Year in Review 2020 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 7 Bishop’s Message Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay DD PhD Bishop of Sandhurst In March 2020, I joined the other Victorian bishops in making an announcement none of us had ever anticipated: that our churches would be closed and public liturgies would be suspended. That continued to be the situation throughout most of the year, as we went in and out of lockdown, with gradually easing restrictions through spring and early summer. Eventually, by Christmas, we were able to gather in large numbers again, though with many more outdoor Christmas Masses than usual. For all of us, our experience of the coronavirus pandemic was the defining context of life in 2020. We have learnt that all our arrangements are provisional, with new restrictions possible at any time. Completing the vaccination rollout will take many months and a return to overseas travel is looking increasingly remote. The economic impact on businesses and families has been dramatic, both here in Australia and even more so in other parts of the world, including places where many priests and people in the Diocese have close connections to family and friends. This has presented an extraordinary challenge for us, especially with so many months where we were unable to gather or connect with others as we would want to. We have had to become flexible and creative in developing new ways of praying – and also of working, schooling, socialising, exercising and shopping. Early on in lockdown we were reminded that, while our church doors were shut, the Church itself never closes. This reflects a profound theological truth: the Church is not limited to any particular gathering or building. The Church is founded by Jesus and unites people from all times and places, who are led by him as the head of the body, animated by the Holy Spirit and gathered around the Father. In another sense which is much more concrete and much closer to home, the Church of this Diocese remained open. Although we were forced to close Church doors, the life of our Diocesan Church and our parish communities continued. Throughout 2020, I have been encouraged and inspired by the efforts and adaptability of communities throughout the Diocese, who have shown great commitment and resilience in expressing and nourishing our Christian identity and mission as God’s Church. This commitment has happened liturgically, through online and outdoor Masses, prayers, meditations, faith sharing and video reflections. It has also happened practically, through phone calls; systems for notice sheet drop-off and email; care for the isolated and those in need; help with shopping and online parish meetings. Despite the challenges of 2020, we have continued to pursue the mission entrusted to us. This is clear in the welcome extended in our parishes to those enquiring about joining the Catholic Church. It is evident too in the contributions made by many to the review of the strategic, consultative and administrative structures of the Diocese, which led to the Go Forth report, including recommendations for establishing a Diocesan Pastoral Council and appointing a Director of Mission and Pastoral Life. Other significant developments in mechanisms for broader sharing in governance and decision-making responsibilities have happened in 2020 through the establishment of three new companies: Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd to take responsibility for the schools of the Diocese, Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education and Care to operate and develop kindergartens, and CatholicCare Victoria to bring together the social service agencies of the four dioceses of Victoria. The contribution of those who worked towards the establishment of these companies, and the calibre of their new boards, can give us great confidence that our mission in schools, early learning settings and social services is in good hands. There are many ways in which we might be tempted to ‘shake the dust from our sandals’ as we move on from 2020. However, we can also look back with thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit amongst us over the last year, and for so many signs of the adaptability, resilience and faith of the people in our communities. “We can look back with thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit amongst us over the last year, and for so many signs of the adaptability, resilience and faith of the people in our communities.”
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