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All visiting clergy from other dioceses or religious institutes must hold temporary faculties to celebrate or concelebrate at liturgical events in the Diocese of Sandhurst.

Please click the map or scroll down for parish location and contact details.

googlemap 960

If a parish is not listed below, please contact the parish directly. Parish Name is Sorted Alphabetically by Suburb:

https://sandhurst.catholic.org.au/parishes

For the most accurate timetable, please confirm times by contacting the parish via the above link.

 

Axe Creek, St Josephs

Good Friday (18th April)

9:30am - Stations of Cross

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Axedale, St Marys

Good Friday (18th April)

11:00am - Stations of Cross

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:30am

Beechworth, St Joseph's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:30pm

Good Friday (18th April)

3:00pm - Passion of the Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:30pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Benalla, St Josephs

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

9:00am - Stations of the Cross
3:00pm - Lords Passion

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:00pm - Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:30am

Bendigo Cathedral

Holy Thursday (17th April)

7:30pm

Good Friday (18th April)

Stations of Cross - 10:00am
Passion of Lord - 3:00pm

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:00pm

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:30am, 11:00am

Reconciliation

10:30am - Saturdays
7:30pm - Community Reconciliation at St Kilians

Bendigo East, St Francis Xavier

Good Friday (18th April)

12 noon - Stations of the Cross

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:30am

Bendigo, St Kilians

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:30pm Mass
please note no 12:10am Mass

Good Friday (18th April)

12:00pm - Stations of Cross
3:00pm - Veneration of the Cross

Easter Saturday (19th April)

5:30pm Vigil Mass
No 8am Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:00am, 10:00am, 6:00pm

Reconciliation

Reconciliation 11:30am - 12noon Fridays

Bright, Our Lady of the Snows

Good Friday (18th April)

3:00pm

Easter Sunday (20th April)

11:00am

Cobram, St Joseph's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:30pm Vigil until 9:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

11:00am - Stations of Cross Mivo Park
3:00pm - Passion of the Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

Vigil 6:30pm

Easter Sunday (20th April)

11:00am

Cohuna, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

Holy Thursday (17th April)

5:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

3:00pm - Ecumenical Service

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:00pm - Vigil Mass

Corryong, Sacred Heart

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:00pm Mass of the Lords Supper

Good Friday (18th April)

3:00pm - Passion of Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:00pm Vigil Mass

Reconciliation

Friday 18th April at 4pm till 5pm

Dederang, St Joseph's

Good Friday (18th April)

12:00pm Ecumenical Station of Cross

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:30am

Reconciliation

18th April after 12:00pm Stations - Reconciliation

Dookie, St Marys

Easter Saturday (19th April)

9:30am

Eaglehawk, St. Liborius

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:00pm Mass, Adoration till 9:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

10:00am - Stations of Cross
3:00pm - Passion of Our Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

Vigil 7:30pm

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:30am

Echuca, St. Mary's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

11:00am - Stations of the Cross
7:00pm - Mass of Lords Supper

Good Friday (18th April)

10:30am Ecumenical Way of the Cross
3:00pm - Passion of Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

Vigil 7:30pm

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:30am

Elmore, OLSH

Good Friday (18th April)

Confessions 11.45 to 2.30pm
Passion of Lord 3:00pm

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7.30pm Vigil Mass

Reconciliation

Confessions 11.45am to 2.30pm on Good Friday

Euroa, St Johns

Holy Thursday (17th April)

7:00pm - Mass of the Lord's Supper

Good Friday (18th April)

3.00pm - Passion of the Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:30pm Vigil Mass

Heathcote, St Mary's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

7pm Mass of the Lords Supper
(Rosary at 6:30pm)

Good Friday (18th April)

10:00am - Stations of Cross
11:00am - Reconciliation
3:00pm - Passion of Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

10:00am - Reconciliation
6:30pm - Rosary
7:00pm - Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:30am (Rosary 9am)

Reconciliation

Reconciliation 11am Good Friday Reconciliation 10am Holy Saturday

Inglewood, St Mary's

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:00am

Kangaroo Flat, St Monica's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

Ecumenical Mass TBC

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Kennington, St Thereses

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6pm mass & procession Adoration & night Prayers

Good Friday (18th April)

3:00pm Passion of Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

9:00am Morning Prayers
6:00pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

7:30am and 10:30am

Reconciliation

10am Saturday 19th April

Kerang, St Patrick's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

Atkinson Park Stations of the Cross Kerang - 9:30am
Service - 3:00pm

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:30am

Kyabram, St Augustine's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

7:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

2:30pm - Stations of Cross
3:00pm - Service

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:00pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:30am

Lockington, St Canice

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:00am Sunday Mass

Longwood, St Patricks

Good Friday (18th April)

10:30am - Ecumenical Stations of the Cross

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:30am

Mitta Mitta, St Josephs

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Mooroopna, St Mary's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:30pm

Good Friday (18th April)

3:00pm Passion of Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:30pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:00am

Moyhu, Holy Cross

Easter Saturday (19th April)

10:00am

Mt Beauty, St Joseph's

Good Friday (18th April)

3:00pm - The Lords Passion

Easter Sunday (20th April)

6:30am Sunrise Service Tawonga Gap
8:30am St Josephs Church

Reconciliation

18th April 4:00pm - Reconciliation

Muskerry, St Martin of the Tours

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10.30 Mass

Myrtleford, St Mary's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6pm 

Good Friday (18th April)

10:30am Myrtleford Piazza

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:30pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Nagambie, St. Malachy's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:30pm

Good Friday (18th April)

10:00am - Way of the Cross
3:00pm - Passion of the Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:00pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Nathalia, St Marys

Holy Thursday (17th April)

7:30pm

Good Friday (18th April)

6:30pm - Stations of the Cross
7:00pm - Good Friday Ceremonies

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:00pm

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Numurkah, St John the Baptiast

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

10:30am - Stations of the Cross
3:00pm - Solumn Ceremonies

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:30pm

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:30am

Pyramid Hill, St Patrick's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:30pm

Good Friday (18th April)

9:30am
3:00pm

Easter Saturday (19th April)

Vigil Mass 6:00pm

Quarry Hill, St Joseph's

Good Friday (18th April)

12:00noon - Stations of Cross

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:00pm Vigil Mass

Redesdale, St Laurence

Easter Sunday (20th April)

11:00am

Rochester, St Josephs

Holy Thursday (17th April)

7:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

10.30am - Station of the Cross 
Confessions 11.00am to 12.00pm

Easter Saturday (19th April)

Confessions 10.00am to 11.00am

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:00am
12noon  TLM  Sunday mass
8.00

Sandy Creek, St Michaels

Easter Saturday (19th April)

11:00am

Shepparton South, St Mels

Holy Thursday (17th April)

7:00pm Mass of the Lords Supper

Good Friday (18th April)

9:30am  Stations of the Cross at St Annes College Kialla
3:00pm  Passion of the Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:00pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:30am
No Evening Mass

Shepparton, St Brendan's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

5:30pm Mass of Lords Supper

Good Friday (18th April)

3:00pm Celebration of the Lord's Passion
8:00pm Stations of Cross

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:00pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:00am
11:00am

Tallangatta, St Michael's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:00pm Mass of the Lords Supper

Good Friday (18th April)

3:00pm Liturgy - Passion of Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:00pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Tatura, Sacred Heart

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

10:00am - Stations of Cross
3:00pm - Service

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:00pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:30am

Violet Town, St Attracta's

Good Friday (18th April)

6:00pm - Stations of the Cross

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:30am

Walwa, Christ The King

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Wangaratta South, Our Lady's

Holy Thursday (17th April)

7:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

9:00am - Ecumenical Stations
3:00pm - Passion of the Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:00pm - Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

9:00am

Wangaratta St Patricks

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

2:00pm - Stations of the Cross,
3:00pm - Passion of the Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6:00pm - Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:00am and 10:30am, 5:00pm

White Hills, Holy Rosary

Holy Thursday (17th April)

6pm mass

Good Friday (18th April)

3pm - Passion of our Lord

Easter Saturday (19th April)

6pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10am

Reconciliation

Tuesday - Friday 9am, Saturday - 5:30pm or by appointment.

Whorouly, St Patricks

Good Friday (18th April)

10:00am Stations of the Cross

Wodonga, Sacred Heart

Holy Thursday (17th April)

7:00pm Mass of the Lords Supper
The Watch till 9:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

9:00am Stations of the Cross - St Francis of Assisi Primary School
3:00pm Liturgy Lords Passion

Easter Saturday (19th April)

7:00pm Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday (20th April)

8:30am
10:30am

Reconciliation

16th April 6:00pm - Reconciliation
17th April 6:30pm to 7:00pm - Reconciliation
18th April 4:00pm to 5:00pm - Reconciliation
19th April 9:00am to 10:00am - Reconciliation

Yackandah, St Matthew's

Easter Sunday (20th April)

10:30am

Yarrawonga, Sacred Heart

Holy Thursday (17th April)

8:30am Morning Prayer of Church
6:30pm Mass of the Lords Supper Vigil until 9:00pm

Good Friday (18th April)

Station of Cross 9:00am
Passion of Lord 3:00pm

Easter Saturday (19th April)

8:30am Morning Prayer
Vigil Mass 6:00pm

Easter Sunday (20th April)

6:00am Easter Sunrise Mass Yarrawonga foreshore
9:00am

Reconciliation

Wednesday 16th April 3:00pm

Thursday, 22 December 2022 15:48

A book for the Poor Clare Colettines

Prior to their departure from the Dioceses in March 2021, the Poor Clare Sisters gifted the Sandhurst archives with a wealth of material. Diocesan archivist,…

Please click the map or scroll down for parish location and contact details.

googlemap 960

Bendigo, Sacred Heart Cathedral

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:30pm Family Vigil

11:00pm Carols, 12:00am Midnight Mass

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

8:30am 

11:00am

Please Note: No 6pm Mass

New Years Day

12:00pm Noon

Bendigo, St Kilian's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:30pm

9:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

8:00am

10:00am

Eaglehawk, St Liborius'

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

5:30pm Carols followed by 6:00pm Mass

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

10:30am 

Kangaroo Flat, St Monica's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm Family Vigil

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am

Kennington, St Therese's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

8:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am

Quarry Hill, St Joseph's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm Family Vigil

New Year's Eve (Tuesday 31 December)

6:00pm

White Hills, Holy Rosary

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

10:00am

Axe Creek, St Joseph's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6.00pm (Held at St Francis of the Field Primary School in "The Shed" and features a children's nativity pageant)

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am

Axedale, St Mary's

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am

Beechworth, St Joseph's

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am

Benalla, St Joseph's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm Family Vigil 

9:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:30am 

Bright, Our Lady of the Snows

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

10:30am

Cobram, St Joseph's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

 11:00am

Cohuna, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

5:00pm Vigil

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

 8:30am

Cornella, Sacred Heart

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly.

Corryong, Sacred Heart

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

N/A

Dederang, St Joseph's

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

10:30am

Dookie, St Mary's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

N/A

Echuca, St Mary's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm Family Mass at St Josephs College, Oak Centre

10:00 pm St Mary's Church

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:30am

Elmore, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

10:00am

Euroa, St John's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm, preceded by Christmas Carols at 5:30pm.

Heathcote, St Mary's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:00pm Rosary followed by 7:30pm Mass

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am Rosary followed by 9:30am Mass

Inglewood, St Mary's

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly.

Kerang, St Patrick's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:30pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

10:30am

Kyabram, St Augustine's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:30pm Carols followed by 8:00pm Mass

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

8:30am

Longwood, St Patrick's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:30pm

Mitta Mitta, St Joseph's

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

8:30am

Mooroopna, St Mary's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:30pm Carols followed by 7:00pm Mass

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

10:00am Mass

Moyhu, Holy Cross

Christmas

Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly.

Mt Beauty, St Joseph's

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

8:30am

Murchison, St Brigid

Christmas

Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly.

Myrtleford, St Mary's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:30pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

8:30am

Nagambie, St. Malachy's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

5:30pm Carols followed by 6:00pm Vigil Mass

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:30am

Nathalia, St Mary's

Individual Reconciliation (Sunday 22 December)

8:00am - 8:40am

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

There is no Christmas Day Mass

New Years Day (Wednesday 1st January 2025)

11:00am

Numurkah, St John the Baptist

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:30pm Carols and Nativity Pageant followed by 8:00pm Mass

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:30am

New Years Day (Wednesday 1st January 2025)

9:15am

Pyramid Hill, St Patrick's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

8:30pm

Redesdale, St Laurence

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

11:00am

Rochester, St Joseph's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

12:00am Midnight Mass

Rushworth, St Mary's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

7:30pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am

Sandy Creek, St Michael's

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

11:00am

Serpentine, St Joseph's

Christmas

Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly.

Shepparton South, St Mel's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:30pm Family Mass

9:00pm Vigil

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:30am

Shepparton, St Brendan's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

5:00pm Children's Mass

6:30pm Family Mass

10.30pm Carols followed by 11:00pm Mass

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

8:00am

11:00am

Stanhope, St Laurence

Christmas

Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly.

Strathfieldsaye, St Francis of the Fields' School "Shed"

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm

Tallangatta, St Michael's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm

Tangambalanga, Our Lady Help of Christians

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm

Tatura, Sacred Heart

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

10:30am

Violet Town, St Attracta's

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am

Walwa, Christ The King

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am

Wangaratta South Our Lady's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

9:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

12:00am Midnight

9:00am

Wangaratta St Patrick's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

9:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

12:00am Midnight

9:00am

Whorouly, St Patrick's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

5:00pm (Out Door Mass Bring your own Chair)

Wodonga, Sacred Heart

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm Family Nativity Mass

8:30pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

8:30am

10:30 am

Wodonga, St Augustine's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

5:00pm Syro Malabar Community

Yackandandah, St Matthew's

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

6:00pm

Yarrawonga, Sacred Heart

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December)

8:00pm

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December)

9:00am

 

 

 

Interest Rates

The Safeguarding Committee of the Diocese of Sandhurst is part of the structure under the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards which is designed to be implemented by Catholic entities across Australia. The Standards constitute a framework which articulates the requirements for Catholic entities to promote the safety of children, young people (a child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 years) and adults at risk (an adult at risk is any person over the age of 18 years who is at an increased risk of experiencing abuse or exploitation, including by virtue of their age, disability, diminished capacity, cognitive impairment, cultural background, life or personal circumstance) through the implementation of policies and activities to prevent, respond and report concerns regarding all types of abuse.

sandhursr diocese coat of arms 125pxPlease find a list of Child Safety policies held by the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst

Parish Planned Giving: Thank you

Parish Planned Giving Form

sandhurst diocese coat of arms 125pxBishop of Sandhurst Leslie Tomlinson reads the Plenary Council Prayer at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday in preparation for the Plenary Council in 2020.

sandhursr diocese coat of arms 125pxPlease find a list of policies held by the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst

sandhursr diocese coat of arms 125pxPlease find a list of Child Safety policies held by the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst

The Professional Standards Committee of the Diocese of Sandhurst is part of the structure under the protocols established by Towards Healing process (n. 39) which requires that each Bishop have a consultative group to assist him in the formulation and review of Diocesan policies and practices relating to professional standards, specifically implementation of the process outlined in Towards Healing for responding to allegations of abuse of children, young persons and vulnerable adults.

Welcome

Contact Details

Services

About Us

sandhursr diocese coat of arms 250pxSince coming to the Diocese Bishop Tomlinson has considered the adoption by the Diocese of a Coat of Arms.  Apparently Bishop Daly commissioned a Coat of Arms for the Diocese in 1979, but it was never used.  With the help of a number of people a suitable coat of arms for the Diocese was devised.

The arms of the Diocese of Sandhurst are blazoned:


Quarterly, per saltire or and azure on the former in fess two roses gules, in chief an estoile (or eight (8) pointed star) and in base a representation of the Paderborn Cross argent.

The gold of the field represents the goldfields which is located within the diocese and the blue represents the Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

The star and the two roses have their origin in an earlier design proposed for the arms of the diocese in 1979. This proposal does not appear to have been put into use, its existence is little known in the diocese and its original symbolism is not known at all.

The Paderborn Cross which is represented in base was discovered at Paderborn in Germany which was the place of origin of Dr Henry Backhaus, the pioneer priest of the Bendigo Goldfields and the architect of the financial security of the diocese and of the cathedral.

The diocesan arms are displayed alone or impaled with those of the Bishop.

The arms were designed by Richard d’Apice and Fr Guy Selvester and illustrated by Sandy Turnbull.

Thursday, 08 March 2012 13:51

Who to Contact?

Written by

The Tribunal of the Catholic Church - Victoria and Tasmania
Sandhurst Office:

Tribunal of the Catholic Church
Victoria and Tasmania
PO Box 146
East Melbourne  Vic  8002
Phone: (03)9287 5542


E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thursday, 08 March 2012 13:50

Is it all worthwhile?

Written by

For many, seeking a decree of nullity has some very painful and anxious moments. However, it can be a pastoral and therapeutic process as well as a legal procedure. Many applicants find that the process itself, and the sensitive approach of the tribunal staff, can be an experience of healing and an opportunity to face up to debilitating memories of the past.


Moreover, whether a decree of nullity be issued or not, the decision should bring peace of mind to the parties who have been wondering or questioning whether the Church would regard the marriage in question as binding for life or not.


Naturally, decrees of nullity bring many the satisfaction of being able to celebrate a planned remarriage in the Catholic Church, or to have another marriage (already entered) validated and recognised by the Church. But even those who petition unsuccessfully for a decree of nullity can at least make their future plans informed with a clear understanding of their marital status as far as the Church tribunal can determine.

Thursday, 08 March 2012 13:45

The Process and Requirements

Written by

Who may apply?
Any divorced Catholic has the right to ask for an investigation of a previous marriage by the appropriate Tribunal of the Church. Any non Catholic divorced person remarried to a Catholic, intending to become a Catholic or intending marriage to a Catholic has the same right. Only a party to the marriage, however, may apply.


How is the Process Started?
An application is made by phoning the Tribunal offices (in the Sandhurst Diocese 03 5441 6875) for an initial interview.


Following this interview, a preliminary assessment is made, after which the applicant is advised whether the case is considered worth further investigation. If grounds are identified, the applicant is requested to present a written submission, according to the guidelines provided by the Tribunal. If the case is accepted for hearing, there will be a further formal interview with the applicant.


Is the former spouse contacted?
It is a requirement of canon law that the other party be informed of the investigation and given the opportunity to participate in the investigation.


Are witnesses necessary?
They are. The persons submitted as witnesses are normally nominated by the parties to the marriage. They must be willing to be interviewed confidentially by the Tribunal about what they know of the marriage. They are not simply character referees; they must have some knowledge of the marriage under scrutiny.


It may also be necessary to ask the applicant's written permission to obtain relevant medical reports or to request professional evaluation by a psychologist. Due to the very personal nature of the information gathered in nullity cases, every effort is made to preserve confidentiality in the process.


How is a decision reached?
When it is considered by the Tribunal that there is sufficient evidence for a decision to be reached, the formal (and private) sessions of the Tribunal are held. The parties are not required to attend. The defender of the marriage bond is always present to uphold the ideals of the Church on marriage and its permanence. The decision will be made by judges of the Tribunal, and they will declare either that the marriage is certainly invalid or that the evidence does not prove invalidity with certainty and so the presumption that the marriage is valid remains.


What happens after the decision?
The case must be forwarded to the Catholic Appeal Tribunal of Australia and New Zealand. This Tribunal has the task of reviewing every decision. If it ratifies the judgement, a decree of nullity is issued. In more complex cases this review may take quite some time and there is no guarantee of an affirmative decision.


Is every application successful?
No. The decision rests entirely with the Tribunal after reviewing all the evidence. The fact that evidence is taken should not be interpreted as an indication of a favourable decision.


Even where an affirmative decision has been given, before being permitted to marry in the Church, it is quite possible that the applicant will be required to attend counselling together with the future spouse. Such counselling is a prudent requirement to safeguard the hope that the subsequent union will be successful. In cases where an incapacity for marriage has been proven, there may be a requirement that some form of counselling therapy be proven to have been beneficial before remarriage in the Church is possible.


How long does all this take?
Each application is dealt with individually. Where a person has been married more than once each union needs to be considered separately. Where both parties to a proposed marriage have been previously married each union would need investigation. Due to the number of applications and the varying factors involved in different cases, no time can be specified. Often an applicant is informed of a decision within a year of presenting the written submission to the Tribunal office, but the average time for an outcome is between twelve and eighteen months.


Should a date be set for a wedding?
A booking for a Church wedding should not be made until a personal notification that a person is free to marry has been sent to the celebrant. An affirmative decision is never guaranteed until final ratification. Setting a tentative date before a final decision has been given often leads to disappointment since the investigation is a trial of the marriage and, like all trials, the outcome is subject to unforeseen difficulties. Setting a date for a wedding before the final decision is known places the applicant and their proposed partner, not to mention the Tribunal staff, under unreasonable and unnecessary pressure.


What are the fees for annulment?
The cost is $750.00 at this time.  This is a subsidised fee and does not represent the full cost of processing a case. In difficult financial circumstances, allowances are made for an adjustment of the account or for payment in instalments.

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