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
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
18 of our Year 5/6 Faith in Action students walked in solidarity with children who have to walk up to 30minutes per day to get clean water. They walked with nearly 600 other students from schools across the Parramatta Diocese at Parramatta Park. Students understood: * how contaminated water sources can be * the role of women and children in this process * how hard it feels to walk long distances with heavy buckets of water Let's unite against poverty and support Caritas to get more water tanks to those who truly need it. Continue to collect sponsors for our school Walk for Water next Monday and donate via this link: https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraisers/stanthonysprimaryschoolgirraween and bring in a gold coin to Dunk our Teachers!
Latest News More news
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
18 of our Year 5/6 Faith in Action students walked in solidarity with children who have to walk up to 30minutes per day to get clean water. They walked with nearly 600 other students from schools across the Parramatta Diocese at Parramatta Park. Students understood: * how contaminated water sources can be * the role of women and children in this process * how hard it feels to walk long distances with heavy buckets of water Let's unite against poverty and support Caritas to get more water tanks to those who truly need it. Continue to collect sponsors for our school Walk for Water next Monday and donate via this link: https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraisers/stanthonysprimaryschoolgirraween and bring in a gold coin to Dunk our Teachers!
10 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Come and visit our Faith in Action Students to Donate to Dunk the Teachers!!! Bring in a gold coin or a few and choose who we can dunk. All proceeds will be going to Caritas to enable ALL children to gain access to clean water just like we have. Let's give alms this Lent and walk in the footsteps of Jesus! Donate before school or at recess each day this and next week.
10 Mar 2026
NAPLAN: What Parents Really Need to Know
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05 Mar 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic day at our Cross Country today! Students gave their all out on the course, showing perseverance, determination and wonderful encouragement for one another 🏃🏼 🏃🏽♀️ Congratulations to all of our runners — you should be very proud of yourselves! 👏
04 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🏊 Swimming Shoutout 🏊 A huge congratulations goes to Sophie in year 5 who represented St Anthony’s, as well as Cumberland Zone at today’s Diocesan Swimming Championships! We are so proud of you!
03 Mar 2026
From Facebook
✨ Join us tonight at St Anthony’s School Open Day! ✨ Families are warmly invited to visit our school, meet our teachers, explore our learning spaces, and discover what makes our community so special. 🕔 5:00pm – 6:30pm 📍 School tours available – bookings not essential We can’t wait to welcome you tonight!
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today some of our students proudly represented St Anthony’s at the Zone Swimming Carnival, demonstrating great sportsmanship, determination and team spirit throughout the day. A special congratulations to Sophie Lo for her fantastic effort in the pool, placing 4th in backstroke — an amazing achievement! 👏🏊♀️ We are so proud of all our students for giving their best and representing our school with pride. 💙
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
On Friday 20th February Year 6 were blessed to attend a faith formation concert and prayer experience with other schools in our diocese. We learned how we are all made in God's image and are called to make waves to make our world a better place. To top it off we got to reflect, pray, sing, dance and even meet the inspiring Gen Bryant!
16 Feb 2026
From Facebook
✨ Discover the difference, at our School Open Evening! ✨ Families considering kindergarten enrolment for 2027 are warmly invited to come and experience our vibrant learning community. Meet our passionate teachers, explore our learning spaces, and see how we nurture each child’s growth in learning, wellbeing and faith. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, connect with other families, and discover what makes our school such a special place to belong. 📅 See the flyer for event details - bookings not essential. We look forward to welcoming you!
10 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Today we gathered as a whole school community to celebrate Mass, coming together in faith and gratitude as we begin the new year. During the celebration, we introduced our theme for the year, Learning Uplifts in 2026, reminding us that learning has the power to inspire, empower and lift each of us to be our very best. We also commissioned our Year 6 2026 leaders, acknowledging their commitment to serve our school community with responsibility, kindness and courage. We are proud of the positive example they will set for their peers throughout the year. We look ahead with excitement to a wonderful year of growth, leadership and learning together. 💙
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
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