The formation of the people of God in the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst is Christ centred and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is an intentional, ongoing and reflective process that focuses on the growth of individuals and communities from their lived experiences, in spiritual awareness, theological understanding, vocational motivation and capabilities for mission and service in the Church and for the world.

The intention of formation for mission is to enable: 

*  deeper faith relationships with God,  Church, self, others and Creation 

*  greater engagement between individuals' lives marked by 'accompaniment' in the service of others.  

*  a culture of synodality: prayer, dialogue, discernment. 

*  stronger commitment to and understanding of the various ministries exercised in faith communities. 

*  a deeper call into missionary discipleship 

"My mission of being in the heart of people is not just a part of my life or a badge I can take off; it is not an “extra” or just another moment in life. Instead, it is something I cannot uproot from my being without destroying my very self. I am a mission on this earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world. We have to regard ourselves as sealed, even branded, by this mission of bringing light, blessing, enlivening, raising up, healing and freeing."

(Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel 273)

Diocesan Formation Gathering (11 October 2025) 

This Diocesan-wide gathering aims to enrich capacity for parishes, schools and ministries to build belonging and foster community, advancing Strategic Direction 2 of the Sandhurst Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals.  The Diocesan Formation Gathering will feature keynote presentations, interparish conversations, a choice of six practical workshops, prayer, and a chance to reconnect with others across parishes and ministries.   Held at Notre Dame College, Shepparton.  [This is Project 4 of the Diocesan Formation Support Plan]. 

For more information click here.

Download the Keynote Presentation Flyer.

Download the Workshop Flyer (participants may choose one of the six concurrent workshops)

Download the Programme

pdf Download all Flyers in one document (Keynote, Workshops, Programme)  (977 KB)

Register via Trybooking.

Goals Familiarisation Workshops (August-October 2025)

The Goals Familiarisation Workshops are designed to help parishes understand the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals promulgated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay in November 2024.  These workshops aim to assist parishes to be well-prepared before entering the parish planning process. 
[This is Project 1  of the Diocesan Formation Support Plan].

All parishes are enocuraged to book a Goals Familiarisation Workshop before the Diocesan Formation Gathering on 11 October, 2025. 

pdf Download the Goals Familiarisation Workshop Flyer  (718 KB)

Diocesan Formation Support Plan (June 2025) 

Published in June 2025, the Formation Support Plan was developed in response to a clear message voiced  during the diocesan-wide preparation and consultation that led to the establishment of the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council that the People of God in Sandhurst wanted more opportunities for formation – to grow in faith, deepen their understanding , and walk more confidently as disciples of Jesus. Formation is one of the three Strategic Directions of the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals and underpins the other two Strategic Directions. 

The Diocesan Formation Support Plan outlines ten practical projects to assist with achieving the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals.

Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals 2024-2028 (November 2024) 

Promulgated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay in November 2024, the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals will guide, encourage and inform our missionary and pastoral initiatives and activities over the next five years.   Grouped into three Strategic Directions:  

* Strategic Direction 1: Gospel mission and pastoral outreach 

* Strategic Direction 2: Belonging and  sense of community 

* Strategic Direction 3: LIfe-giving and empowering formation. (The Diocesan Formation Support Plan supports this direction).  

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