22 August 2021

The National Council of Churches Australia calls us to unite in prayer for a world distressed by the global pandemic. The theme “Lord have mercy” invites us to be especially united in prayer, both individually and, where possible, in our liturgies. To facilitate a national prayer focus, the team at the National Day of Prayer & Fasting is providing a suite of prayer resources and opportunities starting from Monday 16 August.

The Legion of Mary Sandhurst Curia will celebrate 100 years since the Legion of Mary was established. All are invited to join the festivities starting with Mass, followed by Holy Hour and Benediction. Guest speakers will follow before and after lunch.

By Jenni Kennedy

Catholic Education Sandhurst students Joshua McInness (Sacred Heart College Yarrawonga) and Abby Smyth (Notre Dame College Shepparton) have both been recognised for their outstanding 2020 VCE study scores by receiving Premier’s Awards.

By Kerry Stone
Sandhurst Coordinator Caritas/Justice

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has made an historic commitment to work towards a more sustainable Church in its annual statement promoting social justice.

In the just released Social Justice Statement 2021-22 Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, the bishops commit to a seven-year journey towards ecological sustainability via the seven Laudato Si’ Goals.

The Paralympic Games will open on 24 August. Despite no fans or officials from Australia to support them, the athletes are still excited about being in Tokyo.  All athletes have overcome a severely disrupted lead in to the Games, the year of the pandemic has presented many special challenges.  Mary Pianta shares some of the great stories of sacrifice and dedication of our para-athletes as they trained remotely.

On 22 July 2021, Monsignor Frank Hickey celebrated 70 years as a Catholic Priest. The Parish of Nagambie held celebrations on Sunday 1 August to thank Monsignor Frank for his presence among them and his devoted service to their parish during his retirement years, writes Anne Close. 

By Kerry Stone

Project Compassion 2021 concluded at the end of the financial year. Last year, Project Compassion 2020 was cut short and, as expected, donations were well down. This year has seen the campaign almost restored to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels and more so in Sandhurst.

Fr Rom Hayes, Sandhurst Diocesan Director for Caritas Australia, writes a letter of thanks to the People of the Sandhurst Diocese for their generosity towards Project Compassion. “God's grace at large in the hearts of you all.”

Congratulations are extended to ten worthy scholarship recipients, who attended a virtual awards ceremony on 21 July. 

The scholarship recognises exceptional young people in Sandhurst Secondary Schools who contribute to the life of their Colleges through their commitment to their faith and to social justice; writes Jenni Kennedy. 

Applications are now open for the 44th Siloam Program which will commence in 2022. The program is Australia's longest running Spiritual Direction Formation Program and is now delivered in-person and online. Potential candidates are encouraged to join the Centre for a taster session on 14 August.