By Kerry Stone

After the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the south of Haiti on Saturday August 14, Catholic agencies, Catholic Relief Services (Caritas USA) and Caritas Haiti have been working to provide relief to over 75,000 affected families.

It is clear many Afghan people, particularly ethnic minorities, women and children, are in great danger in their own country. In addition, more than 5,100 Afghans living in Australia, many with families in Afghanistan, have no certainty about their future in Australia. Kerry Stone shares responses from Caritas Australia, Archbishop Coleridge and Bishop Vincent Long and provides the opportunity to advocate through CAPSA (Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum).

Upon hearing and seeing the distressing news coming out of Afghanistan last week, members of the local Afghan community gathered at a Bendigo Catholic Church for a time of prayer and solidarity—just before another lockdown was imposed on regional Victoria.

By Mary Pianta 

We are only halfway through the Tokyo Paralympic Games and I have watched some of the most talented athletes and heard the most incredible stories. These dedicated athletes refuse to be defined by anything other than talent and will. They are inspiring examples of athletes showing, resilience, courage and skill.

By Lyn Breen

Today, 1 September, is the first day of Spring and the first day of the Season of Creation. Today, of all days, let's go out and look at the world around us. Let's take in the beauty of God's creation and be reminded of the sacred trust we have, as human beings created in God's image, to care for the earth and care for the poor.

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ in the world today?

Sandhurst seminarian, Jackson Saunders, reflects on his studies at Catholic Theological College in East Melbourne. One of his favourite subjects has been Moral Theology. Jackson considers how this subject is much more life-giving and exciting than it sounds, as it all about exploring what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in the world today.

The Victorian Bishops have released a pastoral statement expressing their concern for the Afghan community overseas and in Victoria. The Bishops call for justice and compassion to guide the Australian Government's decision making and commit to pray for and welcome all new arrivals from Afghanistan.  

Sandhurst Plenary Council Members (delegates) Bishop Shane Mackinlay, Fr Joe Taylor VG, Fr Brian Boyle EV, Ms Ruth Lawlor and Ms Cathy Jenkins will use the Chancery as a base to participate in the First Plenary Council Assembly, which will now be held completely online. Bishop Shane said although this is not what was hoped for "... the Holy Spirit can and will work through this assembly, just as the Spirit has led us over the past three and a half years."

Mary Pianta, Sandhurst's Disability Contact Coordinator, is looking forward to the Paralympic Games which will start on 24 August. Despite civil resistance in Japan, which is grappling with COVID-19 and is still in a state of emergency, Mary reflects how the Paralympic Games showcase real stories of resilience can fill us with a sense of hope.  The Paralympics are "the Games the world need" writes Mary. 

Goulburn Valley Spirituality In the Pub

Monday 30 August 2021 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Terminus Hotel, Shepparton 

As they prepare for the first Assembly of the Plenary Council, Sandhurst members (delegates) Ruth Lawlor and Cathy Jenkins are keen to hear what you think the priorities for the Plenary should be. So come along to share ideas over a counter-meal.