Written by Fr Michael Grace 'Like a Puppet on a String' is the sort of poem you will want to print and savour during Summer holiday afternoons of quiet contemplation.

As we move into the Season of Christmas, Cathy Jenkins reflects on what this Advent pandemic waiting time has meant for us. As Christmas approaches we are reminded to that the Emmanuel, God-with-us, accompanies us and propels us to move forward with hope into whatever the future might bring.

Lyn Breen  offers ways for us to hold loved ones close this Christmas. Not only those who are far away, but also those with whom relationships are damaged or difficult. Through Circles of blessing and prayer we “remember each individual in turn, hold them in our heart and imagine lifting them up to God's love and blessing."

A poem by Fr Michael Grace 

Quietly it stands, the Church by the creek;
Never changing ­­­— as it was in the beginning —
 . . . 

Fr Michael Grace loves to write poetry and has generously agreed to share his poems with us in the Sandpiper e-News.  Lyrical, funny and poignant, his poems are often about the people and places of our Diocese, many were written for special occasions.

It seems 'Grace' is not only a name most apt  for a priest, but also fitting for a poet.   We trust you will enjoy the wonderful world of Fr Michael's poetry.

It's fair to say that Rev. Denib Suguitan (DJ) is one of Sandhurst's most experienced and patient Deacons.  It has been over fourteen months since DJ was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Leslie Tomlinson in Manila, and 12 December 2020 will be the third date set for his priestly ordination, following postponements in July and September.

Bishop Shane Mackinlay, Clergy, Chancery Staff and Parishioners of the Diocese of Sandhurst extend their deepest sympathies to the McKern Family on the death of Gordon. 

Gordon was the inaugural Chairman of the Aspire Cultural & Charitable Foundation. He was active in many initiatives of the Diocese of Sandhurst. Like many other communities in our region, our community has been the beneficiary of Gordon’s vision and leadership. 

To celebrate the tenth Anniversary of the Canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the Australian Embassy to the Holy See, jointly with the British Embassy to the Holy See, are presenting a webinar on:
The Other Marys: St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and The Venerable Mary Ward. Friday 4 December 2020 at 10:00 am, Rome time.

Lyn Breen  reflects on the past liturgical year in which there were many reminders that life will always be filled with surprises.  As we move beyond 2020, Lyn offers two simple prayerful activities to help us reflect on these questions:  'When this is all over' can we become more attentive to other people in our lives? Can we deepen our awareness of the ways God comes to meet us?

By Cathy Jenkins

And now it is Advent. A time that is observed as a joyful waiting time. I wonder if it helps to remember that we are not the only people who have had the experience of longing and waiting. Our ancestors in faith were practised in this way of being – and Advent, in a most particular way reminds us of this.

Ruth Lawlor reports on the first Plenary Reflection Session, which explored the theme 'Inclusive, Participatory and Synodal.'  It is encouraging to hear that most participants felt Sandhurst communities are on the right path. Nevertheless, it was agreed that more can be done to help us stay connected to our communities and as communities and to ensure everyone feels included and is able to participate.  

The latest edition of ‘Youth Pathways 2021’ has arrived for schools and parishes across the Sandhurst Diocese.

We hope you enjoy exploring Pathways for Seniors 2021 online via computer, smart ‘phone or tablet!

Lyn Breen, the Adult Faith Education officer of the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst has produced a new series of Advent resources to use within Parishes during the Advent season.  Click the "Read More" link below to view the resources.

A number of children at St Mary’s Mooroopna were commissioned as FIRE Carriers earlier in the term. Congratulations to Noah Kennedy, Sienna Smith, Xavier Morgan, Eden Woodward, Lila Kate Nierderle, Charla Varapodio and Darcy Shannahan. 

These Grade Six students have been great leaders for the school and also been fine role models as FIRE Carriers.

By Lyn Breen 

If Christmas movies are a ‘must’ for you and your family to get into the spirit of Christmas, there are new online opportunities to revisit stories of Jesus and the first Christmas.

By Lyn Breen

Sandhurst Pastoral Associates have been at the coal face when Parishes have had to make decisions about opening churches or changing the way we experience church this year. To help them to support one another during this challenging year, members of the SPAs network have moved online to continue meeting via Zoom.

Following recommendations from the College of Consultors, Bishop Shane Mackinlay is pleased to announce a range of clergy appointments. "I am grateful to all those who have accepted appointments to various positions, and to those who expressed a willingness to be considered for appointment.  During this time of transition for both priests and communities, I ask you to remember in prayer all those who are involved in changes," said Bishop Shane. 

By Kerry Stone

Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by catastrophic weather events in the Philippines as well as Vietnam and Cambodia, as they deal with this increasing devastation on top of COVID-19 lockdowns. Caritas Australia partners are on the ground monitoring the impact of the third typhoon and fifth tropical cyclone to affect the area in less than three weeks.

Hundreds of churches, monuments and buildings will be illuminated in red light in a global call for religious freedom

The initiative represents a strong sign of support for all those who are suffering discrimination but cannot speak freely about it themselves and hope that others will raise their voices in their stead.

By Fr Tony Shallue

I have had much feedback from the Homily I preached on the livestream Mass from St. Kilian’s on the Feast of All Saints this year.
Many have asked for a copy of the poem I wrote whilst on retreat at Campion Spirituality Centre Kew in October 2008 and I am happy to provide it for you via this online publication.

Cathy Jenkins reflects on the month of November,  “the grace-filled month of remembrance that commences with the feasts of All Saints and All Souls.” She is thankful for the privilege of  being able to gather for Sunday Mass, as faith communities to be reminded of the goodness of people, to be drawn in to the mystery of the Eucharistic celebration and to remember with each other. 

By Mary Pianta

In Australia, there is a higher prevalence of non-visible disabilities than visible disabilities. Invisible or ‘hidden’ disabilities are defined as disabilities that are not immediately apparent. Generally, seeing a person in a wheelchair, wearing a hearing aid, or carrying a white cane tells us that that person may be disabled. But, what about tinvisible disabilities that make daily living a bit more difficult for many people worldwide? 

By Kerry Stone

It has been a tough year for all of us. But, bringing hope to others can also make us feel more hopeful. What better time to spread hope than in the season of giving?
By giving a Global Gift, you’ll bring hope and joy to some of the most vulnerable families in our world. You’ll also bring a smile to your loved ones when they find out you’ve given hope and joy on their behalf.

Caritas Australia’s partners are on the ground monitoring the impact of Super Typhoon Goni, the world’s most powerful storm this year, which has struck the Philippines and will soon hit Vietnam, only a week after Typhoon Quinta.