A Warm welcome for Bishop René Ramirez RCJ in the heart of the North East
“His story now becomes a part of our story.”
These words, adapted from the Homily of Bishop René Ramírez RCJ’s at his Installation Mass late last month, captured the spirit of his first official Pastoral Visitation in the Diocese of Sandhurst.
Over three days in mid-August, Bishop René RCJ spent time with the people of Wodonga, who warmly welcomed him to their parish and school communities.
Having previously served as Parish Priest in Shepparton and no stranger to Bendigo, the visitation to Wodonga gave Bishop René an opportunity to spend time in a Sandhurst parish which he was less familiar with; listening, learning and meeting the people who make up the Wodonga Catholic community, including priests Fr Adi Indra and Fr Jophin Joy, parish leaders, parishioners, school students and teachers.
The Sandhurst Pastoral Visitation Program is designed to give a parish time to step back from the demands of day-to-day life, reflect honestly on the parish life and consider where God may be calling it next. It is a structured process of listening, discernment and planning for the future, as well as an opportunity for the parish to get to know its Bishop.
Each visitation unfolds in three phases. Preparation involves a parish reference group reflecting on its community life and preparing a comprehensive Parish Report. Visitation brings the Bishop into the parish through meetings, liturgies, school visits and opportunities to meet parishioners informally. Follow-up draws on the Bishop’s observations and the parish’s own reflection to develop a Parish Mission and Pastoral Plan.
Wodonga began its preparation well ahead of the visit, with Dr Chris Cotter assisting the parish as it worked through the process.
When Bishop René arrived, that preparation gave way to four days of hospitality across the Wodonga Catholic community — in schools, around the parish table and in worship.
On his first evening in the Parish, Bishop René joined parish priests, Fr Adi Indra and Fr Jophin Joy in a shared meal and got to know them better as people and hear their perspectives about parish life in Wodonga.
The next morning, Bishop René joined students of St Monica’s Primary School on a student-led tour of their school, where they shared their personal insights about school and parish life and had the opportunity to learn more about their new Bishop.
That evening, the setting was more informal. Forty parishioners gathered with Bishop René at the Wodonga Golf Club for a meal and an opportunity to get to know their new Bishop. For the Wodonga community, the evening was summed up simply: “We give thanks with grateful hearts.”
The following day brought another opportunity for Bishop René to meet the people who shape Catholic life in Wodonga. At Catholic College Wodonga, he toured the College with Principal Lorraine Willis, meeting staff and students in their classrooms.
At St Augustine’s Primary School, his visit took a more liturgical focus as he celebrated Mass for the Feast of the Assumption. His presence created extra excitement for the Year 5 students, who had prepared the liturgy around Mary’s faith, courage and willingness to say ‘Yes’ to God.
The visitation culminated on Saturday with a youth-led Mass for the Feast of the Assumption at Sacred Heart Church, Wodonga.
For Year 8 student Brianna Nguyen, singing with the choir was initially nerve-racking with a new Bishop in attendance. But the nerves soon disappeared. “I felt proud to see so many parishioners attending the Mass,” Brianna wrote afterwards, saying it was a reminder of the strength of Wodonga’s Catholic community.
Bishop René’s message also stayed with Brianna.
“I appreciate how Bishop René's message connects to our daily lives, in a way that if we believe in God and have steadfast faith, we will receive what we ask for. Perhaps we may not receive it in the manner we desire or expect, but if we trust in God and remain faithful, He will grant us something in return.
“The example of Mother Mary, in her faith in God, relates to my life because sometimes I encounter situations where I do not know what will happen next. Like Mother Mary, we can choose to trust in God even when we feel uncertain or anxious. Her example reminds us to have faith, patience, and to believe that God will guide us through difficult circumstances.”
For Bishop René, the PVP offered a first-hand glimpse into the people, schools, ministries and communities that make Wodonga unique. For the parish, it was an opportunity to pause, listen and look ahead together.
And, as Bishop René put it, there is now a shared story.
