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Year in Review 2016
Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
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Bishop’s Message
Most Rev. Les Tomlinson DD
Bishop of Sandhurst
Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
It’s a great joy to bring you this second edition of
our annual Year in Review publication. In it, I’m
sure you’ll find an inspiring array of achievements
and major milestones from the year 2016.
It’s good for us to take a look back over the past year and enjoy
reliving some of these moments in the life of the Diocese. We
have so much to be proud of in our work, and so much to be
proud of in our communities.
These pages contain some of the key milestones in 2016.
Several of our parishes and religious orders enjoyed
celebrating anniversaries of up to 140 years of service. These
milestones are, of course, well worth celebrating.
They not only tell us of our past, but they show us just how
far we’ve come, having met the unique challenges each
generation faces along the way.
Just like those proud pioneer priests, religious and lay people,
we, too, must meet the challenges of our times.
Some of these challenges include showing leadership in our
communities.
I’m very proud of the work of the Aspire Cultural and
Charitable Foundation, which is working tirelessly to build
community cohesion as we progress with the Aspire Precinct
– a vibrant learning, community and business hub for the
Greater Bendigo community. It will be Australia’s first faith-
based precinct that fosters inter-faith collaboration, promotes
regional resilience and cohesion, provides life-long learning
opportunities and supports social entrepreneurs.
In securing additional funding grants for this in 2016, this
project will soon move forward from dreams to reality.
You’ll also read about advances we’ve made in other diocesan
projects, such as the land development of Sandhurst Crest, a
housing estate in the heart of Bendigo which now establishes
the bishop’s residence within a more integrated community
setting.
You’ll also read of our investment in training the next
generation of diocesan priests, and in providing opportunities
for young people.
During 2016, I had the opportunity to visit most parishes
across the Diocese and meet many people.
In August, I spent a week with Sacred Heart Parish in Tatura
and St Augustine’s in Kyabram. It was a great pleasure to meet
with parishioners and I’m greatly encouraged by the efforts
of these parishes, and all parishes across the Diocese, as they
continue to have real presences in their communities, both
practical and spiritual.
I’m also greatly encouraged to see that many parishes report
large numbers of baptismal registrations in 2016, and efforts
to continue to engage with these families is most pleasing.
Please enjoy reading this review publication, and share it
widely with friends and family. I hope it brings you renewed
sense of mission, with a sense of joy and encouragement in
going forth in 2017 to spread the Good News!