Sandhurst Diocese
Please click the map or scroll down for parish location and contact details.
Bendigo, Sacred Heart CathedralPalm Sunday (24 March) 11.00am, 6.00pm Holy Thursday (28 March) 7.30pm Good Friday (29 March) 10.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 8.00pm Easter Sunday (31 March) 8.30am, 11.00am, 6.00pm Reconciliation Saturdays: 10.30am |
Bendigo, St Kilian'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 6.30pm Good Friday (29 March) 12.00pm Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 5.30pm Vigil Easter Sunday (31 March) 8.00am, 10.00am Reconciliation Fridays: 11.30am - 12.00pm |
Bendigo East, St Francis XavierPalm Sunday (24 March) 8.30 Easter Sunday (31 March) 8.30am |
Eaglehawk, St Liborius'Palm Sunday (24 March) 6.00pm Vigil, 10.30am Holy Thursday (28 March) 7.30pm followed by prayers and adoration until 10.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 10.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.30pm Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.30am |
Kangaroo Flat, St Monica'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 6.00pm Good Friday (29 March) Ecumenical Mass TBC - Contact the Parish Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.00am |
Kennington, St Therese'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 6.00pm Vigil, 7.30am, 10.30am Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.00pm Mass, Procession, Adoration & Night Prayers Good Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Saturday (30 March) 9.00am Morning Prayers Easter Sunday (31 March) 7.30am, 10.30am |
Quarry Hill, St Joseph'sGood Friday (29 March) 12.00pm Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.00pm Vigil Mass |
White Hills, Holy RosaryPalm Sunday (24 March) 6.00pm Vigil Mass, 10.00am Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Saturday (30 March) 6.00pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.00am Reconciliation Before or After Mass or at other times by phone request |
Avenel, St Mary'sEaster Sunday (31 March) 9.30am |
Axe Creek, St Joseph'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 9.00am Good Friday (29 March) 9.30am Stations of the Cross Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.00am |
Axedale, St Mary'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 10.30am Good Friday (29 March) 9.30am Stations of the Cross Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.30am |
Beechworth, St Joseph'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 7.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.00pm Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.00am |
Benalla, St Joseph'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 6.00pm Vigil Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.30pm Good Friday (29 March) 9.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.30pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.30am |
Bright, Our Lady of the SnowsPalm Sunday (24 March) 11.00am Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Sunday (31 March) 11.00am |
Cobram, St Joseph'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 6.30pm Vigil Mass, 11.00am Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.30pm until 9.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 10.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 6.30pm Vigil Easter Sunday (31 March) 11.00am |
Cohuna, Our Lady of Immaculate ConceptionPalm Sunday (24 March) 8.30am, 2.00pm Ecumenical Gathering at Pyramid Hill Holy Thursday (28 March) 5.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 9.30am Ecumenical Stations at Kerang Easter Saturday (30 March) 6.00pm Vigil |
Cornella, Sacred HeartEaster Sunday (31 March) 10.30am |
Corryong, Sacred HeartHoly Thursday (28 March) 7.00pm Easter Saturday (30 March) 5.00pm Reconciliation prior to Mass |
Dederang, St Joseph'sGood Friday (29 March) 12.00pm Ecumenical Stations of the Cross followed by Reconciliation Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.30am |
Dookie, St Mary'sEaster Sunday (31 March) 9.30am |
Echuca, St Mary'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 6.00pm Vigil, 9.30am Holy Thursday (28 March) 11.00am Stations of the Cross Good Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.30pm Vigil Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.30am |
Elmore, OLSHGood Friday (29 March) 10.30am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.30pm Vigil |
Euroa, St John'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 7.00pm until 9.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.30pm Vigil Mass |
Heathcote, St Mary'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 6.30pm Rosary and Reconciliation Good Friday (29 March) 10.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 10.00am Reconciliation Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.00am Rosary |
Inglewood, St Mary'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 5.00pm Confessions Good Friday (29 March) 12.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Sunday (31 March) 8.00am |
Katamatite, St Mary'sEaster Sunday (31 March) 9.00am |
Kerang, St Patrick'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 10.30am Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 9.30am Ecumenical Stations of the Cross at Kerang Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.30am |
Kyabram, St Augustine'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 7.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 10.00am Ecumenical Service at the Memorial Gardens Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.00pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 8.30am |
Lockington, St CaniceEaster Sunday (31 March) 8.00am |
Longwood, St Patrick'sGood Friday (29 March) 10.00am Stations of the Cross followed by a cuppa & hot cross buns Easter Sunday (31 March) 8.30am |
Mitta Mitta, St Joseph'sEaster Sunday (31 March) 9.00am |
Mooroopna, St Mary'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 6.30pm Vigil, 10.00am Holy Thursday (28 March) 7.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.00pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.00am |
Moyhu, Holy CrossEaster Saturday (30 March) 10.00am |
Mt Beauty, St Joseph'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 3.00pm Reconciliation Easter Sunday (31 March) 6.30am Sunrise Service Tawonga Gap |
Murchison, St BrigidPalm Sunday (24 March) OPM at 10.30am |
Myrtleford, St Mary'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 6.00pm Vigil Good Friday (29 March) 10.00am Ecumenical Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.00pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.00am |
Myers Flat, St. Augustine'sGood Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord |
Nagambie, St. Malachy'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 6.30pm Good Friday (29 March) 10.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.00pm Vigil Mass |
Nathalia, St Mary'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 9.00am Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 7.00pm Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.00am |
Numurkah, St John the BaptistPalm Sunday (24 March) 10.30am Holy Thursday (28 March) 7.30pm Good Friday (29 March) 10.30am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.30pm Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.30am |
Pyramid Hill, St Patrick'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 6.30pm Vigil Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.30pm Good Friday (29 March) 9.30am Ecumenical Stations of the Cross at Kerang Easter Saturday (30 March) 6.00pm Vigil Mass |
Redesdale, St LaurenceEaster Sunday (31 March) 11.00am |
Rochester, St Joseph'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 7.00pm Easter Saturday (30 March) 10.00am Reconciliation Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.00am, 12.00pm |
Rushworth, St Mary'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 7.00pm Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.30pm Vigil Mass |
Sandy Creek, St Michael'sEaster Sunday (31 March) 11.00am |
Serpentine, St Joseph'sNot Supplied - Contact Parish Directly |
Shepparton South, St Mel'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 9.30am, 5.00pm Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.30pm Good Friday (29 March) 9.30am Stations of the Cross at St Anne's College Kialla Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.00pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.30am |
Shepparton, St Brendan'sPalm Sunday (24 March) 6.00pm Vigil Youth Mass Holy Thursday (28 March) 5.30pm Good Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Saturday (30 March) 6.00pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 8.00am, 11.00am Reconciliation Tuesday 26 March: 6.30pm - 7.30pm |
Stanhope, St LaurenceNot Supplied - Contact Parish Directly |
Strathfieldsaye, St Francis of the Fields' School "Shed"Not Supplied - Contact Parish Directly |
Strathmerton, St PatricksGood Friday (29 March) 11.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Sunday (31 March) 11.30am |
Tallangatta, St Michael'sGood Friday (29 March) 3.00pm Passion of the Lord Easter Sunday (31 March) 11.30am |
Tangambalanga, Our Lady Help of ChristiansNot Supplied - Contact Parish Directly |
Tatura, Sacred HeartPalm Sunday (24 March) 10.30am Holy Thursday (28 March) 6.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 10.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.00pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.30am |
Violet Town, St Attracta'sGood Friday (29 March) 10.00am Stations of the Cross followed by a cuppa & hot cross buns Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.30am |
Walwa, Christ The KingEaster Sunday (31 March) 9.00am |
Wangaratta South Our Lady'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 7.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 9.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 7.00pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.00am |
Wangaratta St Patrick'sHoly Thursday (28 March) 6.00pm Good Friday (29 March) 2.00pm Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 6.00pm Vigil Mass Easter Sunday (31 March) 8.00am, 10.30am, 5.00pm |
Whorouly, St Patrick'sGood Friday (29 March) 10.00am Lay led Service |
Wodonga, Sacred HeartHoly Thursday (28 March) 6.30pm Reconciliation Good Friday (29 March) 9.00am Stations of the Cross at St Francis of Assisi Primary School Easter Saturday (30 March) 9.00am - 10.00am Reconciliation Easter Sunday (31 March) 8.30am, 10.30am |
Wodonga, St Augustine'sNot Supplied - Contact Parish Directly |
Yackandandah, St Matthew'sGood Friday (29 March) 10.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Sunday (31 March) 10.30am |
Yarrawonga, Sacred HeartPalm Sunday (24 March) 5.00pm Vigil Mass Holy Thursday (28 March) 8.30am Morning Prayer of the Church Good Friday (29 March) 9.00am Stations of the Cross Easter Saturday (30 March) 8.30am Morning Prayer Easter Sunday (31 March) 9.00am Reconciliation Wednesday 27 March: 3.00pm |
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A book for the Poor Clare Colettines
Please click the map or scroll down for parish location and contact details.
Bendigo, Sacred Heart CathedralChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:30 pm Family Vigil Mass, 11:15 pm Carols, 12:00pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:30 am Mass of the Dawn 11:00 am Mass of the day Please NOTE No 6pm Mass New Years Eve Mass Normal Sunday Mass 8:30 am, 11:00 am and 6:00 pm |
Bendigo, St Kilian'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:00 am and 10:00 am Reconciliation Times Fridays 11.30am—12pm Advent Community Reconciliation– 19th Dec –7.30pm Advent Dawn Mass 5.30 am Mass daily 16-24 December New Years Day Mass 8:00 am Monday 1 January |
Eaglehawk, St Liborius'Christmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:30 pm Vigil Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:00 am |
Kangaroo Flat, St Monica'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Vigil Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am |
Kennington, St Therese'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 8:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 7:30 am, 9:00 am |
Quarry Hill, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm VigilOther Times January 1- 12 midday New Years Day Mass |
White Hills, Holy RosaryChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:00 am Please Note No Mass at St Francis Xavier Church, joint Christmas Masses at Holy Rosary Church |
Avenel, St Mary'sChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:30 am |
Axe Creek, St Joseph'sChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am |
Axedale, St Mary'sChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am |
Beechworth, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 5:30pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00am Reconciliation Times Communal celebration & absolution offered at masses leading up to Christmas |
Benalla, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Family Vigil Mass 9:30 pm Vigil Mass Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:30 am Reconciliation Times Parish Reconciliation Service Tuesday 19 December at 6:30 pm Other Times 30 December Saturday 6:00 pm - Christmas Octive 6th Day 31 December Sunday 9:30 am - Holy Family Jesus, Mary & Joseph
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Bright, Our Lady of the SnowsChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:30 am Reconciliation Times Communal celebration & absolution offered at Masses leading up to Christmas |
Cobram, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:30 am |
Cohuna, Our Lady of Immaculate ConceptionChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December)
Christmas Novena Masses 6:30 pm 15-23 Dec, held in turn across Kerang (15,16,17), Cohuna (18,19,20), Serpentine(21) and Pyramid Hill (22,23) |
Cornella, Sacred HeartChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:00 am |
Corryong, Sacred HeartChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 11:00 am |
Dederang, St Joseph'sChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:30 am |
Dookie, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:00 pm |
Echuca, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm family Mass St Josephs College, Oak Centre, 10:00 pm St Marys Church Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:30 am Reconciliation Times Community Reconciliation Liturgy 19 December – 7.00 pm |
Elmore, OLSHChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:00 am |
Euroa, St John'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:30 pm Carols, 7:00 pm Mass |
Heathcote, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:00 pm Carols, 7:30 pm Vigil Mass Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:30 am Mass (Rosary and Confessions at 9:00 am) Reconciliation Times Reconciliation and Rosary follow normal Sunday Mass. Rite 2 Reconciliation Wednesday 20 Dec at 6:00 pm On Sunday 24t Dec Mass Time is 9:30 am with Rosary at 9:00 am during which Confessions are heard. Other Times Anointing Mass on Wednesday 14 December at 9:00 am |
Inglewood, St Mary'sChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:00am |
Kerang, St Patrick'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:30 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:30 am Other Times Christmas Novena Masses 6:30 pm 15-23 December, held in turn across |
Kyabram, St Augustine'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Carols, 6:30 pm Mass Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am |
Longwood, St Patrick'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 5:00 pm Vigil |
Mitta Mitta, St Joseph'sChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:30 am |
Mooroopna, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:30 pm Carols, 7:00 pm Mass Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:00am Mass Reconciliation Times Communal celebration & absolution offered Tuesday 19 December 6:45 pm Boxing Day (Tuesday 26 December) 6:00 pm |
Moyhu, Holy CrossChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 5:00 pm |
Mt Beauty, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:30am |
Murchison, St BrigidChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:30 am |
Myrtleford, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:30 am Reconciliation Times Communal celebration and absolution offered at Masses leading up to Christmas |
Nagambie, St. Malachy'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 5:30 pm Carols, 6:00 pm Vigil Mass |
Nathalia, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am Reconciliation Times Reconciliation and the Anointing Mass Thursday 21 December 6:00 pm |
Numurkah, St John the BaptistChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:30 pm Carols and 8:00 pm Mass Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 10:30 am Reconciliation Times Reconciliation and the Anointing Mass Tuesday 19 December 6:00 pm |
Pyramid Hill, St Patrick'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 9:00 pm, Other Times Christmas Novena Masses 6:30 pm 15 - 23 December held in turn across Kerang (15,16,17), Cohuna (18,19,20), Serpentine(21) and Pyramid Hill (22,23) |
Redesdale, St LaurenceChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 11:00 am |
Rochester, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:00 pm Vigil Mass 12:00 am Midnight Mass TLM with supper afterwards |
Rushworth, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Other Times 31 December - 10:30 am Rushworth with a cupper after at the Parish House |
Sandy Creek, St Michael'sChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 11:00 am |
Serpentine, St Joseph'sChristmas Novena Masses 6:30 pm 15-23 Dec, held in turn across Kerang (15,16,17), Cohuna (18,19,20), Serpentine(21) and Pyramid Hill (22,23) |
Shepparton South, St Mel'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:30 pm family Mass, 9:00pm Vigil Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:30 am |
Shepparton, St Brendan'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 8pm (Syro Malabar Rite), 11:00 pm Mass Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:00 am and 11:00 am Reconciliation Times Thursday 21 Dec. 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
Stanhope, St LaurenceChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:30 pm |
Strathfieldsaye, St Francis of the Fields' School "Shed"Christmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm |
Tallangatta, St Michael'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am |
Tangambalanga, Our Lady Help of ChristiansChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm |
Tatura, Sacred HeartChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 5:30 pm Carols, 6:00 pm Mass Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am |
Violet Town, St Attracta'sChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am |
Walwa, Christ The KingChristmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am |
Wangaratta South Our Lady'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 9:00 am New Years Day 9:00 am |
Wangaratta St Patrick'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 9:00 pm, 12:00 Midnight Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:00am, 10:30am New Years Eve Mass Normal Sunday Mass with the addition of 31 December 2023 at St Patrick’s at 12 Midnight. New Years Day St Patrick's 10:30 am |
Whorouly, St Patrick'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 5:00 pm Outside BYO Chair Reconciliation Times Communal celebration & absolution offered at masses leading up to Christmas |
Wodonga, Sacred HeartChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm Family Nativity Mass, and 8:30 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:30 am and 10:30 am Reconciliation Times Communal Celebration of Reconciliation - Thursday 14 December - 7:00 pm Saturday 23 December 9:00 am - 10:00 pm |
Wodonga, St Augustine'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) Reconciliation Times Other Times St Augustine's Church - December 15-23 December 7:00 pm Filipino Christmas Novena Masses |
Yackandandah, St Matthew'sChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 7:00 pm Outdoor BYO Chair Reconciliation Times Communal celebration & absolution offered at masses leading up to Christmas |
Yarrawonga, Sacred HeartChristmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) 6:00 pm, 8:00 pm Christmas Day (Monday 25 December) 8:00 am Reconciliation Times 19 December 7:30 pm |
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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.
Please find a list of Child Safety policies held by the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
Parish Planned Giving: Thank you
Parish Planned Giving Form
Bishop 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.
Please find a list of policies held by the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
Please 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
Since 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.
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.
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.
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.
In Australia ecclesiastical annulments have no civil effects and a civil divorce decree must be obtained before any formal action to investigate a marriage may be taken at a Catholic Tribunal.
Church law states that the children of an annulled marriage are considered legitimate (canon 1137). An annulment affects only the marital status of the parties themselves and then only according to Church law.
