At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus as the light who comes in our darkness. This year, perhaps more than ever, we are aware of how much we need that light.  Bishop Shane Mackinlay

At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus as the light who comes in our darkness. This year, perhaps more than ever, we are aware of how much we need that light.  Bishop Shane Mackinlay

After 48 hours as a priest, Fr Denib Suguitan (DJ) reflects on his Ordination to the priesthood. "If there is one thing I have learned over the weekend, it is the fact that God never ceases to amaze us, as long as we let ourselves be amazed. He works so mysteriously that it takes a while to understand his ways".

Fr DJ Suguitan has been ordained a priest for the Sandhurst Diocese after his priestly ordination was postponed twice due to COVID-19. Seminarian, Jackson Saunders, reflects on DJ’s ordination to the priesthood and his First Mass.

By Jackson Saunders

In a year of moves aplenty, sixth-year seminarian Jackson Saunders, reflects back on 2020. The year began in Rome and is ending in Echuca, with other stints in between tat Wangaratta and St Kilian’s in Bendigo.

"How is God Calling Us to be a Christ-centred Church in Australia that is a: Joyful, hope-filled and servant community?"

Lyn Breen reports on the online Sandhurst Plenary session held on 9 December. There were many practical suggestions put forward by people from parishes across our diocese.

Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli has confirmed that 'Mass for You at Home' will continue to air on Network Ten and in regional areas and on pay television through Aurora. It will also be available online on demand.

By Mary Pianta

"Though it takes effort to fully include everyone, according to their own gifts and talents, the active participation of people with disabilities can greatly enrich the life of the whole parish”.   Pope Francis in his Message for International Day of People with a Disability. 

Sandhurst Youth mustered online for the second 'Stronger Tonight' Rally which was live-streamed over the weekend,  Hosted by recent St Mary of the Angels Secondary College graduate, Brad Skidmore, participants celebrated with music, discussion and a little bit of Christmas cheer.  Kristian Joy Tangso reports on her first Stronger Rally in Sandhurst, and the final youth celebration of 2020, connecting the annual theme “Greater Heights” with the coming Christmas season.

Bishop Shane Mackinlay last week announced the membership of the inaugural boards for Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CES) and Sandhurst Early Childhood Education and Care Ltd (SCECE&C). "I am very encouraged by the calibre of people who have accepted positions on these Boards," said Bishop Shane.  The directors of these companies will lead Catholic Education and Early Childhood Education and Care in the Diocese into a new era of governance from 1 January 2021.