Education mass celebrates faith in action

Hundreds of students, parents and carers, teachers and clergy from Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Parramatta gathered for the 2024 Education Mass to celebrate our schools’ commitment to Faith in Action and their positive engagement in the community.

Held at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta, the Mass was led by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and celebrated the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In his inspiring Homily, Bishop Vincent said the Mass was a renewal of our commitment to follow the example of Mary in our lives and be bearers of her son Jesus’ good news.

“Blessed Virgin Mary is the prototype of the normal disciple,” Bishop Vincent said.

She exemplifies closeness with the poor, solidarity with the needy, compassion for the afflicted. Like Mary, we must be totally permeated by the Holy Spirit. We must be consumed by action for God's Kingdom – Mary is the sign of hope for humanity.

In his address, Executive Director Jack de Groot reflected on his own experience of mission and service while announcing CSPD’s new Religious Education curriculum Encountering Jesus.

“When I think about why my work has always taken me to places of service, I can pinpoint two things: my education and my faith,” said Jack.

“When my parents chose to send me to a Catholic school, they knew they wanted to provide me with an excellent education grounded in Catholic tradition. They wanted me to experience opportunities to put my faith into action and to live it out within the community.”

Jack said his hope is that the new Religious Education curriculum builds on and reflects this same intention families have for their children at our schools.

“Encountering Jesus reflects our intention for all students to have a deep encounter with the person and message of Jesus Christ, to really get to know and love Jesus. To see Him in others, and to be Him to others,” he said.

The curriculum has been endorsed by Bishop Vincent along with Australian and international Catholic theologians and educators.

“Encountering Jesus isn't so much about learning some external rules; it is to internalise the experience of encountering, knowing, loving and serving Christ,” Bishop Vincent said.

Following the Mass, participants were invited to explore the Mission Agency Expo. The expo highlights the work of the many expressions of faith and service that are already present in our learning communities, including Catechist teaching in local government primary schools, Eucharistic minister training, as well as advocacy and support of church agencies such as Mercy Works, St Vincent de Paul and Jesuit Refugee Services.

“Today’s celebration was a significant moment in the life of our Diocese,” said Andrew Wilson, CSPD’s Head Mission. “Encountering Jesus will provide our students with an opportunity to come to know Jesus and to grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith. I am excited to work with our teachers and leaders, and to hear how our students are putting their learning into practice in their communities.”

Learn more about the Religious Education Curriculum.

View photos from this event View full gallery

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
Today our students embarked on a meaningful Holy Week Visual Pilgrimage ✝️🌿, taking time to pause, reflect, and connect with the significant events of this sacred journey. At each stop, students explored a special moment of Holy Week, deepening their understanding through prayer, discussion, and reflection. From moments of celebration to times of sacrifice, they thoughtfully considered the importance of each event and its message. It was a beautiful opportunity for our students to slow down, engage spiritually, and walk together through the story of Holy Week in a meaningful and memorable way.

01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On Tuesday, 15 students represented St Anthony's at the Heats Level of the Sydney Academy of Chess school competition. There were over 140 students at the competition and 12 different schools. We had some great results! Individual awards were given to: Alan - First place overall Aaran - 3rd place overall In the Under 8's division: Mokshagna and Arya. W, received medals for high scores in their age group. St Anthony's school team also came first! A small team has now qualified for the semi finals. We are very proud of the team's achievements. Congratulations! If you are interested in learning to play chess, we have lessons before school on a Tuesday. Teachers from the Academy of Chess teach these lessons. Chess club takes place at lunchtime on a Tuesday. All students are welcome to come to this club.