The formation of the people of God in the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst is Christ centred and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is an intentional, ongoing and reflective process that focuses on the growth of individuals and communities from their lived experiences, in spiritual awareness, theological understanding, vocational motivation and capabilities for mission and service in the Church and for the world.

The intention of formation for mission is to enable: 

• deeper faith relationships with God,  Church, self, others and Creation 
  
  
• greater engagement between individuals' lives marked by 'accompaniment' in the service of others
  
  
• a culture of synodality: prayer, dialogue, discernment
  
  
• stronger commitment to and understanding of the various ministries exercised in faith communities
  
  
• a deeper call into missionary discipleship. 
  

"My mission of being in the heart of people is not just a part of my life or a badge I can take off; it is not an “extra” or just another moment in life. Instead, it is something I cannot uproot from my being without destroying my very self. I am a mission on this earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world. We have to regard ourselves as sealed, even branded, by this mission of bringing light, blessing, enlivening, raising up, healing and freeing."

(Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel 273)

Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals 2024-2028 (November 2024) 

Promulgated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay in November 2024, the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals will guide, encourage and inform our missionary and pastoral initiatives and activities over the next five years.   Grouped into three Strategic Directions:  

Strategic Direction 1: Gospel mission and pastoral outreach 

Strategic Direction 2: Belonging and  sense of community 

Strategic Direction 3: LIfe-giving and empowering formation. (The Diocesan Formation Support Plan supports this direction).

Goals Familiarisation Workshops 

The Goals Familiarisation Workshops are designed to help parishes understand the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals promulgated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay in November 2024.  These workshops aim to assist parishes to be well-prepared before entering the parish planning process. 
[This is Project 1  of the Diocesan Formation Support Plan].

All parishes are enocuraged to participate in a Goals Familiarisation Workshop. 

Download the Goals Familiarisation Workshop Flyer. 

pdf (718 KB)

Diocesan Formation Support Plan (June 2025) 

Published in June 2025, the Formation Support Plan was developed in response to a clear message voiced  during the diocesan-wide preparation and consultation that led to the establishment of the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council that the People of God in Sandhurst wanted more opportunities for formation – to grow in faith, deepen their understanding , and walk more confidently as disciples of Jesus. Formation is one of the three Strategic Directions of the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals and underpins the other two Strategic Directions. 

The Diocesan Formation Support Plan outlines ten practical projects to assist with achieving the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals.

Resources for the Parish Mission and Pastoral Plan

All parishs in Sandhurst are expected to have a Parish Mission and Pastoral Plan in line with the Sandhurst Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals.
. 
Resources for the Parish Mission and Pastoral Plan have been developed by the Diocese to support parishes in developing a new parish plan or strengthening an existing one by aligning it with the Sandhurst Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals.

These resources aim to help parishes move from good intentions to intentional action, identifying priorities, listening deeply to one another, discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit and developing practical plans for mission in their local context; to shape a clear Parish Mission and Pastoral Plan aligned with the SMP Goals.

This planning process incorporates a synodal approach to decision-making and introduces guidance for Conversations in the Spirit (Project 3), both of which are priorities across the global Church. The resources also complement the Parish Visitation Program, offering practical tools to support planning and action in response to the Bishop’s visit and his subsequent reflections.

Sandhurst Formation Institute 21&23 August 2026

A project of the Sandhurst Formation Support Plan, the Sandhurst Formation Institute is an annual gathering of all the Diocese, exploring the Strategic Directions of the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Goals and pracitcal means to implemen them. 

In 2026, the Formation Institute theme is "Growing Communities of Mission".  Held in Shepparton on 21 & 22 August 2026, it is two days of exploring 'Gospel, Mission and Pastoral Outreach', Strategic Direction 1 of the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Goals. 

Keynote Speakers from Caroline Springs Pairsh, which stands out for its intentional, community-driven approach to missionary discipleship.  With an opening reflection and special Mass celebrated by Bishop René Ramirez RCJ, a range of seminars to choose from, a dedicated youth stream, inter-parish and inter-generational dialogue,  and music by Gen Bryant and the Wavemakers, it's a great opportunity for anyone wanting to invigorate aspects of their parish. 

For more information and to register, click here. 

News Stories below: