52 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2024 For the Knights of the Southern Cross Bendigo Branch, 2024 was another busy year, actively supporting numerous initiatives in the Diocese. Wearing highvisibility vests as traffic control for the Season of Creation Mass; blue sashes as ushers at the Chrism Mass; Akubras at their annual picnic; suits at the Fundraising Dinner for the Priests’ Education Fund and their Memorial Mass for past members; as well as aprons at a barbeque – the Knights have become a consistent support at Diocesan events. Possibly the most experienced sausage sizzlers in town, the Knights ran barbeques after the Diocese’s 150th Anniversary Pilgrimage, the Chrism Mass and the Apostolate of Fatima’s Marian Festival. They have turned thousands of sausages outside Bunnings and at the Bendigo Football and Netball League Grand Final, raising funds to support their causes. In 2024, the Knights made financial contribution towards: • the 150th Anniversary Commemorative Processional Cross which was presented to Bishop Shane Mackinlay at their annual Barney’s Picnic at Boorhaman North. • the restoration of a Chalice used at Mass in the Loddon Prison Chapel, ensuring that the congregation of prisoners is given due respect and the Mass fulfils its purpose of being life-giving and hope-filled. • Rochester Parish flood recovery projects. • the Priests Support and Education Fund • the Clergy Golf Day • community and ecumenical events and programs such as FoodShare, MadCow and Dahlia and Arts Festival. • presenting Rosary Beads to children in the Sacramental Program, sowing seeds for each child’s prayer life. The Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross was instituted by the Australian Catholic Hierarchy in 1919 to improve the wellbeing of Catholics in the wider community. The Sandhurst Diocese Branch is now in its 102nd year; consistent examples of Catholic men committed to promoting the Christian way of life. The Knights are grateful for the spiritual guidance of their chaplain, Fr Peter Ferwerda. Sandhurst Diocese Knights of the Southern Cross Members of the KSC are committed to assist our Bishop and Parish Priests in any way possible, fostering the Christian way of life, supporting educational, charitable, religious and social welfare work. 1967
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ0MTI=