Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst

11/09/2026

Interfaith Meditative Walk All Welcome

Sunday 4 October 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Crusoe Reservoir No.7, Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo.

The Diocesan Care for Creation Team and Bendigo Interfaith Council invite you to join them on this special walk. Hear speakers from six faith traditions talk about the significance of water in their faith as we walk around the lake together (No 7 Reservoir), followed by afternoon tea (BYO food and drink to share).

10/09/2026

Beyond the Big Words: Let's just talk like Jesus about Jesus

"Evangelisation is a big word," said Bishop René RCJ in his opening reflection at the Sandhurst Formation Institute, before bringing it back to something simple: talking about Jesus, sharing our faith stories and creating parish communities where those conversations can happen.

He invited us to look beyond concepts and into practice – to look within ourselves and ask if we truly live the Gospel, giving witness to Christ, and he challenged us to be open to change. “Let's keep the good things, but let us be courageous in opening up and tryin
See comments for link to full story.

10/09/2026

Speaking on the theme "Living Waters" at the diocesan Season of Creation Mass, Bishop René Ramirez RCJ spoke about a thirst we all carry. A thirst to be loved, to have friends, to know that someone cares and, ultimately, our thirst for God.

Painting a vivid picture of Kawasan Falls in Cebu, his home island in the Philippines. He shared how struck he was by the sheer power and majesty of the waterfall. But behind the impressive waterfall was something less visible: its source.

Kawasan Falls became a powerful image for Jesus’ words, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water”.

“Every river needs a source, and for us, the source is Christ,” Bishop René said.

“When we stay close to Christ, His kindness, mercy, peace and love can flow through us.”

04/09/2026

St Francis of Assisi Reflection and Prayer Resource

It has been 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi, yet he remains deeply relevant today. His life speaks to some of the most pressing concerns of our time: care for creation, peace, poverty, fraternity and a simple, Gospel-centred life.

To mark this important anniversary, and the Season of Creation, the Diocese of Sandhurst has published a resource for reflection and prayer; inviting you to rediscover the witness of St Francis and to draw his spirit of simplicity, peace, compassion and care for creation into your own life and prayer.

This A5 booklet can be downloaded from the Diocesan website (see comments below).

04/09/2026

At the Diocesan Season of Creation Mass earlier this week, Bishop René RCJ spoke about the majestic and powerful Kawasan Falls in his home island, Cebu (the Philippines).

Painting a vivid picutre, he drew a bridge to Jesus as the source of "living water".

This video gives an edited impression of the Mass and a snapshot of Bishop René's Homily.

Thank you to all of the students, teachers and parishioners from wide and far who joined us at Huntly Streamside Reserve.

01/09/2026

A glorious day at Huntly Streamside Reserve on the first day of the 'Season of Creation', gathering for Mass celebrated by Bishop René Ramirez RCJ.

Welcoming everyone, especially the children, Bishop René invited us to look around — What can you see? Trees? What can you hear? Birds? Can you feel the wind? Then he asked: “Have you ever been really thirsty?”

Of course, when we are thirsty, we thirst for water.

In his homily, Bishop René spoke about the deeper thirst within us — the thirst to be loved, to have friends, to belong, to know that someone cares, and ultimately, our thirst for God. He then reflected on Jesus’ words, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.”

He painted a vivid picture of Kawasan Falls in Cebu, how he was awestruck by their power and majesty, and his realisation that this overflow of water was fed from a less visible source.

When people encounter kindness, peace and mercy in our lives, they may wonder about their source. For us, that source is Jesus Christ.

“Jesus, let your living water flow through me," he asked the congregation to pray with him.

Through our words, our friendships, our families, our schools — and in the way we care for this beautiful earth.

🌱 of Creation 2026 | Waters

31/08/2026

28/08/2026

Congratulations to Robyn, Megan and Sally from Kennington Parish who took home the 'People's Choice' Award for their table centrepiece with their vivid floral interpretation of ways "The Harvest is Abundant" in their parish.

They're pictured with their centrepiece - it looks like it could be the prize, doesn't it?

To read the full story, check out Sandipiper e-News: Go to: https://mailchi.mp/sandhurst/129

28/08/2026

'Hub' with the Sandhurst Care for Creation Team in the Chancery on Thursday, 3 September as we participate in the first day of Caritas Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Online Gathering.

Bringing together 300 participants from across Australia to deepen formation and inspire practical ecological action grounded in faith. Recognising the urgent environmental challenges facing our world, this event responds to Pope Francis’ call for ecological conversion and care for our common home. To register to attend this event online go to: https://www.caritas.org.au/soc-gathering/

No need to book, just turn up, stay as little or as long as you like.
The Chancery, 172-174 McCrae Street, Bendigo
10am - 4:30 pm Thursday 4 September, 2026

28/08/2026

Humans have been seeking and searching since the time of Jesus. Our mission hasn't changed, but the world in which we live out that mission has. We can't keep on as 'business as usual' but must find new ways to reach out to the seekers and searchers.

Read more from Fr Richard Rosse and the Sandhurst Formation Institute in the latest edition of Sandiper e-News:

https://mailchi.mp/sandhurst/129