Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 1 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review
2 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 1 The Diocese of Sandhurst recognises the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we live, serve and worship. We acknowledge the people of the Northeastern regions of our Diocese, Djilmathang, Minjajambuta, Duduroa and Waywurru. We acknowledge the people of the Southern regions of our Diocese, the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungerung. We acknowledge the people of the Northern regions of our Diocese, the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang. We acknowledge the people of the Western regions of our Diocese, the Baraparapa and Wemba Wemba peoples. We respectfully honour and acknowledge their ongoing custodianship and their connections to the land, waters and animals. We pay our respects to their culture, their Elders, past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of their peoples. We express our gratitude in the sharing of this land, our sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural costs of that sharing and commit ourselves to actively working alongside First Nations People for healing, reconciliation and justice. Acknowledgement of Country
2 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au chancery@sandhurst.catholic.org.au 172-174 McCrae Street Bendigo VIC 3550 PO Box 201 Bendigo VIC 3552 T: 03 5445 3600 Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au director@ceosand.catholic.edu.au Bendigo Office 120 Hargreaves Street Bendigo Victoria 3550 PO Box 477 Bendigo VIC 3552 T: 03 5443 2377 Tatura Office 74 Hogan Street Tatura VIC 3616 T: 03 5831 3811 Wangaratta Office 71 Ryley Street Wangaratta Victoria 3677 PO Box 1181 Wangaratta VIC 3677 T: 03 5723 0000 Diocesan Development Fund www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au/ddfsandhurst ddf@sandhurst.catholic.org.au 172-174 McCrae Street Bendigo VIC 3550 PO Box 201 Bendigo VIC 3552 T: 03 5445 3606 CatholicCare Victoria www.catholiccarevic.org.au Bendigo Office 176 McCrae Street Bendigo Victoria 3550 PO Box 255 Bendigo VIC 3552 T: 03 5438 1300 Shepparton Office Family Relationship Centre 68 Wyndham Street Shepparton VIC 3630 T: 03 5820 0444
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 3 Contents Year in Review A Year of Hope A New Pope 150 Anniversaries Parish Visitation Program Laudato Si’ Season of Creation Social Justice 2025 Jubilarian In Memoriam Financial Performance Prayer for a New Bishop 32 36 37 39 40 41 42 44 45 48 52 7 13 14 16 21 22 24 25 26 30 Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay Very Rev. Brian Boyle Mick Chalkley SMPC Chair Dr Chris Cotter Mission and Pastoral Life Greg Westbrook CDOS Acting Business Manager Kate Fogarty, CES Ltd Rev. Jake Mudge Clergy Life and Ministry Rev. Nathan Verallo, Vocations Claire Spinelli Sandhurst Youth Ministry Agnes Sheehan CatholicCare Victoria 4 5 Our Diocese Ministries of the Church Reports Our Organisation Community & Mission Installation Mass of Archbishop Shane Mackinlay
4 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Our Diocese The Diocese of Sandhurst was established in 1874. It represents the Catholic Church in a region in Victoria bounded on the north and east by the Murray River, extending from Kerang to Corryong and as far inland as Euroa and Bright, covering 45,196 square kilometres. A diocese is simply a community of Christ's faithful – it represents a portion of the people of God in a particular area, which is entrusted to a bishop. In the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst, Bishop Shane Mackinlay is the pastoral leader of more than 84,000 Catholics. He is assisted by priests who minister in 38 parishes within the Diocese. The parishes are grouped into three Deaneries, the Western, Goulburn Valley and North Eastern. The Sandhurst Diocese’s vision and mission is “Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). We welcome all who would like to join our communities or be guided by the principles and teachings of Christ. 409,994 Total Population 84,607 Catholics in region 48 Clergy 9 Religious Congregations 34 Religious 38 Parishes 55 Catholic Schools 19,902 Students in Catholic Schools 6 Preschool and Day Care Centres 550 Children in Preschool and Day Care Centres 1 Catholic Hospital 6 Catholic Aged Care Facilities Sandhurst Sale Melbourne Ballarat
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 5 Ministries of the Church • Bishop’s Office • Caritas Australia • Catholic Charismatic Renewal • Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd • Catholic Mission • CatholicCare Victoria • Clergy Life and Ministry • Communications • Council of Priests • Diocesan Archives • Diocesan Consultors • Diocesan Development Fund • Diocesan Finance Council Bendigo Insert Shepparton Insert • Diocesan Social Justice Committee • Diocesan Vocations Ministry • Mission and Pastoral Life • Priests Retirement Foundation • RCIA Forum • Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation for the Diocese of Sandhurst • Safeguarding • Sandhurst Clergy Health and Wellbeing • Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council • Sandhurst Publications • Sandhurst Youth Ministry • Teams of Our Lady (Equipes Notre Dame)
6 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Bishop Shane speaking to students from Sacred Heart Primary School Tatura during his week-long stay at the Tatura parish as part of the Bishop’s Visitation Program which, in 2025, included the parishes of Benalla, Kyabram and Tatura.
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 7 “The time I spent with parishioners, school students, their pastors, the sick and the elderly was extremely fruitful. I was heartened to see the faithful and generous involvement of these communities.” Iam writing this at some distance from Sandhurst; the Archbishop’s Office at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane. As you are aware, 2025 was a year of profound change for me, for the Diocese of Sandhurst and for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. But, while I may now be geographically distant, I continue to have strong affection for Sandhurst and feel closely connected to the people and activity of the Diocese. The first part of this year was overshadowed by momentous changes in the life of the universal Church. In March and April, people around the world prayerfully accompanied Pope Francis on what was to be the final stage of his long struggle with frailty and ill health. After his extraordinary return to St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, his death the next morning led to an enormous outpouring of grief, which spoke profoundly of his impact as a beloved global figure. He was rightly mourned as a compassionate and visionary leader, determined to speak out for the dignity and needs of the poor, the marginalised and the forgotten. His call for us to become a more synodal, listening Church was transformative and has ignited a great spirit of collaboration, understanding and renewed mission among all the baptised. Only a short time after its commencement, the Conclave to elect a new pope gave us Leo XIV, the first pope from North America, and a man who is committed to continuing Francis’ legacy. In a few short months, Pope Leo has shown how much he has been shaped by his time as a missionary in Peru and his international experience as the Augustinian Prior General. He has endeared himself to many through his warmth, humour and humility. It is clear that, like Pope Francis, Pope Leo is not afraid to speak for those without a voice, calling for justice and generosity in a world where communities are increasingly self-interested. The Jubilee Year, with its theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, was marked in the Diocese by a number of initiatives. Many individuals and groups have undertaken pilgrimages to our five Jubilee sites. As a Diocese, we have focused especially on the continuing formation of the people of God. I am glad that I was able to formalise this priority as part of the Diocese’s Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals before the commencement of my time in Brisbane. Formation is also embedded in the new Formation Support Plan, which was released in June, and which identifies key actions and initiatives to be undertaken over 2025–26 to implement our goals. I was pleased to hear of the success of the Diocesan Formation Gathering in Shepparton in October, and I am confident that related initiatives will continue in the future. In keeping with the theme of the year, I undertook a pilgrimage of sorts in July to attend the annual commemoration of St Liborius in Paderborn, Germany, along with Fr Stephen Bolling (Parish Priest of St Liborius, Eaglehawk) and Fr Nathan Verallo, who was already in Europe. Our pioneer priest, Dr Henry Backhaus, came from that Archdiocese. I was honoured to be the main speaker at the Festival’s Opening and to preside and preach at one of the Festival Masses in Paderborn’s Cathedral. The challenge of doing this in another language renewed my respect and gratitude for those priests who serve us from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. We saw a number of changes in the Diocese’s clergy during 2025. In February, after only a year as Parish Priest of Shepparton South, Fr René Ramirez RCJ was ordained as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. I was privileged to act as a co-consecrator, and was deeply moved by the warmth of the welcome given to Bishop René. I am very grateful for the continuing commitment to Sandhurst of the Rogationist community, who sent Fr Ronald Masilang RCJ from the Philippines as Fr René’s successor. Since then, there has been further significant change for the Goulburn Archbishop Shane Mackinlay
8 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 2025 Reports Valley with the retirement of two long-serving and beloved priests. Monsignor Peter Jeffrey retired as Parish Priest of St Mary’s, Mooroopna, after a distinguished career in Sandhurst and as a seminary rector in three different countries. More recently, Fr Joe Taylor retired as Parish Priest of St Brendan’s, Shepparton, after 51 years’ service as a priest of the Diocese. With the help of an additional Rogationist priest, the parishes in this area are now being served together by the Rogationist community and Fr Adi Indra. The three Rogationist priests are living together in the St Brendan’s presbytery in community, as required by their congregation, and Fr Adi is based at St Mel’s. A further retirement occurred in November, when Fr Dennis Crameri reached the age of seventy-five. Fr Dennis is a much-loved priest who has served across many parishes, and who has been undertaking a ministry of hospitality and contemplation in recent years. In January, we lost one of our older priests, Fr John Ryan, who was a pioneer in developing ongoing formation and support of clergy across Australia. Many of the programs and structures he introduced are still in use today. The start of the year also brought further hope for flourishing priestly ministry into the future, with two young men from the Diocese commencing as seminarians: Aaron Baulch from Kerang and Mason Crosier from Mooroopna. They joined the other two seminarians for the Diocese in undertaking various pastoral placements in our parishes during the year. Another young man, Anil Madanu from India, who arrived in Australia in August, is participating in our vocation discernment program: Come and See. The Bishop’s Visitation Program to Parishes continued this year with visitations to Benalla, Kyabram and Tatura parishes. Once again, I was impressed by the thorough preparation undertaken by the parishes in the lead-up to my visits. The time I spent with parishioners, school students, their pastors, the sick and the elderly was extremely fruitful. I was heartened to see the faithful and generous involvement of these communities as they face a range of challenges. I am also glad to hear that other parishes in the Diocese have chosen to continue using the discernment and reflection tools provided by the Program, despite my appointment to Brisbane requiring the suspension of the actual visitations. Parishes and schools across the Diocese showed great commitment in working with the Diocesan Youth Office to prepare for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in December. Although I attended with young people from Brisbane, I was very pleased also to reconnect with the youth of Sandhurst in this faith-filled and faith-enriching experience. I close with a sense of sadness but a strong feeling of hope and confidence. I was certainly sad to leave the Diocese of Sandhurst, where I have been so warmly welcomed for nearly six years. But, as I leave, I am heartened by what we have been able to commence together across so many areas – in education, mission, formation and synodality. I thank all of you who assisted me in my ministry as shepherd of the Church in Sandhurst. I am encouraged that the Diocese is being cared for so faithfully by the new Diocesan Administrator, Fr Brian Boyle. I pray that the next bishop is appointed soon, and that the Diocese and its communities flourish, continuing our shared mission to build up the kingdom of God among us. Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay DD Archbishop of Brisbane Archbishop Mackinlay, Bishop Ramirez and Bishop Les Tomlinson at the funeral of Monsignor Francis Marriott
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 9 It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost six years since I first stood at this lectern in October 2019. The time since then has been full of lots of activity, which always makes it hard to notice how long it’s been going on. It’s been an extraordinary privilege and variety of experiences for me, as I have been welcomed into the life of this Diocese and have come to know the people, the priests, and the communities who belong here. I’m very grateful that so many of those communities are represented today, and I appreciate the effort that each of you has made to be part of this celebration. I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to gather with the priests and seminarians of the Diocese tomorrow evening for Mass and a farewell dinner. With your help, during my time in the Diocese I have received rich insights into the many different aspects of a bishop’s ministry. As well as being entrusted with leadership and guidance across the Diocese, I have also had the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of activities outside the Diocese, including the various activities that the Sandhurst Diocese contributes to at a Victorian level, the regular meetings and gatherings of the Australian bishops, the Australian Plenary Council, the two sessions of the Synod for a Synodal Church in Rome, and the annual meetings of the international commission for dialogue between the Catholic Church and the members of the World Methodist Council (which includes the Uniting Church of Australia). So, in some ways it feels like a lot more than six years too: I’m familiar with all of our parishes and schools, and feel quite at home in our presbyteries, where I’ve received such warm hospitality from priests and parishioners as I’ve travelled around the Diocese; I’ve been to India and the Philippines to visit the families of our priests who come from those countries; I can find my way to most parts of the Diocese without needing to use the GPS – though I have to admit that I still struggle with some of the twisted streets around Bendigo! I’m not even a ‘young’ bishop anymore; there’s a dozen others in Australia who have been ordained as bishop since me! Some of the experiences of the last six years are starting to feel like a long time ago. Less than six months after I became Farewell Mass Homily from Bishop Shane Mackinlay Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo 7 September 2025
10 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Bishop, we had to suspend the normal gatherings in our churches and schools as we entered the cycle of COVID lockdowns. For a long time, my big outing for the week was driving to St Kilian’s on Sunday for the live-streamed Mass, with only a handful of people in the church. Of course, that was also a time of connecting in different and surprising ways, as people spoke of the importance of joining in with our weekly diocesan Mass from their homes and presbyteries, and as so many of our parishes set up new ways of nurturing the faith and relationships in our communities. During that time, we also conducted the initial consultations that led to a 2-year process of establishing our Mission and Pastoral Council, which has in turn played a critical role in developing our new program for using the bishops’ parish visitations to help parishes review their current situation and plan for the future, and to a set of Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals that will help guide decision making and priorities for our parishes, schools and diocesan activities over the coming five years, as we seek to respond to Pope Francis’ legacy of calling us to be more synodal in the way we together live out our mission as Christ’s Church. I’m enormously grateful to all those who have contributed to these processes, and particularly to those who have been directly involved as Council members, Chancery staff, and through taking up responsibilities in their local parishes. Alongside the consultation about leadership structures in the Diocese, we also investigated options for establishing a governance arrangement for our schools that didn’t rely just on the particular skills and experience of individual priests. That led to a decision to operate our schools at a diocesan level through Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd, which is now in its fifth year as a company and, under the very professional leadership of its board and executive, is making a significant impact in formalising mutual cooperation and support between our parishes and their schools, and in using its diocesan reach to provide enhanced resources and coordination for improving the opportunities for learning for each of the young people who are enrolled in our schools and early learning centres. I think the readings that the liturgy offers us today are very helpful as we look back and look forward. The second reading is a poignant moment of farewell, as Paul, who tells us that he is ‘an old man now’, comes to the end of his missionary journeys and from prison sends Philemon a former slave, Onesimus, who has become Christian and has become Paul’s beloved companion. Paul feels great sadness at saying goodbye to Onesimus, but recognises that their time together has come to a conclusion. As at any time of farewell, including the end of my ministry as Bishop here in Sandhurst, it is clear that while there is much to celebrate, there are also beginnings that have not been concluded and new possibilities that have not begun. However, rather than lingering on regrets and ‘what ifs’, Paul recognises that he needs to entrust Onesimus and his future possibilities to God’s care and to the grace that he is confident that Onesimus will receive from others. In the gospel, Jesus speaks of the commitment that is needed to be one of his followers. He puts this in very dramatic terms, of being prepared to leave behind family, friends, and all that matters to us. I’m not feeling that my going to Brisbane is quite such an absolute rupture as that, but certainly it is a moment of moving further away from places, communities and relationships that I am very connected to, as part of living out my particular call to discipleship in a new place and a new role. And it’s good to be reminded that being open to that call is a characteristic of following after Jesus. Finally, in the first reading, Solomon prays for wisdom. As David’s son, he is King of Israel at the time when it is at the peak of its power and wealth, securely established in the citadel city of Jerusalem that David had captured, and with riches enough to build a temple worthy of the Ark of the Covenant. Yet in the midst of all this success and prosperity, he acknowledges the limits of his own insight and knowledge, and recognises that all that he seeks to do only finds its place as part of God’s plan and God’s path, which he knows that he does not see. In my own life, and for most people that I have known, it’s never worked out too well to try and have things completely planned out in advance. We certainly need to discern carefully about what we commit ourselves to, and then give ourselves wholeheartedly to whatever that might be. But, at the same time, we need to be open to the surprises and unexpected possibilities that God opens before us along the way. Being Jesus’ disciples means following along his way, rather than our own, and being ready to hear and respond to his call along the way, to things we might never have imagined, and new paths that lead us into his future. We are always part of something that is much bigger than what we can see around us in our immediate experience. To be people of faith means taking God seriously, taking seriously that we are building God’s kingdom rather than our own, and being open to serve in the way that he calls us, confident that he promises always to walk faithfully with us. As we look back in thanksgiving today and acknowledge the sadness of this time of farewell, I invite you to join me in looking forward with hope and confidence in the God who continues to call us along his paths and to shape us as his people.
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 11 Good afternoon. My name is Fr Brian Boyle. I am the Administrator of Sacred Heart Cathedral. It is my duty – indeed my honour – to offer some words of farewell to Bishop Shane as he leaves this Diocese to be installed later this week as Metropolitan Archbishop of Brisbane. I speak on behalf of the Cathedral parish. I also speak on behalf of the Diocese of Sandhurst, the mighty Diocese of Sandhurst! I remember standing at this same lectern some seven years ago to farewell another Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop Les Tomlinson (present with us today). I hope that farewelling bishops of Sandhurst does not become a habit for me! Shane Mackinlay and I have known each other for some twenty years now. I first met Shane at Catholic Theological College in East Melbourne in 2005. He was a lecturer in Philosophy; I was a lecturer in Sacred Scripture. Shane subsequently became Master of the College; I became the Academic Dean. Over the years, we worked closely together professionally. We also became friends. We discovered a mutual interest in music and culture. Gradually, we built up quite a list of subscriptions to theatre, symphony concerts and quartets. Without much exaggeration, we must have attended literally hundreds of concerts over the years. Shane is an erudite and cultured man. Sadly, however, that does not extend to opera; conversely, he could say my culture is limited because it does not encompass ballet! Much of Shane’s legacy will be identified in the area of synodality, the way of being Church in the world so fruitfully explored, and presented to us, by Pope Francis during the years of his pontificate. Synodality is not just a “buzz word” or a novelty but a return to the scriptures and the traditions of the Church to prayerfully discern, through deep listening and dialogue, the presence of the Holy Spirit leading us all forward, as missionary disciples of Christ, on a pilgrimage of hope, for our Church and for our world. Bishop Shane understood synodality in his own Diocese. He attended both sessions – in October 2023 and again in October 2024 – of the now famous Synod for a Synodal Church in Rome, as an elected member of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), and was further elected as a member of the oversight committee drafting the final document, which was then approved by Pope Francis. Shane understood and lived what being a synodal Church means. This legacy is identified, not only on the world stage – the two sessions held in Rome 2023-2024, but also on the national and local stages. Bishop Shane played a key role in the 5th Plenary Council of Australia, held in Sydney in July 2022. It was also on the local diocesan level that this expertise for, and commitment to, synodality was apparent. In February 2023 a Diocesan Assembly was held in Kialla, to explore what synodality might mean for our Sandhurst diocesan mission and life. It was an historic gathering which Shane joyfully led. In terms of his legacy, mention can also be made of his leadership in the celebration of 150 years of our Sandhurst Diocese (1874-2024), of his visionary plan for the new Chancery building on the Cathedral Site (the beginnings of which will be undertaken in the next few months), and his care for the significant number of overseas priests now generously and effectively ministering in our parishes (he visited the homes of their families in India and the Philippines). Shane Mackinlay brought significant gifts of intellect, faith, administrative skill and vision to our Diocese of Sandhurst as our Bishop. He was also personable and engaging in his interactions with parishioners. We thank him sincerely and wish him well in his new role as Archbishop of Brisbane. I now invite you to stand and acknowledge with me: Shane Anthony Mackinlay, eighth Bishop of Sandhurst! Farewell Speech by Fr Brian Bishop Shane’s Farewell Mass Fr Brian Boyle, Administrator of Sacred Heart Cathedral and friend of Archbishop Shane Mackinlay spoke at Archbishop Shane Mackinlay’s Farewell Mass on 7 September 2025
12 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Bishop Shane’s farewell mass with the Sandhurst Diocese clergy
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 13 Very Rev. Dr Brian Boyle Diocesan Administrator Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Very Rev. Dr Brian Boyle Diocesan Administrator One of the more significant events to occur in our Diocese in 2025 was the translation of our Bishop, Shane Mackinlay, to Brisbane. He was installed as Metropolitan Archbishop of Brisbane in a wonderful liturgical ceremony in St Stephen’s Cathedral there on 11 September, 2025. I attended the ceremony, as did a number of other priests and laity from the Sandhurst Diocese. Shane was our Bishop 2019-2025 and leaves a great legacy to us, especially in the era of synodality. The waiting time for the appointment of a new Bishop of Sandhurst by Pope Leo is typically some 12-15 months. A careful process of consultation and investigation is undertaken by the Apostolic Nuncio of potential candidates and, eventually, a list of three such candidates is sent to Rome for the Pope’s consideration. In the waiting time, an Administrator is elected and appointed for the Diocese, basically to keep the machines running until the new Bishop arrives. In the law of the Church, this right and responsibility of electing and appointing an Administrator belongs to the group called the College of Consultors. This group met at Shepparton to fulfil this specific task on 15 September. I was elected Administrator of the Diocese, on the first ballot. The Administrator then assumes some of the administrative and governance duties and responsibilities of a diocesan Bishop, in a caretaker role. This period is what we call sede vacante, with the (bishop’s) chair being vacant. This situation is now dramatically represented in our Sacred Heart Cathedral with an empty bishop’s chair. A key principle the Administrator must clearly work on is no innovation! He cannot introduce anything into the life and ministry of the Diocese which is contrary to the policies and governance of the previous Bishop, nor can he abandon or substantially change any of the programs or initiatives of the previous Bishop. And so, as far as Sandhurst Diocese is concerned, such initiatives and programs of Bishop Shane, which will continue during the sede vacante period, include the following: • implementation of the Sandhurst Mission & Pastoral Goals • development of Cathedral Square • formation support plan. The Administrator is not the captain of the ship; his task is to keep the ship on course. In this responsibility, he is aided, advised and assisted by the College of Consultors, which continues in the sede vacante period while other diocesan groups, for example: the Council of Priests, go into abeyance. One of the perks of the Administrator role is occupancy of the Bishop’s Office in the Chancery. This office becomes a room with a view, both literally and metaphorically. Literally in the sense of an unrestricted vista over the lush Chancery lawns and gardens and, metaphorically, in the sense that all important decisions about the life and mission of the Diocese are discussed, considered and acted upon in that room. This simple office affords the occupant a privileged view over the life of the Diocese. A perspective on diocesan life – people, celebrations, policies, events – is given to the occupant of this room as decisions related to financial, strategic and pastoral issues are reflected on and decided. It is a privilege, but also a responsibility. Construction work of the new Chancery on the Cathedral site has now begun and it is anticipated the work will be completed within two years. The current Chancery staff and offices will then move to the new building, in what will be known as Cathedral Square. It is an ambitious project and one which will greatly enhance the site of Bendigo’s iconic Sacred Heart Cathedral. One of the offices in the new Chancery building will be the Bishop’s Office which will, naturally, have a commanding view over the developed cathedral precinct. This office, too, will be a room with a view, a view of the Cathedral Square and a view over the life and mission of the Diocese. Occupied by the new Bishop, this room/office will be one of the key places where he exercises care, oversight, governance and encouragement in the Diocese, aided by those who occupy adjacent offices, working in collaboration with him. A room with a view seems to be an apt way of describing leadership in the Diocese – a privileged view of oversight, but a commanding view which also carries accountability and responsibility. A Room with a View
14 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Mick Chalkley Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council In this Jubilee Year for the Universal Church, “Pilgrims of Hope”, the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council (SMPC) gathered in Shepparton for meetings in February and May. The members of the Council also gathered for a day of formation in August and the meeting scheduled for November was cancelled, due to the appointment of Bishop Shane as the Archbishop of Brisbane. Our work plan for the year included: providing advice in the elaboration of plans relating to the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals, which included contributing to the development of a Diocesan Formation Support Plan; ongoing listening and learning about the structures; safeguarding practices and the Diocesan commitment to redress for victims of abuse; and the general financial situation of the Diocese, as well as providing advice regarding the development of programs, events and the exercise of various diocesan ministries, especially with young people through our schools and parishes. In terms of SMPC membership, a casual vacancy was created by Fr Jackson Saunders’ appointment as Assistant Priest to the Cathedral Cluster of Parishes in Bendigo in January 2025. At the February meeting, Fr Jackson was farewelled and thanked via video call and Bishop Shane invited Fr Ronald Masilang RCJ (Shepparton South) to attend the February and May meetings of the Council as a member of the clergy from the Goulburn Valley Deanery. The Council’s February meeting was largely dedicated to a series of activities facilitated by Mr Geoff Gowdie, the Sandhurst Assistant Director of Mission and Pastoral Life. These activities invited members of the Council to advise and recommend the steps for a plan to operationalise Strategic Direction 3 of the Mission and Pastoral Goals, “Life Giving and Empowering Formation” and the goals in the other two Strategic Directions. After seeking feedback from the Council of Priests, Geoff presented the draft of a Diocesan Formation Support Plan at the May meeting, which was endorsed by the Council and released by Bishop Shane in June. Personally, I was pleased to be one of the 127 attendees at the Diocesan Formation Gathering at Notre Dame College on 11 October, which was Project 4 of the Formation Support Plan. It was a great day of hope and encouragement for our diocesan community. Ongoing formation has been a feature of the Council’s meetings this year. Members have continued to draw on the teachings of the XVIth Ordinary Synod for a Synodal Church. We have spent time reflecting on the Final Document of the Synod, as well as Bishop Shane’s first-hand experience as a member of the Synod, and through videos of the retreat talks given in October 2024 by Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP, Cardinal of the Church and spiritual advisor to the Synod. I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Mission One Heart Many Voices Conference in Sydney in early May, along with four other members of the Council, Bishop Shane, members of the Mission and Pastoral Life Team and Fr Boniface Kumulgeya PP (White Hills). The Conference itself was excellent, and to share the experience with others from the Diocese made it even more impactful. Fr Richard Lennan was one of the keynote speakers and one of his observations, “Pilgrims on a journey don’t need to be perfect”, has really stayed with me. Fr Richard also quoted the Final Synod Document par.141: “Unless accompanied by focused formational processes, the Synodal Church will remain unrealised.” This gives me hope that the SMPC and our “Ongoing formation has been a feature of the Council’s meetings this year. Members have continued to draw on the teachings of the XVIth Ordinary Synod for a Synodal Church.”
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 15 Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay, Bishop of Sandhurst Rev. Vijay Bandanadam ALCP/OSS, Northeast Deanery Rev. Joe Taylor VG Mrs Libby Dowling, Northeast Deanery Ms Kate Fogarty, Bishop’s Appointment CES Mr Stephen McKinley, Northeast Deanery Mr Jean-Marie Mupenda, Bishop’s Appointment Mr Michael McLinden, Northeast Deanery Rev. Stephen Bolling, Western Deanery Rev. Ronald Masilang RCJ, Goulburn Valley Deanery Mr Mick Chalkley, Western Deanery Mrs Angela Finn, Goulburn Valley Deanery Mrs Christine Sebire, Western Deanery Mrs Jobelle Collier, Goulburn Valley Deanery Mr Miggy Podosky, Western Deanery Mrs Alana Brennan, Goulburn Valley Deanery Officers: Dr Chris Cotter, Executive Officer Mrs Leslie Cooper, Minute Secretary and Administrative Support. Ms Josie Cortese, Administrative Support Diocese are on the right path. We need ongoing formation, and we should try something to move our parishes to a mission-focused church. It may not be perfect, but we all learn and benefit as we grow. Through his commitment to acting synodally, Archbishop Shane has left a great legacy for our Diocese. Under his leadership, the Council was established through synodal practices and, as a Council, we have striven to act synodally by learning the art of prayerful listening, dialogue and discernment. Archbishop Shane joined us via video call during the SMPC Formation Day in August. It was an opportunity to thank him for the gift of his leadership and his service to the people of God in Sandhurst. In his response, Archbishop Shane encouraged the members of the Council to continue to take up the baptismal call to co-responsible leadership of the Church and to continue to act synodally. Following the video call, members of the Council moved to write a request to the College of Consultors to present to the Diocesan Administrator when elected, asking him to use the members of the lapsed Council as advisors in matters relating to the mission and pastoral life of the Diocese. I was very gratified to hear that Fr Brian Boyle accepted this request when he was elected Administrator in September. I look forward to working with Fr Brian in 2026. Finally, I take this opportunity to thank Archbishop Shane for his leadership, and members of the Council for their valued and dedicated service in 2025. As Chair, I also acknowledge the dedicated service of Fr Joe Taylor who retired in September after fifty-one years as a priest of the Diocese, and a member of the Council as Vicar General. My thanks also go to our dedicated officers, Mrs Leslie Cooper and Dr Chris Cotter, for their tireless administrative and organisational support during and between meetings. Mick Chalkley Chair Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council Members of the 2025 2025 Reports
16 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 “Synodality calls us to, and models, a way of learning from and being enriched by the people around us, including those who may be most different and most distant from us.” Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay, 8th Bishop of Sandhurst, 22 April 2025 Dr Chris cotter Director Mission and Pastoral Life For me (and I imagine for many others), the most significant events in the life of the Diocese in 2025, aside from the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo, were the announcement of the appointment of Bishop Shane as the Archbishop of Brisbane in June, the election of Father Brian Boyle as Diocesan Administrator and the death of Monsignor Frank Marriott OAM. Archbishop Shane appointed me as the Sandhurst Director of Mission and Pastoral Life in July 2021. He preached and lived an intentionally synodal style of leadership and it was an honour and a joy to learn from and collaborate with him, and many others, in the task of renewing our diocesan strategies, structures and practices in response to Pope Francis’ call to become a truly synodal Church. I shall miss Archbishop Shane’s leadership and companionship, and I pray for him as he shepherds the people of God in Brisbane. Over the last four and a half years I have also worked closely with Father Brian Boyle, so I was pleased when he was elected by his brother Consultors as Diocesan Administrator. I was also pleased when Father Brian announced that he intended to remain faithful to Archbishop Shane’s leadership and act in continuity with the priorities and direction set by him. It is worth noting that, during our diocesan consultations in 2022, many of the people we met expressed their concern that the initiatives begun by Bishop Shane would stop and be forgotten or dismissed if he ceased to be Bishop of Sandhurst (see Sandhurst Mission and Council: Preparation and Consultation Meetings Final Report, p. 28). I am delighted to report that, under Father Brian’s care, the development of plans and the activation of projects and events that are making steps towards achieving the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals promulgated in November 2024, have continued in 2025 and after the See became vacant on 11 September. I came to know Monsignor Frank Marriott when he was parish priest in Wodonga. Monsignor Frank held out a bold and inspiring vision for the people of God which, in my experience, he always proposed and never presumed to impose. On the way, he wanted collaborators and not servants, and I felt honoured that he recognised my gifts and encouraged me as a fellow pilgrim and a lay-leader coresponsible for the mission. And, whilst Monsignor Frank was willing to learn from others, he never wasted any of his time on what he saw as unsatisfactory ideas, flawed solutions or programmatic responses to complex problems. He wasn’t always right, but Monsignor Frank’s vision for who we are becoming was pure gold. Looking back, he reminds me a little of the portrayal of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel, always on the move and busy preaching God’s Kingdom, fiercely compassionate, humble, prayerful and occasionally annoyed with his colabourers. I shall miss Monsignor Frank, a holy and wholly visionary and practical priest and human being. December 2024 saw the close of the special Jubilee to celebrate 150 years of the Diocese of Sandhurst and the opening of the Jubilee Year for the Universal Church “Pilgrims of Hope”. Archbishop Shane nominated five pilgrimage sites across the Diocese and many local pilgrimages to those sites have been undertaken using the resources developed by the Mission and Pastoral Life Team: the Mass Tree in Wahgunyah, the grave of Rev. George Galen in Wangaratta, the Mary MacKillop Indigenous Garden and History Trail in Numurkah, the grave of Dr Henry Backhaus at St Kilian’s, and Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo. The Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council (SMPC) met three times during 2025 and, as you have read in the report by the Chair, Mr Mick Chalkley, this participatory body has been very active throughout the year. Whilst the Council is no longer meeting, due to the absence of a Bishop, all of the members have remained active in the life of their parishes and
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 17 2025 Reports Staff from the Office of Mission and Pastoral Life embarked on a pilgrimage to Wahgunyah, where they were hosted by Fr Peter Taylor PP (Chiltern and Rutherglen). “Standing by the Mass Tree, I felt connected with generations of faithful who had walked this land before us. It reminded me that we are all part of the living Body of Christ.” Geoff Gowdie. Assistant Director, Mission and Pastoral Life
18 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Memorial to Pope Francis: Parish Visitation Program Australian Catholic Youth Festival
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 19 2025 Reports in the broader diocesan missionary endeavours and activities. The SMPC and Council of Priests were involved in a process that led to the development of a Diocesan Formation Support Plan. The plan was launched by Archbishop Shane in June and outlines ten projects across 2025 and 2026 that will assist parishes and faith communities to take steps towards the Sandhurst Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals (2024-2028). Project four of the plan, a Diocesan Formation Gathering was held at Notre Dame College in Shepparton on 11 October. The theme of the Gathering, “Building Communities of Belonging”, was drawn from Strategic Direction 2 of the Goals and drew more than one hundred and twenty participants from all over the Diocese. The program included a keynote, delivered by Dr Paul Sharkey, workshops, a significant time of prayer and opportunities for those present to participate in structured conversations with priests, professed religious and the lay faithful from their own parish and neighbouring parishes. The feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of respondents to the formal participant survey stating that the most valuable part of the day was the opportunity to have focused conversations with the faithful from other parishes. The Mission and Pastoral Life Team, Chancery Staff and many volunteers made the day possible, and I am particularly grateful to Mr Geoff Gowdie (Assistant Director of Mission and Pastoral Life) and Mrs Leslie Cooper (Executive Assistant to the Director, Mission and Pastoral Life) for respectively taking the operational and logistical leads for this important event in the life of the Diocese. With support from the Mission and Pastoral Life Team, Benalla Parish, and the Parishes of Tatura and Kyabram participated in the Bishop’s Parish Visitation Program in 2025. The Cathedral Cluster of Parishes in Bendigo also used the discernment and reflection tools provided in the Visitation Guide to present a comprehensive Report which will assist the parishes in their planning for the next five years. Members of the Mission and Pastoral Life Team have also provided follow-up support to the newly formed parish of Christ the King, which was established as a recommendation from the Bishop’s Visitation in 2024 to Moyhu, Wangaratta and Wangaratta South. As Executive Officer to the Council of Priests, I have had the opportunity of working closely with the Chair, Father Adi Indra. I have also collaborated with Father Jake Mudge, Director of Clergy Life and Ministry in the establishment of an Implementation Framework for the policies that support the ongoing formation of priests in the Diocese. It has been my privilege to lead the Mission and Pastoral Life Team in 2025. Mr Geoff Gowdie commenced in late January as Assistant Director, Mission and Pastoral Life. Geoff has worked swiftly and astutely to learn our context and facilitated the development of the Diocesan Formation Support Plan and is the operational lead for its implementation. Mrs Claire Spinelli, Sandhurst Youth Ministry Team Leader, also commenced in late January. With the support of the Youth Ministry Reference Group, Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd Office staff and members of the Mission and Pastoral Life Team, Claire coordinated a successful pilgrimage for young people in our Diocese to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne in early December. The pilgrimage event is part of a broader strategy to activate local leadership of ministry with young people in our Diocese, in partnership with our parishes and schools. Ms Jessan Tano was recruited mid-year as a Youth Ministry Officer and has provided valuable support to Claire as Team Leader. Ms Katrina Strong (Communications Coordinator) ensured that subscriptions to the Sandpiper e-News continued to grow, presented a well-received report on the status of communications in the Diocese to the SMPC in May and streamlined the submission and distribution of Chancery bulletin notices for parishes. Mrs Leslie Cooper (Executive Assistant to the Director), as well as being an indispensable organisational support to me, facilitated the digital transformation of the Parish Report for the Bishop’s Visitation and coordinated the logistics for the Diocesan Formation Gathering on 11 October in Shepparton. In September, we welcomed a temporary Administration Officer Kristy Margetts who has assisted Claire with preparations for the Youth Festival in Melbourne. Kerry Stone, Sandhurst Caritas-Justice Coordinator, helped the Care for Creation team finalise the Laudato Si’ Action Plan for the Diocese. The Plan was endorsed by Archbishop Shane in May. Kerry also coordinated the annual Season of Creation Mass with our diocesan community at the Huntly Streamside Reserve near Bendigo. The Mass was celebrated on 5 September by the Vicar General, Father Joe Taylor. Mary Pianta, Disability Contact Coordinator, has continued to offer information to parish communities about practical ways to foster understanding and inclusion. Assistance has also been provided by Miss Josie Cortese for diocesan events held in Shepparton. Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd hosted a Dialogue Day for all priests and school principals in May. This day was a great success and provided the space and time for shared prayer, input by Mr Geoff Gowdie on the missionary aspirations of the Universal Church, conversation at tables and the review and updating of the Shared Mission Agreements between parishes and schools. The Sandhurst Theology Scholarships have continued in 2025, providing to parishioners and those engaged in ministry access to financial support to study courses in postgraduate level academic theology, spiritual leadership and clinical pastoral education. An internal evaluation of the Scholarship system is currently underway, with a view to a revised suite of offerings aligned with the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals being launched in 2026. Thank you to all who have contributed to the mission and pastoral life of our Diocese this year. We have learnt a lot about the challenges of putting the synodal way into practice and what it means to exercise co-responsibility for the mission. We have much to look forward to in 2026 as we continue our journey as the pilgrim people of God in Sandhurst. Dr Chris Cotter Director Mission and Pastoral Life
20 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Cathedral Square Cathedral Square Cathedral Square
Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 21 In 2025 we said goodbye to Bishop Shane Mackinlay and congratulated him on his appointment as Archbishop of Brisbane. We welcomed Fr Brian Boyle as Administrator of the Diocese and commenced our period of waiting for the appointment of the ninth Bishop of Sandhurst. Whilst Fr Brian is unable to make novel decisions as Administrator, there are still many matters to attend to. Catholic Risk and Insurance Services (CRIS): In order to provide CRIS with the necessary strategic leadership during its next phase of growth, Cameron Fraser was seconded to CRIS as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. The year saw CRIS obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence (Wholesale Brokerage), attract Diocesan Bishops as additional members of the company, increase its subscriber base and commence the strategic work in respect to Alternative Risk Transfer models, all whilst successfully placing insurance for Catholic entities around the country. Diocesan Development Fund (DDF): The DDF was established by the late Bishop Noel Daly in July 1980. Since that time, the operations of the fund have been undertaken by the Diocese of Sandhurst. To ensure that the CDF network continues to meet regulatory requirements, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference encouraged individual funds to partner with other funds to: reduce key person risk in individual dioceses; strengthen skills and experience in such joint funds; increase focus on regulation and governance; and, enhance the ability of funds to assist the wider Catholic community. With this in mind, prior to his installation as Archbishop of Brisbane, Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Archbishop of Melbourne to outsource daily operations of the Sandhurst DDF to CDF Melbourne from 1 December 2025, while ensuring that the Diocese of Sandhurst retains ownership and governance of the Sandhurst DDF. This significant transition was achieved relatively smoothly with the considerable work of Peter Trendos and long-term DDF officer, Debbie Lambert. Chancery: In 2025, the Chancery partnered with the Archdiocese of Melbourne to successfully recruit a Human Resources Partner. Kass Ritchie joined the Chancery in a partnership that allows Sandhurst to access the HR expertise of the larger Melbourne HR Team and, at the same time, ensures the in-person support of a skilled practitioner in Sandhurst. This appointment allowed Garry Dewhirst to step out of the HR role and into a new casual role, as he transitions into retirement. With a brief to establish a Risk framework and to increase risk education and awareness throughout the Diocese, Andrew Johnson joined the Diocese as our Safety, Risk and Compliance Officer. Cathedral Square: As work ceases from the Christmas break, it’s evident that 2026 will be a significant year for this project. This year we saw the finalisation of the design of the building and, following a comprehensive tender process, a building contract was entered into with regional builder AW Nicholson. Demolition of the old parish hall and paint shop swiftly followed, and the site is now clear and ready for piling to commence in 2026. Whilst it is very early in the construction program, all is on track for completion in October 2026. In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the passing of Monsignor Frank Marriott in 2025, and the 63 years of service he provided to the Diocese. Mons. Frank will be missed. I would also like to acknowledge those who have contributed to life in the Diocese this year. The names are too plentiful to list here, but those contributions have played a significant part in the life of the Diocese in 2025. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in a positive way to life in the Diocese and to the mission of the Church. Greg Westbrook Acting Diocesan Business Manager Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Greg Westbrook Acting Diocesan Business Manager Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ0MTI=