Fr Joseph Edward Harte OAM (13 March 1933 – 2 January 2022)

Sandhurst has said its last farewell to one of its longest serving and beloved priests, Fr Ted Harte. Born in Warrnambool Fr Harte was ordained a priest in Shepparton in 1966 at the age of 33. He served as Assistant Priest in Wangaratta, then Shepparton, and was Parish Priest at White Hills for 37 years, until his retirement in 2017. He also served as Chaplain at the Anne Caudle Centre and Bendigo Hospice.

Pope Francis is calling us to commit to living out Laudato Si’ in our own lives and to work towards the 7 goals of the Vatican’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Catholic Earthcare Families provides a structure to help families understand integral ecology* and live life more simply, responding to the cry of the earth and cry of the poor. Why not join a committed community of Catholics around the world who are endeavouring to live out Laudato Si’ in their own lives and create a significant legacy for your children in doing so?

Pope Francis has announced that American Archbishop Charles Balvo, a veteran of the Vatican’s diplomatic service for more than 30 years, will serve as the next Apostolic Nuncio to Australia.
Archbishop Balvo, currently the Vatican’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, was born in New York City and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York in 1976.

The fourth Annual Progress Report report from the Catholic Church to the National Office for Child Safety was published in December 2021. The report outlines initiatives across over 50 Catholic entities as they continue to strengthen their efforts to keep all people safe in Church settings.

“The Church values each child in our midst. Yet our shameful past reveals that we let down too many children and many thousands were abused in our settings. We are resolved to strengthen our commitment to children by placing their safety front and centre in our mission,” wrote Archbishop Mark Coleridge, President of the Australian Bishops Conference and Br Peter Caroll FMS, President, Catholic Religious Australia.

On 27 January a virtual Farewell was held online for Adult Faith Education Co-ordinator, Lyn Breen, who has retired after 16 years of commitment to mission in the Diocese of Sandhurst as Adult Faith Education Coordinator.

“Today, for me, is very much a celebration of all the people who have been part of Adult Faith Education Sandhurst through the years. There are so very many groups, communities, and individuals, who deserve my heartfelt thanks, and too many to name them all,” said Lyn.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, says at least 20,000 more humanitarian places are needed for people fleeing Afghanistan.

Catholic bishops were among those to advocate for a generous response from the Australian Government, supported by faith-based and community groups, to welcome Afghans looking to escape after the Taliban seized power last year.

Adult Faith Education Officer, Lyn Breen has selected two prayers. 

"Keeping Christmas," by Henry Van Dyke
 and 
"I am There," by Karl Rahner S.J.

The Diocese of Palencia (Spain) has developed a board game which simplifies the questions and encourages participation from young people in a fun way.  Responses to the ‘Goose Game’ can be uploaded as a Group Submission; all just in time for the Summer holidays.

With gratitude, faith and compassion.

Principal of St Joseph’s College, Echuca, Michael Delaney, has retired after 43 years of dedication to Catholic Education including 23 years as a school principal. He reflects on the ways the philosophy of St John Bosco, and the charisms of the three schools he has worked in, have influenced his way of teaching, and his way of being.

A Mass for jubilarians Monsignor Frank Hickey and Fr Romuald Hayes, who have served as priests for over 70 years and 50 years respectively, was celebrated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay at St Kilian’s Church, Bendigo on Tuesday 14 December. Bishop emeritus, Leslie Tomlinson and many priests of the Diocese joined the celebrations. The Mass was originally planned for June and had been postponed twice.