Students, parents and carers, educators and clergy from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Parramatta gathered in a spirit of unity and celebration for the 2025 Education Mass on Wednesday 27 August.
The annual gathering is an opportunity for schools to affirm their shared role in the Church’s mission and recognise the impact of Catholic education in living out Faith in Action and serving the wider community.
The Mass, held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, coincided with the Feast of St Monica and was celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. In his Homily, Bishop Vincent offered a powerful reflection on the mission of Catholic schools, emphasising their focus on community, compassion and shared purpose.
“This is the essence of Catholic education. It is not merely about the pursuit of individual success and achievement. It is about the formation of a social conscience and public responsibility,” Bishop Vincent said.
“We offer an education that forms young people into men and women committed to the common good, social equity as opposed to individualism and self-interest.”
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Head of Primary Learning Lisa Crampton also addressed those gathered for the Mass and announced CSPD’s new Effective Learning and Teaching Model, marking a new chapter in the approach to learning and teaching across the Diocese..
“Learning should form us, inform us and transform us,” said Lisa. “Learning in our Catholic schools is about growing as whole people: with our heads for knowledge, our hearts for compassion and our hands for action.”
“We want students to be curious and creative thinkers, kind and generous friends, and people who can use their gifts to make the world a better place.”
Following the Mass, attendees were invited to explore the Mission Expo, a dynamic display of how faith is actively lived within Catholic school communities. The expo showcased the many ways students and staff engage in advocacy and service, highlighting their involvement with Church organisations such as Mercy Works, St Vincent de Paul and Jesuit Refugee Services.
Schools had the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas for mission initiatives and deepen their commitment to living out faith in action within their communities.
“As Catholics, we are called more than ever to listen, discern and act with Christian wisdom, integrity and truth,” said Bishop Vincent. “It is more important than ever that we do not lose sight of our mission, which is a vehicle of God’s all-embracing love for the world.”
“Today is about giving thanks,” said Lisa. “Thanks for our schools, thanks for our families, and thanks for the gift of learning that helps us grow into the people God calls us to be.”
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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03 Sep 2025
From Facebook
On the weekend of 30-31 August the St Columba's Catholic College Show team represented the College at Penrith Show. It was a wonderful weekend, with students winning plenty of ribbons and awards for their exceptional work. Congratulations to the 28 students who took part, and a huge 'thank-you' to the dedicated and supportive staff for all their work. The team's fantastic results include: ⭐3rd in School Display - Wool to Wardrobe ⭐Reserve Champion Calf Raising Competition ⭐Reserve Champion Novice Parader, Isabella (Y10), with four of our students making the final ⭐Reserve Champion Experienced Parader, Olivia (Y11), with four of our students making the final![1079941253928892_1270899118166437-1]()
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03 Sep 2025
From Facebook
On the weekend of 30-31 August the St Columba's Catholic College Show team represented the College at Penrith Show. It was a wonderful weekend, with students winning plenty of ribbons and awards for their exceptional work. Congratulations to the 28 students who took part, and a huge 'thank-you' to the dedicated and supportive staff for all their work. The team's fantastic results include: ⭐3rd in School Display - Wool to Wardrobe ⭐Reserve Champion Calf Raising Competition ⭐Reserve Champion Novice Parader, Isabella (Y10), with four of our students making the final ⭐Reserve Champion Experienced Parader, Olivia (Y11), with four of our students making the final
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From Facebook
Congratulations to Cindy, Abbey and Deanna (Y11) on being accepted into the prestigious Step Up Into Teaching program with Australian Catholic University (ACU)! This incredible opportunity will see them begin their university journey early — completing their first subject these holidays and a second in January. On successful completion, they’ll not only earn credit for both units but also secure an offer into any Education degree at ACU. We are so proud of you all for taking this big step towards your future in teaching. What an outstanding achievement!
01 Sep 2025
Celebrating Faith, Learning and Mission at 2025 Education Mass
Students, parents and carers, educators and clergy from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Parramatta gathered in a spirit of unity and celebration for the 2025 Education Mass on Wednesday 27 August.
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