St Joseph's Church Benalla

17/08/2026

We warmly invite all parishioners to complete our Parish Census.
Whether you are new to the parish, have been part of our community for many years, or worship with us occasionally, your details will help us stay connected, offer pastoral support, and plan for the future. Please take a few moments to complete a census, time and talent form. Thank you for helping us build a welcoming and connected parish community.

Please complete this form to update our parish census and share the time, talents and skills you may wish to offer to our parish community.

06/07/2026

Join people from all over the Diocese at the Sandhurst Formation Institute. Meet people from other parishes, share ideas, and hear from Bishop René Ramirez RCJ on "Growing Communities of Mission".

https://sandhurst.catholic.org.au/item/3078-sandhurst-formation-institute-2026

06/07/2026

The Sandhurst Formation Institute on 21 & 22 August explores Strategic Direction 1 of the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Goals: "Gospel, Mission and Pastoral Outreach".

A diocesan gathering held over two days in Shepparton, it's called an 'Institute' because it is "instituted" by the Sandhurst Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals that a diocesan gathering is held each year.

Interestingly, the Keynote Speakers from Caroline Springs Parish were suggested by Bishop René Ramirez RCJ, who will be giving an Opening Reflection and closing remarks at the Formation Institute.

With inspirational keynotes and seminars exploring ways parishes can grow in mission - there will be something for everyone to take back to their parishes. Come and join people from other parts of our mighty Diocese of Sandhurst to connect, build and grow.

But - you'll need to register!

Go to: https://sandhurst.catholic.org.au/item/3078-sandhurst-formation-institute-2026

02/07/2026

Every year, on the first Sunday in July, Catholics come together across Australia to acknowledge and celebrate the gifts of Australia’s First Peoples. Today, we acknowledge that God has been walking with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples, making His Presence known through a continuous living culture over many thousands of years. This year is particularly special as it’s the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul 11’s visit to Alice Springs so cherished by our First Nations people as they recall Pope John Paul 11’s words, “The Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others”.

This day also marks the start of NAIDOC Week, a time for celebrating Indigenous culture across the Australian community. For a range of information about First Nations people and the Catholic Church go to www.natsicc.org.au

13/06/2026

Fr Jackson Saunders has a beaming smile as he celebrates 100 years of worship in the Church he was raised in. St Monica's, Kangaroo Flat.

To read his Homily at the special Mass marking the occasion, go to: https://sandhurst.catholic.org.au/item/3080-good-old-st-monica-s-forever

28/05/2026

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
On 26th May, we celebrated NATIONAL SORRY DAY when we commemorate the Stolen Generation and we are now in NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK with the theme ALL IN – a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take actions that create change. This is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

COMMITTING TO THE FUTURE: DAILY STEPS TOWARDS RECONCILIATION
Today I will treat everyone equally and fairly.
Today I will respect the rights of others no matter who they are.
Today I will be sensitive and thoughtful to those around me.
Today I will see people and not colours or race or clothes labels.
Today I will accept that everybody is unique and special in some way.
Today I will talk to someone I don’t usually talk to.
Today I will speak out against racism, discrimination and injustice.
Today I won’t shut out someone because they don’t fit with my group.
Today I won’t laugh at racist jokes.
Today I won’t make fun of someone who cannot speak English.
Today I won’t be condescending and patronising towards others.
Today I won’t judge someone on how they look.
Today I won’t start a sentence with “I’m not racist but…”
Today I will speak out against racism, discrimination and injustice

28/05/2026

Fr Vijay, together with other parish priests in the Diocese of Sandhurst, spent a wonderful afternoon with our newly appointed Bishop of Sandhurst , Bishop Rene Ramirez RCJ.

30/04/2026

02/04/2026

For this year's Easter message, Fr Brian Boyle, takes us to St Martin's of Tours, Muskerry, where he remembers, as a boy, sitting next to his grandfather at Mass.
He reflects on the way his grandparents and the people of Muskerry passed down their faith from one generation to the next and asks us all to think how we can be missionary disciples in our world today.https://mailchi.mp/sandhurst/easter2026