Written by Fr Michael Grace 'Like a Puppet on a String' is the sort of poem you will want to print and savour during Summer holiday afternoons of quiet contemplation.

As we move into the Season of Christmas, Cathy Jenkins reflects on what this Advent pandemic waiting time has meant for us. As Christmas approaches we are reminded to that the Emmanuel, God-with-us, accompanies us and propels us to move forward with hope into whatever the future might bring.

Lyn Breen  offers ways for us to hold loved ones close this Christmas. Not only those who are far away, but also those with whom relationships are damaged or difficult. Through Circles of blessing and prayer we “remember each individual in turn, hold them in our heart and imagine lifting them up to God's love and blessing."

A poem by Fr Michael Grace 

Quietly it stands, the Church by the creek;
Never changing ­­­— as it was in the beginning —
 . . . 

Fr Michael Grace loves to write poetry and has generously agreed to share his poems with us in the Sandpiper e-News.  Lyrical, funny and poignant, his poems are often about the people and places of our Diocese, many were written for special occasions.

It seems 'Grace' is not only a name most apt  for a priest, but also fitting for a poet.   We trust you will enjoy the wonderful world of Fr Michael's poetry.

It's fair to say that Rev. Denib Suguitan (DJ) is one of Sandhurst's most experienced and patient Deacons.  It has been over fourteen months since DJ was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Leslie Tomlinson in Manila, and 12 December 2020 will be the third date set for his priestly ordination, following postponements in July and September.

Bishop Shane Mackinlay, Clergy, Chancery Staff and Parishioners of the Diocese of Sandhurst extend their deepest sympathies to the McKern Family on the death of Gordon. 

Gordon was the inaugural Chairman of the Aspire Cultural & Charitable Foundation. He was active in many initiatives of the Diocese of Sandhurst. Like many other communities in our region, our community has been the beneficiary of Gordon’s vision and leadership. 

To celebrate the tenth Anniversary of the Canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the Australian Embassy to the Holy See, jointly with the British Embassy to the Holy See, are presenting a webinar on:
The Other Marys: St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and The Venerable Mary Ward. Friday 4 December 2020 at 10:00 am, Rome time.

Lyn Breen  reflects on the past liturgical year in which there were many reminders that life will always be filled with surprises.  As we move beyond 2020, Lyn offers two simple prayerful activities to help us reflect on these questions:  'When this is all over' can we become more attentive to other people in our lives? Can we deepen our awareness of the ways God comes to meet us?

By Cathy Jenkins

And now it is Advent. A time that is observed as a joyful waiting time. I wonder if it helps to remember that we are not the only people who have had the experience of longing and waiting. Our ancestors in faith were practised in this way of being – and Advent, in a most particular way reminds us of this.