Year in Review 2024 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 9 2024 Reports ceremonies in their parishes and was delighted to see the joy that was so obviously felt by all who were there. This year, the Diocese has welcomed two young men as seminarians: Jhunel Mendez from Cebu City in the Philippines and Ryerson de Lai from Mooroopna in Victoria. Both of them come to formation after long periods of prayer and discernment. I know that you join me in praying for their development, both academically and spiritually, as they learn more about the priesthood and open themselves to where God might be calling them. The Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council, made up of parishioners and priests from our three deaneries, met throughout 2024 and 2023 and have prayerfully formulated practical strategies and actions to address the four strategic directions identified at the Diocesan Assembly in 2023. I have now promulgated these ten strategic mission and pastoral goals to guide, encourage and inform our missionary and pastoral initiatives and activities at the Chancery, in parishes and schools, and other movements and entities throughout the Diocese for the next four years. In July of this year, I commenced a new program of pastoral visitation to parishes, beginning with Eaglehawk, Inglewood-Marong, Wangaratta, Wangaratta South and Moyhu. This renewed approach to visitation assists communities to engage in a reflection on all aspects of their parish life, with my visit giving an opportunity to discuss this and set future goals with the community. I was able to meet with parishioners in both formal and informal settings and hear their concerns, hopes and aspirations for our Church while attending and presiding at parish liturgies, or visiting schools and health services. I was moved by the dedication of the People of God in Sandhurst who are deeply committed to their parish communities and long to share this gospel experience with others. Some of our communities are facing difficult decisions about the continued use of small churches, and ways in which parishes can collaborate more effectively with one another. I look forward to visiting three more parish groupings in 2025 and plan to complete the visitation of all parishes in the Diocese over the next four years. A major focus of my year has been to discuss and explain the fruits of the first session of the Synod for a Synodal Church that I attended in October 2023. I met with a wide range of groups in seminars and meetings across several states and I was very encouraged by the interest and engagement shown by so many for this significant process in our Church. In October, I returned to Rome for the second and final session of the Synod. Being a member of the Synod was a great privilege, as we were asked to discern together on what God is asking of our Church today, to respond to the contemporary world in all its complexities. I was able to dialogue with others from around the world on what were often very challenging and difficult issues. At the Synod, I was elected as the Oceania representative on the Commission for the Final Document, which was responsible for overseeing the drafting of the Synod’s concluding document. This set out conclusions arising from the discussions that have taken place over the four years of the synodal process. It contains important proposals on decision making within the Church, the importance of greater welcome and participation, especially for and by women, the collaborative exercise of responsibility, processes for enhanced accountability, and a commitment to formation and mission. I believe the work of the Synod will bear much fruit as our Church moves forward, inspired by the Holy Spirit, with a greater ability to listen to each other and work together to build up the kingdom of God. In closing, I extend my gratitude to all who contribute to the life of our Diocese. It is thanks to your involvement that we have so much to give thanks for in 2024. As we look back on the first 150 years of our Diocese, I am confident that the commitment and faith of our communities will continue to be a strong foundation for the Diocese’s growth over the next 150 years. Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay DD Bishop of Sandhurst .
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