Bishop Greg Bennet says the launch of Sale Diocese’s new pastoral plan is a “highly significant moment” in the life of the Victorian diocese.
Launched on October 10, Sale’s Diocesan Pastoral Plan Framework 2026–2030 was described as “a bold, hope-filled vision for the future of faith communities across Gippsland and the significant growth corridor in the west of the diocese”.
The event at St Michael’s Church in Traralgon marked the culmination of a year-long journey of prayer, consultation and deep listening to the Holy Spirit, which concluded with the Diocesan Assembly held in February.
The outcomes of the assembly were entrusted to the Diocesan Mission Council to develop this framework. The result is a spiritually rich and strategically focused roadmap that will guide the pastoral life and mission of Sale parishes, schools, and Catholic agencies over the next five years.
“This framework is not an endpoint, but a starting point for renewal and transformation,” Bishop Bennet said.
“It is an invitation to each one of us – guided by the Holy Spirit – to explore how we can work together to build a more Christ-centred, synodal, and missionary Church by bringing these six pastoral goals to life in our parishes, schools, and agencies.”
The plan outlines six goals:
- Deepen Christ-centred faith and spiritual growth
- Advance synodal leadership and engagement
- Build an inclusive and welcoming Church
- Inspire the engagement of young people and families
- Enhance parish-school collaboration
- Ignite missionary outreach and evangelisation
In his message to the people of the Sale Diocese, Bishop Bennet said: “Let us be bold in our faith, constant in our prayer, and open to the Spirit’s movements among us and through us.
“There will be unexpected challenges on this journey of renewal, but we can take heart in the message of the angel Gabriel, who spoke to Mary’s fears and doubts at the moment of the Annunciation, assuring her: ‘Nothing is impossible for God’.”
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A Bold New Chapter: Diocese of Sale Unveils Visionary Pastoral Plan Framework for 2026–2030 (Sale Diocese)
