Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 1 2019 Year In Review Catholic Diocese Of Sandhurst
Contact Details Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst chancery@sandhurst.catholic.org.au www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au PO Box 201 (172-174 McCrae Street) BENDIGO CENTRAL VIC 3552 Ph 03 5441 2544 Catholic Education Sandhurst director@ceosand.catholic.edu.au www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au Bendigo Office PO Box 477 (120 Hargreaves Street) BENDIGO CENTRAL VIC 3552 Ph 03 5443 2377 Wangaratta Office PO Box 1181 (71 Ryley Street) WANGARATTA VIC 3677 Ph 03 5723 0000 Shepparton Office 36 Welsford Street SHEPPARTON VIC 3630 Ph 03 5831 3811 CatholicCare Sandhurst email@ccds.org.au www.ccds.org.au Bendigo Office PO Box 255 (176 McCrae Street) BENDIGO CENTRAL VIC 3552 Ph 03 5438 1300 Shepparton Office Family Relationship Centre 68 Wyndham Street SHEPPARTON VIC 3630 Ph 03 5820 0444 Diocesan Development Fund PO Box 201 (172-174 McCrae Street) BENDIGO CENTRAL VIC 3552 Ph 03 5445 3606 Email ddf@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Aspire Cultural and Charitable Foundation PO Box 1214 BENDIGO CENTRAL VIC 3552 Ph 03 5445 3617 www.aspirefoundation.org.au
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 3 Welcome Welcome to the fourth edition of the Sandhurst Diocese Year in Review magazine, which showcases many of the major achievements and milestones the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst achieved during the previous year, 2019. Published in early 2020, the Review is distributed in limited numbers to all Catholic schools, parishes and diocesan agencies within the Sandhurst Diocese, and is also distributed to Australian bishops, the Australian Apostolic Nuncio, various State and Federal politicians, local councils, other Christian denominations and others who we’d like to showcase the good work the Church does in our region. Please enjoy this complimentary publication and share it with friends and colleagues.
4 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 REPORTS Contents 6 Our Organisation 8 Highlights 11 Bishop’s Message 12 Reports 15 Identity and Community 2019 Year in Review 28 22 Worship and Prayer 26 Formation and Education 30 Mission and Outreach 32 Leadership and Structure 39 Financials Mooroopna students participated with thousands in the Festival of the Sacred
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 5 36 Adi Indra (back row, second from left) was ordained a deacon in St Peter’s Basilica on his journey to the priesthood
6 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 The Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Perth gathered thousands Ecclesiastical Organisations • Adult Faith Education • Caritas Australia Sandhurst Diocese • Catholic Charismatic Renewal • Catholic Education Office - Bendigo • Catholic Education Office - Wangaratta • Catholic Mission • CatholicCare • Clergy, Life and Ministry • Council of Priests • Diocesan Consultors • Diocesan Development Fund • diocesan Finance Council • Diocesan Historical Commission Archives • Diocesan Social Justice Committee • Diocesan Vocations Ministry • Marriage Preparation Courses • Priests’ Assistance Fund/Retirement Foundation • RCIA Forum • Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation for the Diocese of Sandhurst • Sandhurst Catholic Education Council • Sandhurst Clergy Health and Wellbeing • Sandhurst Sick Priests’ Fund • Sandhurst Youth Ministry Team • Sandpiper Newspaper • Stronger Retreat, Rallies and Discipleship Groups Parish Ministries • Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults • Pastoral Associates Network • Baptism • Sacramental Programs • Marriage Preparation Outreach • Bereavement Outreach • Catholic Women’s League • Knights of the Southern Cross • Youth Ministry Groups • Legion of Mary • Special Religious Education (SRE) • Children’s Liturgy • Faith Formation • Anointing Mass • Communion to the Sick and Aged • Home Visitation Groups • Funeral Ministry • St Vincent de Paul Conferences • Hospitality, Catering and Welcoming Groups • MenALIVE • Holy Hour/Benediction • Home Masses • Fund-raising Groups • Music Team/Choir • School Masses • Social Groups • Pastoral Care Teams • Rosary Groups • Prayer Groups • Prison Chaplaincy • Teams of Our Lady • Serra Club • Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament • Lenten and Advent Groups • E-conferences • Spirituality in the Pub • Divine Will Our Organisation
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 7 The Diocese of Sandhurst represents the Catholic Church in a region in Victoria bounded on the north and east by the River Murray, extending from Kerang to Corryong and as far inland as Euroa and Bright covering 45,196 sq. kms. A diocese is simply a community of Christ's faithful – it represents a portion of the people of God in a particular area, which is entrusted to a bishop. In the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst, Bishop Leslie Tomlinson is the pastoral leader of more than 93,000 Catholics. He is assisted by priests who minister in 40 parishes within the diocese. Our diocese’s vision is ‘that every person’s heart be inflamed by the love of God’. We welcome all who would like to join our communities or be guided by the principles and teachings of Christ. 93,000 Catholics in region 40 Parishes 52 Clergy 11 Religious Congregations 56 Schools 18,800+ Students 1 Diocesan Newspaper 1 Catholic Hospital 5 Catholic Homes for Aged 2000+ Employees The Diocese
8 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 1 4 2 1. Pathways resources for families, youth, and seniors were launched across the Sandhurst Diocese in 2019. 2. Cathy Jenkins joined Catholic Education Sandhurst as Assistant to the Director: Leadership and Development. 3. Caritas Sandhurst celebrated 50 years combined service for Diocesan Director Fr Rom Hayes and Diocesan Coordinator Kerry Stone. 4. 2019 was a huge year of ministry for the new Sandhurst Youth Ministry Team, peaking with the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Perth. 5. Wahgunyah celebrated 150 years since the first Mass at their Holy Tree. 6. Thousands of students across Central and North East Victoria performed in the Festival of the Sacred. 3
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 9 4 5 6 Highlights 5
10 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 11 Bishop’s Message Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay DD Bishop of Sandhurst Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Having been ordained bishop in mid-October, my personal involvement in the diocese during 2019 is limited in time, but has already offered an introduction into many wonderful aspects of the life of the diocese. Surveying all that is recorded in this Year in Review, I feel much like one of the latecomers in St Matthew’s parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard. I appreciate and admire the great efforts to live out our mission as God’s church that are occurring across our diocese, in parishes, schools, social services, health care, agencies, and ministries. I am very grateful for the warm welcome that I have received on my visits to parishes and schools in various parts of the diocese, and I feel privileged to have met with groups and committees that are involved with different dimensions of the life of the church, both in the diocese and more broadly. As we see a survey of that activity gathered together in a publication such as this, we have a tangible reminder that we are all part of something bigger than the immediate concerns that demand our attention and energy. This year saw the retirement of Bishop Leslie Tomlinson, the seventh bishop of Sandhurst. He has shown outstanding consideration and generosity in welcoming me and introducing me to the extraordinary richness and diversity of people and activities that are taking place in our church. He has served as bishop with great faithfulness, dedication and commitment, and gave much encouragement to many of the achievements noted in this Year in Review. As the year draws to a close, the joy of Christmas is under the shadow of the knowledge that too many have lost their lives, homes and livelihoods after long years of drought, followed by terrible bushfires now assailing the South-East of Australia. Many of our communities will face great challenges and ongoing concern as they move into the new year. Looking to the year ahead, October 2020 will mark the tenth anniversary of the canonisation of St Mary MacKillop, who founded the first Josephite school in Victoria in 1890 at our own parish of Numurkah. Her legacy was promoted by the late Tim Fischer AC, whose death we mourned this year. As Ambassador to the Holy See, Tim championed Mary’s cause for canonisation and was instrumental in the installation of her sculpture at Sacred Heart Cathedral here in Bendigo. Always self-effacing, he knew well the truth of St Mary MacKillop’s dictum, “we are but travelers here,” and as a man of action and generosity he lived out her advice to “never see a need without doing something about it.” The first session of the Plenary Council of the Church in Australia will also be held in October next year. I am aware of the widespread efforts in the diocese to contribute to the preparations for the Council, and I welcome the growing sense of engagement and anticipation as we prepare to select our diocesan delegates. The Plenary Council is a grace-filled opportunity for us to listen to what the Spirit is saying in our time and our place, and to respond to that calling with hope and humility. I feel humbled and honoured to be appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of Sandhurst, and I look forward to serving in this ministry with the people, religious and priests of the Diocese over the years ahead. I commend to you the works contained in this Year in Review and look forward to journeying with you as fellow workers in the vineyard.
12 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 Business Manager’s Report Mr Cameron Fraser Business Manager Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst REPORTS Reading the Year in Review is a chance to reflect on the vastness of the Church’s life and activity in our Diocese. Bishop Shane Mackinlay’s ordination liturgy in Sacred Heart Cathedral was a moment of great joy, rich with symbolism of the Church’s unity and responsibility for humanity, from which the diverse works of the Church find their ultimate purpose. Seeing the works of the Church celebrated in this Year in Review is a reminder that the Church is not a distant institution, but is our people, people who find motivation for service as the outstretched arms of Jesus Christ. The Bishop is most especially the arms of Christ, governing a diocese in Christ’s place. When Bishop Leslie Tomlinson co-consecrated Bishop Shane Mackinlay, it was a reminder that their work is not merely an occupation but an enduring part of one’s identity. This level of dedication is a constant inspiration to me regarding how we approach our work in responsibly administering the patrimony of the Church. Staff formation and training has therefore been a key priority. Catholic Church Insurance’s innovative on-line training modules have been implemented across the Diocese, with nearly 350 people across parishes and the chancery completing individual online training in the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults since 2016. Others have received the same training in group settings. The Chancery staff retreat day built on weekly chancery Masses, as a chance to reflect on the big picture and consider areas for growth. Training and networking opportunities took place across the Diocese, including the increasingly popular Parish Secretaries and Housekeepers days, clergy in-services, and opportunities for further education. I am very pleased that this past year we have undertaken a great many activities to support the aims of our parishes, clergy and agencies. I would like to take this opportunity to take you through some of these initiatives. Project management expertise was provided for many capital initiatives, including residential development at Sandhurst Crest Estate, diocesan and parish property purchases and sales, new premises to support the expansion of CatholicCare Sandhurst and the Catholic Education Office, and landscaping and maintenance for Sacred Heart Cathedral. The appointment of Mr Garry Dewhirst has provided ongoing Human Resources support and advice to parishes on staff recruitment, salary and employment guidelines, policy development, and a new staff appraisal program. New regulatory opportunities from State & Federal governments and Catholic Professional Standards have been embraced and acted on, such as reporting requirements of the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission, joining the National Redress Scheme, Mandatory Reporting Requirements, legislation protecting the safety of Children and Vulnerable Adults, building standards compliance, and financial regulations governing the Diocesan Development Fund. The Diocese is also exploring new opportunities with the incorporation of Catholic Education Sandhurst and CatholicCare Sandhurst. Perhaps the most exciting opportunity is to grow the provision of Early Learning to families across the Diocese. The Diocesan Development Fund continued to fulfil its treasury function for the Diocese and in 2019 provided $17.7M in loan funding towards a number of parish and school projects. There is also increasing support from the payroll bureau operated through the Chancery, reducing workload and complexity for parish and agency staff. The Aspire Cultural & Charitable Foundation continued its mission of celebrating faith on the goldfields, life-long learning, and harmony in the community. Musical concerts and continued progress on the New Generation Quilt served the foundation’s charitable purpose of protecting and preserving Sacred Heart Cathedral’s heritage. Research funded in partnership with LaTrobe University and the City of Greater Bendigo will deliver valuable insights into Bendigo’s early faith history next year. Plans for the Aspire Precinct changed significantly in August, when the Foundation announced it would return the Victorian Government grant for the development of an interpretive and educational centre about faith on the goldfields. Development of the Aspire Precinct will be revisited in 2020. As we look ahead, there is still much we can achieve from working together. Communications practices have been strengthened and consultations will expand to all diocesan stakeholders in 2020, increasing collaboration between our Diocese’s many works and sharing the Good News. Anything achieved together would not be possible without the dedicated and professional team I am proud to lead. I would like to thank them in particular and congratulate everyone on a year of many achievements and successes. To the Clergy, Parish communities and diocesan agencies, thank you for your continued support and encouragement. The Chancery team is committed to explore new ways meet the needs of our Diocese.
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 13 Director Of Catholic Education’s Report The Catholic Education Office is an entity committed to the best in educational opportunities and outcomes for the young people entrusted to our schools. We seek courageous renewal and the promotion of the human person through the provision of stewardship and leadership that are credible, contemporary, accountable, sustainable and transparent. Excellence, equity and evangelisation are our cornerstones. We believe that education is not simply a profession, but also an attitude, a way of being. Our Catholicity and our relationship with God remain central to our work. We look to a service model, where all persons are valued and empowered to be their best. We have worked to be faithful to a model based on the guiding principles of Mission, Stewardship, Dialogue, Subsidiarity and Co-responsibility. Early in 2019, our newest Catholic school opened its doors for the first time to 87 students. St Anne’s College, Kialla is a Prep to Year 12 school which will cater for approximately 1300 students. Marist College Bendigo, which opened in 2015, saw its first cohort of students undertake Year 12 studies in 2019. Across the Diocese, 18,857 boys and girls are enrolled in our fortyfive Primary Schools and fourteen Secondary Colleges (which include three specialist settings). In Term 4 we joined with people across the Diocese to farewell Bishop Les Tomlinson and to welcome our new Bishop, Shane Mackinlay. Each has a strong connection with education in its broadest sense and offers support to the schools of the Diocese and to the Catholic Education Office. Two very significant assessments of the crucial work in education were conducted in 2019. Under the guidance of Episcopal Vicar for Education, Fr Brian Boyle, a committee of educators completed the Review of Religious Education and provided a broad range of recommendations to the Bishop which were taken up by a Course Writing Team which will present a revised version of Source of Life to Bishop Mackinlay in June 2020. The Bishop, as the ‘chief teacher’ of the Diocese, holds responsibility for the integrity of teaching in the areas of faith and morals. It is his duty to ensure the programs delivered to our young people are contemporary, faithful to the Teachings of the Church and meaningful in the lives of the students. Source of Life has been the mandated Religious Education curriculum for a decade and underwent a timely review in 2018/19. On a regular basis, all aspects of school operations are checked and assessed following a set of protocols set down by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. In Sandhurst, the School Review Committee is examining how best to meet the expectations of the VRQA and assist our schools in maintaining the highest of standards. The Committee is to consult widely with all Principals, their leadership teams and relevant CEO personnel. The process should involve multiple ways of engaging in a dialogue and provide feedback on the past, present and future of school review models in Sandhurst. The Committee will explore a range of evidence-based tools that might be offered to our schools post the ‘fallow year’ and adopt a multi-modal approach to collecting stakeholder feedback. Each year, Catholic Education Sandhurst adopts a theme for the coming twelve months, a call to arms upon which we develop our focus and challenges for those who work with us. In 2019 our theme was Listen with the Ear of Your Heart, a reminder that, as educators, we must actively listen because we are always learning, always open to new possibilities and attentive to the work God calls us to perform. Catholic Education remains a vital arm of the Church in Sandhurst. The school is considered to be the focus of all our aspirations. Through our day-to-day work we seek to help our schools change young lives for the better, to build for the future, to give direction and purpose for young people to become lifelong learners who are committed to a better world. As educators, we believed this focus would serve to remind us on a daily basis that our Ministry within the Faith must always be dynamic, outward looking, ever ready to serve, to challenge, to uplift, to enhance and to improve. With Christ at the heart of our work, we could then be faithful to the core business of learning and teaching, while anchored by the rich teachings of the Catholic Faith. To achieve our goals, government funding is essential. We are grateful to both Commonwealth and State Governments for their financial commitments to the Catholic education sector, but fairness and equity must always be evident. We in Catholic Education remain deeply committed to those young people in our schools, to the need to educate the whole person, to inspire within each of them a yearning to contribute for the betterment of all, to leave the world in a positive state for the next generation. In all we have pursued in Catholic Education throughout 2019, we have endeavoured to remain faithful to the goals we set that deliver the very best in learning for those entrusted to our care. Mr Paul Desmond Director of Catholic Education Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst REPORTS “Give them hope and optimism for their journey in the world. Teach them to see the beauty and goodness of creation and of man who always retains the Creator’s hallmark. But above all with your life be witness of what you communicate…Educators…pass on knowledge and values with their words; but their words will have an incisive effect on children and young people if they are accompanied by their witness, their consistent way of life. Without consistency it is impossible to educate!” - Pope Francis, Address to Young Teachers, 2015
14 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 CatholicCare Director’s Report Ms Rhonda Lawson-Street Director of CatholicCare Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst It has been another eventful and fruitful year for Catholic Care Sandhurst Family and Relationship Services (CCS). In October 2018, I took over the helm from Peter Richardson. I was pleased to be given the opportunity of leading the organisation as we seek to respond innovatively to the existing and emerging needs of the people and communities we serve. The vacant Director of Operations role was filled in January and in February appointments were made to the newly structured positions of Manager Parenting and Counselling and Manager Children, Youth and Family Services, to extend and engage with the many reforms underway in our sectors. In February we were pleased to welcome Fr Frank Brennan to engage with us on Catholic Social Teaching – a foundational pillar of our organisation. His breadth of experience, intellect and insights into the social justice challenges of our time were motivational to staff. February was also the month of our triennial accreditation assessment, conducted through Quality Innovation Performance Ltd. After thorough preliminary work we were pleased to meet all the standards. In March we received funding from the Department of Home Affairs for a Fostering Integration Grant. The grant has enabled us to work closely in partnership with Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Service (LCMS) to support asylum seeker and refugee families and assist them as parents in our community. We were again a sponsor this year of LCMS’s very successful Zinda Festival. In the Goulburn Murray region, our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse liaison officer in Shepparton has worked to support predominantly African families from refugee backgrounds in their adjustment to life in our region. We also initiated work to respond to homelessness across the Sandhurst Diocese, bringing together the commitment of all parties to address the unacceptable issue of homelessness through action at parish level. In March, we commenced delivery of the Emergency Relief Program, covering the Loddon Shire, Bendigo Region, and some areas within Castlemaine and the Macedon Ranges. In May we signed up to the Enhanced Pathways to Family Violence Work project, which aims to build workforce capability in family violence work through boosting community sector student placements in relevant organisations. In June, staff participated in Data Breach training to ensure that our online security practices are robust and meet privacy requirements. In June we also joined a research initiative of Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) which is investigating the drivers of entrenched disadvantage to better inform resource, service and policy decisions to target poverty. In July we hosted a Youth Justice Group Conference Showcase, to ensure that all eligible young people, their victims and communities, have the opportunity to benefit from this program. The Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group began meeting to continue our commitment to culturally safe services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We appreciate the relationships we have with Aboriginal organisations in both Loddon Mallee and Goulburn Murray regions. In October, I joined in welcoming the new Bishop of Sandhurst, Shane Mackinlay, on behalf of CCS. We look forward to his ongoing role with our organisation. In November, CCS staff joined the Greater Bendigo Walk Against Family Violence, to express our support for whole of community efforts to increase the safety of women and children. Some of the many partnerships which form part of our ongoing work include the Communities for Children program in Shepparton, of which we are the lead agency; MacKillop Family Services through the Cradle to Kinder program and the Sanctuary Model of Care; and collaborative relationships with St John of God Healthcare, the Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership, the Centre for Non-Violence and Bendigo Community Health Services. We continue our relationships with Heathcote, Quarry Hills and Epsom primary schools through provision of their chaplaincy/counselling services. Our regular participation in the work of both Catholic Social Services Victoria and CSSA, gives us the opportunity to engage in shared learning, advocacy and research. Our major partnership with CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania has continued across the year and we deeply appreciate both the collegiality and strategic support of this alliance. Finally, I want to acknowledge the support of our Advisory Board and Chair John Murphy, for their valuable assistance and guidance. Last but certainly not least, I offer my deep appreciation to all our staff for their exceptional commitment and excellence in the work they undertake to support people in our communities through difficult times. REPORTS
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 15 IDENTITY & COMMUNITY St John of God Health Care proudly announced the start of a new era in Bendigo with the appointment of experienced health care leader, Michelle Stares, as Chief Executive Officer of St John of God Hospital Bendigo in October 2019. St John of God Hospital Bendigo is one of the largest hospitals in Central Victoria, regularly serving patients from near and far across Victoria and many rural areas. The hospital is a recognised leader in surgical care, rehabilitation services, healthcare at home, pathology, maternal care, and support services for vulnerable and young mothers. Phil Bretherton, Director of Mission Integration at St John of God Bendigo, congratulated Ms Stares on the appointment and highlighted her commitment to patient care throughout her career. “We are delighted to welcome Michelle to Bendigo, even in these early days, her commitment to patient and caregiver satisfaction is clearly evident. Michelle is already stimulating a number of exciting initiatives to help keep SJOG Bendigo at the forefront of health care in the region,” Phil said. Ms Stares is excited to work with St John of God Bendigo, which has been serving the community for over 50 years. She also praised the hospital’s deep connections with the community, with its a caring body of staff, dedicated to patient care and vital support work of Raphael Services and Horizon House. Ms Stares previously worked in Bendigo and most recently led Sydney South West Private Hospital in Liverpool as General Manager, while commuting from a semi-rural area outside Sydney. Ms Stares bring more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, management and clinical care. NEW CEO AT ST JOHN OF GOD HOSPITAL BENDIGO Michelle Stares is the new CEO of St John of God Hospital Bendigo.
16 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 IDENTITY & COMMUNITY new shepherd for sandhurst Bishop Shane Mackinlay, the eighth Bishop of Sandhurst, was ordained to the episcopacy in Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral on 16 October 2019. The momentous occasion celebrated the creation of a new successor to the Apostles and Vicar of Christ in our Diocese. The first episcopal ordination at Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo in 40 years, Melbourne Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli was the principal consecrator, joined by Bishop Leslie Tomlinson, Bishop Emeritus of Sandhurst, and Ballarat Bishop Paul Bird CSsR as co-consecrators. More than thirty Bishops and 300 clergy were present at the ordination, including the Papal Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Tito Adolfo Yllana and Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference president, Archbishop Mark Coleridge. In a heartfelt address, Bishop Mackinlay thanked friends from his parishes in Ballarat, Bungaree and Gordon, colleagues from the Catholic Theological College, the University of Divinity. “These are challenging times in which to do this, with many people feeling deeply hurt and disillusioned by the Church,” Bishop Mackinlay said. “I take those challenges very seriously; responding to them must be integral to whatever we do. “We can only be faithful to this by placing our trust in God, sharing our gifts generously with those around us, and valuing and celebrating the riches that are brought by each member of our community.” Dignitaries, family, friends and parishioners numbered close to 2000 people, including those from as far as Ballarat, Echuca, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga. The spiritual unity of the Church and the mission of bishops as Good Shepherds and successors to the Apostles was elucidated in Archbishop Comensoli’s homily, drawing on musical imagery. “It is for all of us – bishops, priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful – to join in the singing of Christ into this time and place. Yet, as Paul goes on to note, we each have a particular voice with which to proclaim the song of Jesus Christ,” Archbishop Comensoli said. “So, to a few, the apostolic voice is given as a definitive character. Bishops are those among us to whom the song of Christ’s life takes on that particular shape and sound, belonging to the Shepherd. “The Christian song-line the bishop sings is not something he makes up, but a pathway he himself has received to lay out for others to follow. “Fidelity, therefore, is his chief task in singing it; fidelity to what he has received and fidelity in passing it on,” he said. The ordination was live-streamed on YouTube for those who could not attend the Mass in person. It was viewed from 54 countries, with the top national audiences outside Australia being the United States, Canada, the Philippines and Vietnam. The day could not escape Ballarat-Bendigo rivalries as Bishop Mackinlay, who was ordained a priest for Ballarat Diocese, joked that the friendly inter-city competition “has not stood in the way of a wonderful contingent of people from Ballarat and from other parts of my life being here”. Mgr Frank Marriott, former vicar general of Sandhurst, was more emphatic after Mass, telling WIN News that “today is a bit special, because he’s a country lad from Ballarat, and [therefore] we’ve conquered Ballarat again!”
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 17 IDENTITY & COMMUNITY
18 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 IDENTITY & COMMUNITY The was double cause for celebration at St Anne’s College in Kialla as Sandhurst’s newest school celebrated their official opening on the feast day of the College’s namesake, St Anne. Exactly two years after the first sod was turned; students, staff, parents and distinguished guests gathered on-site to mark the formal blessing of the College. Bishop Leslie Tomlinson performed the official duties of blessing the buildings along with Parish Priest, Fr Peter Taylor. Mr Paul Desmond, Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst unveiled the plaque together with School Board Chairperson, Annette Jakob to declare the College officially open. Principal Dom Poppa thanked everyone for sharing this special occasion with the St Anne’s community. “It is a wonder to be in this place, a place where we hope to shape the future lives of our beautiful young children.” “Whilst I will thank a number of people for their support in getting to this point, to our students, this is for you, a place where you can discover, wonder and dream the possibilities of what can be,” he said. To commemorate the occasion the College commissioned local artist and Yorta Yorta man, Troy Firebrace, to create an artwork inspired by St Anne. The colourful painting, which spans more the two metres across, is a wonderful addition to the walls of the college, taking pride of place in the entrance foyer. Troy said the artwork was a labour of love, which depicts the outline of his own grandmother hidden within the shapes and lines of the magnificent art piece. “When considering St Anne as the grandmother of Jesus, I reflected on the unconditional love I received from both my Nan and my Grandmother,” he said. new college opens in kialla College Principal, Dom Poppa, assisted Bishop Leslie Tomlinson in his blessing of the new school.
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 19 The Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Paul Desmond and School Board Chair of St Anne’s College, Annette Jakob, reveal the foundation plaque. St Anne’s College opened its doors at the beginning of the year for Foundation and Year 7 students, with the intake planned to grow each year until all year levels are full. The purpose-built facility boasts a striking design, combining open areas as with well-appointed classrooms and specialised areas. Housed under the one roof to ensure a pedagogical approach to provide maximum interaction between students and staff, St Anne’s College will eventually encompass junior, middle and senior neighbourhoods, with new sections already planned to cater for future enrolment growth. The official Blessing and Opening of St Anne’s College marked an important and historic day for the College community as they establish a place in the lives of their students, staff and families now and into the future. IDENTITY & COMMUNITY Troy Firebrace (right) created an indigenous artwork inspired by St Anne and his own grandmother.
20 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 IDENTITY & COMMUNITY 40 years of catholic college wodonga CATHOLIC College Wodonga celebrated 40 years on Sunday 13 October, beginning with Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Wodonga, followed by morning tea and tours of the college. Alumni were reunited and shared memories of the growth of the college over the decades. Catholic College Wodonga began with 250 students and now has 1200. Paul Desmond, Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst attended the celebrations and particularly thanked the founding families of Catholic College Wodonga. Sr Mary Duffy, former CCW teacher, was also in attendance to the delight of former students. Video booths were available during the celebration to record people’s stories and memories. It is planned that these videos will be shared during the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2029. Catholic Education Sandhurst Executive Director Paul Desmond with Catholic College Wodonga pioneers Judy and John Drummond. PHOTO: The Border Mail
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 21 IDENTITY & COMMUNITY GROWTH IN RESEARCH AND DIGITAL CAPACITY Dr Donna Bailey is the Diocesan Archivist and delivers a high level of service to the Diocesan administration, clergy, parishes, the broader Catholic community and members of the public. Requests for information continue to grow each year. In 2019, they included requests regarding church and parish land and buildings, as well as objects of cultural patrimony. Requests for family history are common and are generally referred to the parishes or are answered in liaison with the parish or parishes. Research requests from the tertiary sector are frequent as are requests from other archdioceses and dioceses throughout Australia and occasionally overseas. Often, in answering requests I am able to learn more about the remarkable story of our diocese. Whilst the story of the nineteenth century Sandhurst Diocese and its growth alongside the building of our goldfields towns and cities are prominent in the minds of researchers, so too are more recent events such as the completion of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in 1977 and notable events such as the ordination and installation of Bishops. In 2016, the Aspire Cultural and Charitable Foundation with La Trobe University received an Australian Research Council, Linkage Grant to undertake a study of “Faith on the Goldfields: Rediscovering religious diversity from 1852-today”. This project has been undertaken in association with the City of Greater Bendigo and aims to interpret and share knowledge about the role and value of faith during the Gold Rush, on the goldfields, up until the present day. This project will finish during 2020 and the outcomes will be presented via seminar and publication. My role in this project, along with Dr. Charles Fahey, has been to research the predominantly Irish Catholic cohort arriving on the Bendigo goldfields from 1852, their associations with Henry Backhaus and their practice of Catholicism within the diocesan community. Prefacing this, we have researched their Irish county of origin and their migration to Australia. The Irish who arrived both before and after the effects of the famine shape this fascinating story. To date the Sacramental Registers of the parishes of St Kilian’s, Eaglehawk, Shepparton, Dookie, Beechworth, Benalla, Echuca, Heathcote and Numurkah have been digitised. The registers hold a wealth of information, allowing glimpses into the story of Catholic settlement across Victoria from as early as 1852. It is my aim to digitise more parish registers in 2020, giving preference to the historical and/or more damaged registers. This project aims to make records more accessible for researchers. In 2019, the office purchased a camera copy stand and other equipment so that digitisation work will be undertaken in-house rather than off-site. Other archival resources will be digitised and made available to the public as per demand. The database continues to grow and includes over one thousand entries of objects, books and paper records. This represents only a fraction of the objects in the collection and thus, is a work in progress. A database recording every church built in the diocese since the 1850s is close to completion, including many entries with photographs.
22 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 WORSHIP & PRAYER 150 Years for the Mass tree The town of Wahgunyah celebrated the sesquicentenary of the Wahgunyah Mass Tree on Sunday 27 October. Speeches from Mayor Bernard Gaffney and Sue Fenn, Wahgunyah Historical Society, preceeded attendees adjourning to the “Willows”, on the banks of the Murray River to enjoy a BBQ lunch, prepared by the Rutherglen Branch of the Knights of the Southern Cross. “The Mass Tree is intrinsically linked to the Wahgunyah community and the community to it. It is amazing to think that this enormous gum tree which is potentially more than 600 years old is still going as strong as ever,” Fr Brian Carey, Parish Priest of Rutherglen, said. “Over the years the big gum has served as an excellent tourist attraction in the region.” 150 years prior, Catholics in the region kept the faith alive by meeting regularly for Mass and Rosary. Mass at the time was said under a canvas tent attached to the very same tree. It was the early home of Irish migrants Mary Margaret Burrows and her husband. According to a metal plaque attached to the tree in 1946 Mrs Burrows ‘prepared the altar in her tent at this tree’. Tragically a few years later Mrs Burrows drowned in Sunday Creek which runs off the river not far from the Mass Tree which over the years also became known as the Holy Tree. Mrs Burrows’ twin sons, John and William, were the altar boys at the first Mass. They had been born in the same tent years earlier and housed the family’s belongings after they built themselves a bark hut as their main living quarters. The first Mass was also attended by settlers as well as the local Wiradjuri, who were described as kneeling reverently alongside the Irish Catholics. The first priest to offer Mass at the site was a Father James Tierney who was in charge of the Beechworth Mission at the time. His area took in the whole of the North East. Victoria became its own diocese in 1852 with the 1851 appointment of Bishop James Alipius Goold to Melbourne. In 1869 with the Gold Rush in full swing, Beechworth was considered the capital of the North East and the presence of the Kelly Gang loomed large. Fr Tierney’s journey on horseback from Beechworth to Wahgunyah went all along the river until he reached his destination. Fr Carey, a native of Beechworth was principal celebrant at the celebration in 2019. Fr Brian Carey at the Wahgunyah Mass Tree.
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 23 WORSHIP & PRAYER Marian festival celebrates 45th Year Hundreds processed outside Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo in honour of Our Lady of Fatima. PHOTO: Chris McCormack. Forty-five years is a long time for a continuous festival in honour of Our Lady and her messages, but that is the history of the October Marian Festival in Bendigo. From the initial Festival held in October 1974 until the 2019 festival at Sacred Heart Cathedral there have been 45 Festivals to honour Our Lady of Fatima and to remind the faithful of the importance of her messages to the world. The first Festival was a huge demonstration of devotion, with a procession of school children and people from the various parishes of Bendigo reciting the Rosary. Bishop Bernard Stewart gave the address and led the crowd with prayers and Benediction at the grotto of Our Lady at St Aidan’s Orphanage. Since that time festivals have been conducted at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. With Bishop Joseph Grech’s installation as Bishop of Sandhurst in 2001, he indicated that he would like the afternoon prayers and devotion to become a much bigger event, starting with the 11 am Mass and involving people from all around the Sandhurst Diocese to come “in pilgrimage” in his own words. He involved the Melbourne Maltese community who have come in great numbers since that time. The 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s Apparitions in Fatima in 2018 was celebrated with a huge festival led by Most Rev Bishop Leslie Tomlinson with a large influx of pilgrims from far afield, involving eight chartered coaches. The industrious Bendigo members of the World Apostolate of Our Lady of Fatima organise these festivals and for 2019 secured the involvement of Most Rev. Peter Elliott who was the main celebrant. He delivered the homily, led devotions and gave an address on Our Lady in the life and theology of John Henry Newman, who was canonised later that day in Rome.
24 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 WORSHIP & PRAYER Ms Lyn Breen Coordinator Adult Faith Education Sandhurst “I came that they may have life and have it to the full” - John 10:10 The ministry of Adult Faith Education in the Diocese of Sandhurst responds to the Church’s expressed need for programs and resources to support Faith Education, Spiritual Formation and Ministry Skills Training, recognising that all the baptised are called to share Christ’s mission in the Church for the world. Adult Faith Education had a modified program in 2019 due to the momentous events of Australia’s Plenary Council 2020 processes and the ordination of our new Bishop. While guest presenters were fewer in number, parishes continued to seek resources for local initiatives and liturgical celebrations throughout the year. The Rite of Christian Initiation involves a journey towards full initiation into the community of the Catholic Church. RCIA Chaplain, Fr Des Welladsen, was the key presenter for this year’s RCIA Reflection Day at St Augustine’s Kyabram in February. Shepparton Pastoral Associate, Anthony Kilmartin, facilitated a valuable opportunity for catechumens and candidates to share their personal stories. The Rite of Election was celebrated joyfully in the Sacred Heart Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent. Generous RCIA Team members from across the Diocese gathered again in October, for a ‘Parish RCIA: Sharing Best Practice Day’, to explore ways to enhance their ministries. Fr Brian Boyle’s talks in May on the Gospel of Luke were well received in Bendigo, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga. In May and November, medical professionals, pastoral care practitioners, parish leaders and parishioners, attended ‘When Life Is Ending’, to gain a Catholic perspective on Victoria’s Assisted Dying Laws. The presentations, which allowed opportunities for questions and discussion, were led by ethicist and practicing General Practitioner, Dr Caroline Ong RSM, supported by Mrs Loretta Lilford, a nurse with extensive experience in caring for the dying and their families. ‘Leaning on the Heart of God’ coffee and conversation mornings led by Loretta Lilford and Sr Helen Glasheen RSM were offered again in 2019, for the parishes of St Patrick’s, Kerang, in June and St Mary’s, Echuca, in July. The two hour conversations allowed participants to share experiences, questions, possibilities with helpful resources provided for those who journey with those who are dying. The second of two ‘Catholic Social Teaching’ formation days were facilitated for CatholicCare Sandhurst staff early in 2019. July brought participation in a multi-agency forum, initiated by CatholicCare Sandhurst, to explore the problems of housing stress and homelessness in our region. A regional St Vincent de Paul Retreat Day was facilitated for inspirational St Vincent de Paul members from several St Vinnies centres who gathered in Wangaratta in March. In August, the first Sandhurst Diocese ‘Wheel of Prayer’ Day was held at the Monsignor Peter Jeffery Parish Centre in Shepparton. A choice of workshops exploring a variety of prayer forms were led by experts in each prayer form from our own Diocese, which received immediate requests for the opportunity to be repeated in 2020! Throughout the year, Adult Faith Education included close collaboration with the Sandhurst Pastoral Associates network, the organisation of an annual meeting of Parish Priests and Pastoral Associates, provision of information and resources for parishes. Resource areas included papal teachings and Pope Francis’ new ‘Season of Creation’, preparation and publication of free reflection leaflets for Advent and Lent, prayer booklets for Faith Education and Spiritual Formation events, and resources from Sandhurst and beyond. ‘Youth Pathways 2020’ was produced by the Sandhurst Youth Ministry in collaboration with Adult Faith Education Sandhurst and published online and as booklets distributed to Catholic school leavers and parishes of the Sandhurst Diocese. ‘Pathways for Seniors 2019-2020’ and ‘Pathways for Families 2020’ were published as online resources providing a variety of live links to information, networks, resources and community connections, easily accessed via computer, smartphone or tablet. ADULT FAITH EDUCATION SANDHURST
Year in Review 2019 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 25 WORSHIP & PRAYER Poor clares announce departure The Poor Clare Colettines are a religious order of women in the tradition of St Clare and St Francis of Assisi, who live in enclosed communities of prayer, silence, and peaceful work to pursue perfect Christian love in lives given entirely to Jesus Christ. The community of Poor Clare Sisters at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Kennington, has served the Church through prayer for over 50 years, as a blessing to the entire Diocese of Sandhurst, the people of Bendigo, and Kennington Parish. The number of sisters has declined over the years and there are currently three Poor Clare Sisters in Kennington, who are advancing in years. After considering the Church’s 2018 guidelines on the number of members needed for a viable monastery, the Poor Clares announced to their supporters and collaborators that they have decided to continue their religious mission in larger communities of female religious within the Franciscan tradition, located outside of our diocese. “I would like to thank all our many friends and benefactors,” Mother Anthony, leader of the community, said. “Their memories will be etched in our hearts and held in prayer. Prayer is a wonderful thing, it crosses seas, from wherever we are in the world. “We are grateful for all the support we have received from the diocese and from parishioners,” she said. “It is with great sadness that I learned these devoted women of faith will be leaving our diocese,” Bishop Shane Mackinlay said. “Their prayerful and contemplative presence in our midst is a powerful reminder to us all of the importance of simplicity, reflection and humble listening for God’s spirit.” “Contemplative religious communities enrich us with their constant prayer, as they hold the needs of the whole world before God,” Bishop Mackinlay said. The process of relocating to other religious communities and closure of the monastery is a lengthy one, requiring the involvement of the Holy See and liaison with the leaders of other Poor Clare monasteries. It is expected that it may take some time for the Poor Clares to finalise details of their departure. Celebrations to thank the Poor Clares will be arranged to take place in due course. The future of the monastery property is not yet decided, though the sisters are planning that before their departure, they will relocate the graves of the five deceased community members to the Axedale Catholic cemetery. We thank Mother Anthony, Sr Christopher and Sr Clare and assure them of our prayers and support as they prepare to enter this new stage of their religious lives. Mother Anthony, Sr Christopher and Sr Clare of the Poor Clares, Kennington
26 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 FORMATION & EDUCATION Sandhurst Youth Ministry Over the course of 2019 Sandhurst Youth Ministry explored St Peter’s relationship with Jesus. By following St Peter’s journey from fisherman to leader of the Church, SYM was able to set out a path to discipleship that doesn’t centre on being perfect. New Sandhurst Youth Cross In 1984 Pope John Paul II entrusted the World Youth Day Cross to young Catholics of the World. It has since travelled the world connecting young Catholics all over the world. On the Feast of Pentecost the new Sandhurst Youth Cross was blessed by Bishop Les Tomlinson. The Cross has been present at all major youth events as a constant reminder of God’s great love for us. Stronger Four Stronger Rallies and a Retreat were a highlight for many in 2019. Each Rally focused on a different event from St Peter’s journey from his call to Pentecost. A variety of guest speakers, including Sr Mel Dwyer, a Canossian Sister of Charity, Ezekiel Bartlett, a Catholic Prison Chaplain and theology student, and Jess Leach, a lay Missionary, brought St Peter’s story to life for a modern audience, connecting his experiences with those that young people may go through today. Some incredibly gifted musicians, including Fr Rob Galea, Genevieve Bryant and Alyssa Agius, led those at the Rallies in Praise and Worship. The Stronger Retreat provided young people the opportunity to delve deeper into St Peter’s example of discipleship. Through various forms of prayer, talks, games and workshops, those attending the Retreat were able to deepen their relationship with Jesus, as well as with other young disciples. How to Pray Day The first SYM Workshop Day took place at St Joseph’s Church in Axe Creek, provided young people with an opportunity to experience different forms of prayer. Specific workshops featured Ignatian prayer methods, as well as opportunities to experience Taizé style prayer and Stations of the Cross. ACYF’19 Around 70 young people and teachers from the diocese attended the Australian Catholic Youth Festival held in Perth during December. The group, predominantly made up of school students, were able to join 5,500 other young Catholics in celebrating their faith.
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