42 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Sandhurst Community Social Justice The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace’s Social Justice Statement 2025 - 2026, Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill Health, called on Catholics and all Australians to respond to homelessness and mental ill health with compassion, practical support and advocacy; emphasising the dignity of every person and the need for community-based solutions and policies addressing the root causes of disadvantage. Parishes, schools and individuals were encouraged to engage in initiatives that provide hope, promote social inclusion, and reflect the Church’s mission to serve those most vulnerable in society. On 30 May, Catholic Education Sandhurst hosted a Mass for Healing and Justice at FCJ College Benalla, celebrated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay and concelebrated by Fr Brian Boyle EV and Fr Vijay Bandanadam PP. The event was attended by students and staff from 12 schools across the Diocese, Kate Fogarty, Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst; Michael Chisholm, Aboriginal Education Lead; and Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung artist, Troy Firebrace. Beginning with a Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country led by Yorta Yorta Man, Billy Cooper, and FCJ College and St Joseph’s Primary School choirs performed hymns accompanied by didgeridoo, creating a reflective and culturally respectful atmosphere. The Mass highlighted the Reconciliation Week theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, emphasising truth-telling, acceptance and commitment to reconciliation. The celebration affirmed the Diocese’s shared responsibility in promoting healing, justice and Indigenous engagement. The Mass was livestreamed to classrooms across the Diocese, allowing broader participation. “I see reconciliation as acceptance. It’s about facing the truth of our history and acknowledging the ongoing impacts.” Sophie Hammond, Student, FCJ College Reconciliation Week Mass for Healing and Justice
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