An announcement from Bishop Shane Mackinlay
Over the last year, we have been preparing and consulting for the establishment of the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council. This culminated with our diocesan assembly in February, when over 300 people gathered in Shepparton. I am very grateful to all those who participated in this preparation and consultation, those who attended the assembly, and those who generously offered themselves for membership of the Council. There are many signs that God’s spirit continues to be active in our Diocese.
This week, a membership panel participated with me in a process of discernment about the expressions of interest that have been received. In light of that, I now have great pleasure in announcing the membership of the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council for the coming three years.
Joining me and Fr Joe Taylor VG on the Council are:
Goulburn Valley Deanery
Mrs Alana Brennan, St Augustine’s Parish, Kyabram
Mrs Jobelle Collier, St Brendan’s Parish, Shepparton
Mrs Angela Finn, St Augustine’s Parish, Kyabram
Reverend Father Jackson Saunders, St Brendan’s Parish, Shepparton and St Mary’s Parish, Dookie
North Eastern Deanery
Mrs Gabrielle Downie, St Joseph’s Parish, Benalla
Mr Stephen McKinley, Sacred Heart Parish, Wodonga
Mr Michael McLinden, Sacred Heart Parish, Wodonga
Reverend Father Vijay Bandanadam ALCP/OSS, St Joseph’s Parish, Benalla
Western Deanery
Mr Mick Chalkley, St Therese’s Parish, Kennington
Mr Miggy Podosky, St Kilian’s Parish, Bendigo
Mrs Christine Sebire, St Mary’s Parish, Echuca
Reverend Father Stephen Bolling, St Liborius Parish, Eaglehawk and St Mary’s Parish, Inglewood
Bishop’s Appointments
Mr Paul Desmond, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd
Mr Jean-Marie Mupenda, St Brendan’s Parish, Shepparton
I congratulate these women and men of faith and I look forward to commissioning the Council at the Annual Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday 4 April at 11.00 a.m.
The first meeting of the Council will be held in Shepparton on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 April.
Please pray for this new Council and for our diocese as we seek to become “a more missionary and pastoral Church” (from the ‘Prayer for the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council’).
Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay
Bishop of Sandhurst
