Year in Review 2022 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 9 Sandhurst Diocese Reports Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay DD Bishop of Sandhurst preparing for the Synod for a Synodal Church to which Pope Francis has called us. It is clear that the process leading up to the Assemblies of the Synod in 2023 and 2024 is giving us a tremendous opportunity to become more synodal and participatory in many other aspects of our life together. I was very fortunate to be able to travel overseas in September and October for a range of events that were valuable opportunities for learning, renewal, and building connections with people from other parts of the Church. First, I participated in a formation program for new bishops in Rome, where I joined 150 other bishops from around the world who had been ordained in the last few years. I then visited the mother house of the Community of the Sons and Daughters of God outside Florence, thanking them for their ongoing commitment to the presence in Dookie of Fr Doroteo Bravi and Br Massimo Chang. Following in the footsteps of many others from the Diocese of Sandhurst, I then visited the Archdiocese of Paderborn, honouring the pioneering contribution of Dr Henry Backhaus, the first priest on the Bendigo goldfields. Finally, I returned to Rome to participate in an international research group arranged by Australian Catholic University on the theology of priesthood, and for a meeting of the international MethodistCatholic ecumenical commission that I have been asked to co-chair. Over the time that I was away, consultation meetings began in our parishes as part of the preparation for establishing a Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council. I have been delighted to hear of the interest and enthusiasm that has been expressed in our communities during these meetings, and the many ideas and suggestions for how the Council might operate. This process has laid a good foundation for the Diocesan Assembly next year, where we will commence the final stage of establishing the Council. Pope Francis has asked us to walk together as missionary disciples of Jesus, affirming his presence and love, and proclaiming his Gospel in our world. I am grateful for all the ways that our communities, schools and agencies have contributed to that mission during this year, across the Diocese of Sandhurst.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ0MTI=