Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst

12/06/2026

A NEW BISHOP FOR SANDHURST
From the Heart of Christ: Zeal and Mercy

With gratitude to God, the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst welcomes the appointment of Bishop René Ramirez, RCJ, as the Ninth Bishop of Sandhurst.

On 11 April 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop René to succeed Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, who was appointed Archbishop of Brisbane.

Bishop René is a member of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus (RCJ) and has already become known to many throughout our Diocese through his ministry in Shepparton South, Nagambie, and Rushworth. He currently serves as Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne.

His episcopal motto, 'Zelus et Misericordia' (Zeal and Mercy), beautifully expresses the mission of every bishop: to proclaim the Gospel with zeal and to shepherd God's people with mercy.

Bishop René will be installed as the Ninth Bishop of Sandhurst on Thursday, 30 July 2026, 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo.

In the weeks ahead, we invite all parishioners, schools, ministries, and communities to join us in learning more about Bishop René, the Diocese of Sandhurst, and the episcopal ministry.

Let us be one in prayer as we prepare to welcome our new shepherd.

12/06/2026

12/06/2026

11/06/2026

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

10/06/2026

May is the month of Mary and, in Heathcote, the parish and school communities honoured the Blessed Virgin Mary with two Marian events. The blessing of a new Rosary garden and statue in the parish grounds, and a ‘visit’ from the Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrim Statue. Fr Peter Ferwerda PP shares these stories from May – a month when we are all encouraged to deepen our devotion to Mary through prayer and reflection

For the full story, go to:https://sandhurst.catholic.org.au/item/3087-may-is-the-month-of-mary

10/06/2026

Sandhurst Diocese Northeastern Deanery Forum 2 - participants dialogue about the big priority issues raised in Forum 1

10/06/2026

Sandhurst Northeastern Deanery Forum 2 at Wangaratta today!

09/06/2026

A wonderful celebration was held at St Augustine’s Catholic Church on Pentecost Sunday, incorporating the annual multicultural Mass.

The congregation was welcomed in different languages, while the Word of God was proclaimed in both Italian and Tagalog. The Prayers of the Faithful were also read in five additional languages, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the parish community.

Some parishioners also dressed in national costumes.



Following Mass, parishioners shared a delightful brunch with dishes from other cultural traditions alongside local cuisine. It was a lovely opportunity for everyone to mingle, share fellowship, and celebrate the unity and diversity of the Church community.

08/06/2026

New Artwork 'One for All' reveals Christ at the Heart of Reconciliation

The St Kilian's Catholic Earthcare Team marked National Reconciliation Week with the presentation of a new oil painting, ‘One for All’, donated to the parish by artist and parishioner and Catholic Earthcare Team member, Geraldine Stills.

Inspired by the 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘All In for Reconciliation’, the painting depicts Jesus with a group of children from diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting the parish's commitment to welcome, inclusion and reconciliation.

The artwork grew from discussions within the Earthcare Team about how St Kilian's could acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land in a way that aligned with the values of Pope Francis' Laudato Si'. As the painting developed, it also came to celebrate the parish's vibrant multicultural faith community.

Speaking at the unveiling, Geraldine said she hoped the artwork would offer opportunities for prayer, reflection and joy for many years to come.

The painting was unveiled during Mass on 31 May, coinciding with celebrations for Confirmation and First Eucharist. Following the liturgy, many of the children gathered around the artwork with Parish Priest Fr Junray Rayna for photographs, creating one of the day's memorable moments.

One for All now hangs permanently beside the tabernacle and is accompanied by an artist's statement for visitors to St Kilian's Church in the heart of Bendigo.