Chancery.

Image above:  Participants at the Goals Familiarisation Workshop in Wodonga facilitated by Dr Chris Cotter, Director of Mission and Pastoral Life., on 4 March 2026. 

The Rochester GFW was facilitated by Dr Chris Cotter on 10 March, 2026. 

Return to Sandpiper e-News 117 (13 March 2026).