“Choosing Hope: trust yourself to its leading”
Sandhurst delegation to 2025 MOHMV Conference – Report
St Peter Julian’s Catholic Church George Street, Freemasons Centre
Dr Chris Cotter
Director, Mission and Pastoral Life
Nine delegates from the Diocese of Sandhurst attended the 2025 Mission One Heart Many Voices (MOHMV) Conference. Joining with others from around Australia and the world, our attendees included Libby Dowling, Jean-Marie Mupenda, Jobelle Collier, Mick Chalkley, Stephen McKinley, Fr Boniface Kamulegeya, Claire Spinelli and Geoff Gowdie. Bishop Shane Mackinlay also attended as a presenter and participant. The theme of the conference “Choosing Hope: trust yourself to its leading” reflected the Jubilee Year theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”.
Following the Conference the delegates were invited to reflect on their experience.
Libby Dowling (Yarrawonga, SMPC Member)
It was a privilege to be given the opportunity to attend the Catholic Mission conference. The thread of hope that was spoken about and demonstrated filled me with great joy. Each of us has a call to mission and it is my hope that, following on from the Conference, those representatives from the Sandhurst Diocese who attended, will be able to lead many in our Diocese to recognise and take up their mission.
“Hope is the light that builds in you and shines through the cracks of your darkness.” Estela Padilla.
Fr Boniface Kamulegeya PP (White Hills)
Sitting in that conference hall listening to more than 300 people, all of them talking about the Mission of Jesus Christ, filled me with joy and gratitude and the assurance that the Kingdom of God is within us.
People were not talking about making profits, not talking about football or politics, but Mission!!
I have experienced very many good things so far in Australia, but that was the best.
May your Kingdom come.
Jean-Marie Mupenda (Shepparton, SMPC Member)
A good definition as a takeaway from the Conference is “Hope is the bridge between vision and mission”.
Jobelle Collier (Shepparton, SMPC Member)
I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Sandhurst delegates on this pilgrimage of hope. Two things really stood out to me:
1. Kelly Paget's experience of the Synod was encouraging. As a young mum, I resonated with her stories, juggling faith, family, and the deep desire to serve the Church meaningfully. Her honesty about the challenges and emotional toll resonated deeply, but her unwavering hope reminded me that our voices and contributions matter.
2. I had a special connection to the Filipino references from Estela Padilla's presentation, but what left the biggest impression was when she spoke of the importance of sitting in the liminal spaces before moving forward. I often find myself inclined towards jumping into quick problem-solving and action, so this invitation to pause, listen, and be present in the ‘gap’ is something I’m slowly learning to embrace.
Mick Chalkley (Kennington, SMPC Chair)
I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the Conference and to be with others from the Diocese made it even more impactful. A couple of take seats for me. Richard Lennan said, “Pilgrims on a journey don’t need to be perfect.” He also referred to the Final Synod Document 141: “unless accompanied by focused formational processes, the Synodal church will remain unrealised.”
This gives me hope that the SMPC is 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. Thanks for the opportunity.
Stephen McKinley (Wodonga, SMPC Member)
I am glad to have been there. It will take me a while to process what I experienced. Some of my highlights include:
• being connected into wider church
• meeting like-minded people
• listening to Aunty Dolly tell her Torres Strait Island life story and hearing her sing
• listening to Estela Padilla
• hearing from Fr Richard Lennan
• being at the Mass with Bishop Tim and experiencing his Joy of the Gospel
• participating in the singing of ‘Missa Terra Spiritus Sancti’.
There were many great moments. Thanks for the opportunity.
