Sandhurst Formation Institute

Growing as Communities of Mission

On Friday 21 August, six senior members of Catherine McAuley College Bendigo's Seeds of Justice group travelled to Shepparton to participate in the Sandhurst Formation Institute Youth Stream Day. The theme of the day, ‘Growing as Communities of Mission’, invited students to explore how thriving communities are built when people choose to follow Jesus as active disciples, use the unique gifts God has given them, and confidently share the Good News through the way they live and speak.

The day brought together students, staff and parishioners from across the Sandhurst Diocese for a rich program of learning, prayer, music and reflection. Participants engaged in a variety of intergenerational workshops and discussions, providing valuable opportunities to hear diverse life experiences and perspectives on faith, mission and community.

Students were encouraged to consider their role in creating communities that embody the values of the Gospel and to reflect on how they can contribute to a more just and compassionate world. Through singing, shared prayer and meaningful conversations, they formed new connections with students from other Catholic schools while deepening their understanding of faith in action.

We thank the Sandhurst Formation Institute for providing this inspiring opportunity and look forward to seeing our Seeds of Justice students continue to grow as leaders of faith, service and mission within our College and faith community.

Year 12 Faith Captain Chloe Vincent reflected on her experience:

“The Sandhurst Formation Institute was an unforgettable experience. Together as a Sandhurst community, we engaged in intergenerational conversations and reflections of life experiences, which was valuable and gave me more perspectives on life as a Catholic. We participated in so many fun activities, including music and singing with students from other schools, and deep conversations to make new connections.

I learnt about what the term ‘mission’ means as a Catholic and how we can help address poverty disparity across the world, which was really enlightening. My main takeaway from the day was the opportunities to continue my involvement in the Catholic community with a wide range of post-school options, including education, volunteering and community groups, which has given me more confidence about my future pathway.”

Year 12 Faith Captain Rose McSweeney reflected on her experience:

“Attending the Sandhurst Formation Institute was a truly meaningful and faith-filled experience. I felt privileged to attend as College Faith Captain of CMCB and participate in the Youth Stream. This year’s theme, ‘Growing as Communities of Mission’, encouraged me to reflect on how we can live our faith together and take an active role in building a Church where everyone feels welcomed, valued and connected.

One of the things I valued most was being surrounded by people who were willing to talk openly about faith. The Youth Stream gave us a genuine space to share our thoughts, ask questions and explore what faith and mission mean for young people today.

The inter-parish and inter-generational conversations were especially meaningful. Listening to people from different generations and parish communities share their experiences reminded me that being a community of mission means walking alongside one another, listening to different voices and recognising the gifts each person brings. It also reinforced that young people are not simply the future of the Church; we are an important part of the Church today.

A very special highlight was having the opportunity to sing with Gen Bryant. Sharing our faith through music was joyful and uplifting, creating a wonderful sense of connection and community that I will remember for a long time.

As College Faith Captain of CMCB, the Institute also encouraged me to reflect on the kind of faith leader I want to be. Faith leadership is more than a title; it is about listening, serving, including others and helping create opportunities for people to encounter faith and experience a genuine sense of belonging.

I left the Institute feeling grateful, inspired and hopeful. ‘Growing as Communities of Mission’ reminded me that our faith becomes stronger when we share it with others and that each of us has a role to play in creating welcoming, joyful and faith-filled communities.

I am incredibly grateful to have represented CMCB and to have shared these special two days with people from across the Sandhurst Diocese."

Year 10 Religion and Society Students Explore Sacred Heart Cathedral

Late in August, our Year 10 Religion and Society classes began touring the Sacred Heart Cathedral as part of their current unit of study exploring the history of the Catholic Church in Australia.

During the excursion, students participated in guided tours led by Father Jackson Saunders and the Cathedral Guardians, gaining valuable insights into the significance of the Sacred Heart Cathedral as a place of worship, history and community. They also focused on the Cathedral’s architectural grandeur, artwork, and historical artefacts, deepening their understanding of the development of the Catholic Church in Australia and the important role the Cathedral has played within the Bendigo community.

The Cathedral itself is a remarkable historical and cultural landmark, with its architecture reflecting key periods and influences in the Church’s growth throughout Australia. The experience provided students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with the rich heritage they are studying in the classroom.

We extend our sincere thanks to Father Jackson Saunders and the Cathedral Guardians for their generous hospitality, expertise and support in facilitating these tours. Their passion and knowledge have greatly enriched the learning experience for our students and helped bring this important area of study to life.

2027 Service Immersion Information Sessions

Following the success of our recent immersion experiences, families are invited to attend a Parent and Carer Information Session to learn more about our transformative Service Immersion programs for 2027, including travel dates, application requirements and costs. Students are also welcome to attend.

The sessions will be held on Wednesday 16 September 2026 in the Marian Theatre, St Mary's Campus.

• Kakadu Immersion Program – For Year 9, 2027 students: 5:30pm-6:15pm
• Cambodia Immersion Program – For Year 11, 2027 students: 6:30pm-7:15pm

Families are encouraged to register their attendance: