"I dream of a “missionary option”, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelisation of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation. The renewal of structures demanded by pastoral conversion can only be understood in this light: as part of an effort to make them more mission-oriented, to make ordinary pastoral activity on every level more inclusive and open, to inspire in pastoral workers a constant desire to go forth and in this way to elicit a positive response from all those whom Jesus summons to friendship with himself."

(Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, 27)

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 dialogue 

• 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)