Sandhurst Diocese
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.
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
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 (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'sChristmas 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'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm Family Vigil Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:00am |
Kennington, St Therese'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 8:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:00am |
Quarry Hill, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm Family Vigil New Year's Eve (Tuesday 31 December) 6:00pm |
White Hills, Holy RosaryChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 10:00am |
Axe Creek, St Joseph'sChristmas 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'sChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:00am |
Beechworth, St Joseph'sChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:00am |
Benalla, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm Family Vigil 9:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:30am |
Bright, Our Lady of the SnowsChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 10:30am |
Cobram, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 11:00am |
Cohuna, Our Lady of Immaculate ConceptionChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 5:00pm Vigil Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 8:30am |
Cornella, Sacred HeartChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly. |
Corryong, Sacred HeartChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 7:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) N/A |
Dederang, St Joseph'sChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 10:30am |
Dookie, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 7:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) N/A |
Echuca, St Mary'sChristmas 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 HeartChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 10:00am |
Euroa, St John'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm, preceded by Christmas Carols at 5:30pm. |
Heathcote, St Mary'sChristmas 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'sChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly. |
Kerang, St Patrick'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:30pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 10:30am |
Kyabram, St Augustine'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 7:30pm Carols followed by 8:00pm Mass Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 8:30am |
Longwood, St Patrick'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 7:30pm |
Mitta Mitta, St Joseph'sChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 8:30am |
Mooroopna, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:30pm Carols followed by 7:00pm Mass Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 10:00am Mass |
Moyhu, Holy CrossChristmas Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly. |
Mt Beauty, St Joseph'sChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 8:30am |
Murchison, St BrigidChristmas Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly. |
Myrtleford, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 7:30pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 8:30am |
Nagambie, St. Malachy'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 5:30pm Carols followed by 6:00pm Vigil Mass Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:30am |
Nathalia, St Mary'sIndividual 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 BaptistChristmas 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'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 8:30pm |
Redesdale, St LaurenceChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 11:00am |
Rochester, St Joseph'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 7:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 12:00am Midnight Mass |
Rushworth, St Mary'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 7:30pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:00am |
Sandy Creek, St Michael'sChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 11:00am |
Serpentine, St Joseph'sChristmas Not Supplied. Please contact the parish directly. |
Shepparton South, St Mel'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:30pm Family Mass 9:00pm Vigil Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:30am |
Shepparton, St Brendan'sChristmas 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 LaurenceChristmas 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'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm |
Tangambalanga, Our Lady Help of ChristiansChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm |
Tatura, Sacred HeartChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 10:30am |
Violet Town, St Attracta'sChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:00am |
Walwa, Christ The KingChristmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:00am |
Wangaratta South Our Lady'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 9:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 12:00am Midnight 9:00am |
Wangaratta St Patrick'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 9:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 12:00am Midnight 9:00am |
Whorouly, St Patrick'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 5:00pm (Out Door Mass Bring your own Chair) |
Wodonga, Sacred HeartChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm Family Nativity Mass 8:30pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 8:30am 10:30 am |
Wodonga, St Augustine'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 5:00pm Syro Malabar Community |
Yackandandah, St Matthew'sChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 6:00pm |
Yarrawonga, Sacred HeartChristmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) 8:00pm Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) 9:00am |
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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.