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
-
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⛪️🙏🏻 Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day 🙏🏻⛪️ Today we gathered together in prayer to celebrate the Feast Day of Australia’s first Saint. Mary MacKillop was a woman of great love who was always others-centred, ensuring that schooling was an option for children living in poverty. Her words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” continue to inspire us today. Saint Mary MacKillop encourages us as Catholics to be of service to others and to hear the call of those in need. #SaintMaryMacKillop #MaryMacKillop #FeastDay #CatholicEducation #FaithInAction #ServingOthers #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #Prayer #AustralianSaint #LiveLikeMaryMacKillop
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⭐️ 👨🏫 Primary Principal’s Day! 👨🏫 ⭐️ Today we celebrate and thank our wonderful Principal, Mr Ticehurst, for his outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and genuine care for every member of our school community. Mr Ticehurst leads with kindness, integrity, and a passion for helping every student reach their full potential. Through his faith, encouragement, and example, he inspires our students and staff to let their light shine each day by showing compassion, striving for excellence, and serving others with generosity. His commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive, and faith-filled environment makes St Matthew’s a place where everyone is encouraged to grow, belong, and flourish. Thank you, Mr Ticehurst, for your vision, encouragement, and the countless ways you make St Matthew’s such a special place to learn and thrive. Your leadership shines brightly, inspiring others to do the same. We are incredibly grateful for all that you do and are so fortunate to have you as our Principal. Happy Primary Principal’s Day! ✨ “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 ✨ #PrimaryPrincipalsDay #ThankYouPrincipal #LetYourLightShine #Matthew516 #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #SchoolCommunity #LeadingWithHeart #FaithInAction #MakingADifference
More News
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⛪️🙏🏻 Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day 🙏🏻⛪️ Today we gathered together in prayer to celebrate the Feast Day of Australia’s first Saint. Mary MacKillop was a woman of great love who was always others-centred, ensuring that schooling was an option for children living in poverty. Her words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” continue to inspire us today. Saint Mary MacKillop encourages us as Catholics to be of service to others and to hear the call of those in need. #SaintMaryMacKillop #MaryMacKillop #FeastDay #CatholicEducation #FaithInAction #ServingOthers #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #Prayer #AustralianSaint #LiveLikeMaryMacKillop
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⭐️ 👨🏫 Primary Principal’s Day! 👨🏫 ⭐️ Today we celebrate and thank our wonderful Principal, Mr Ticehurst, for his outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and genuine care for every member of our school community. Mr Ticehurst leads with kindness, integrity, and a passion for helping every student reach their full potential. Through his faith, encouragement, and example, he inspires our students and staff to let their light shine each day by showing compassion, striving for excellence, and serving others with generosity. His commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive, and faith-filled environment makes St Matthew’s a place where everyone is encouraged to grow, belong, and flourish. Thank you, Mr Ticehurst, for your vision, encouragement, and the countless ways you make St Matthew’s such a special place to learn and thrive. Your leadership shines brightly, inspiring others to do the same. We are incredibly grateful for all that you do and are so fortunate to have you as our Principal. Happy Primary Principal’s Day! ✨ “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 ✨ #PrimaryPrincipalsDay #ThankYouPrincipal #LetYourLightShine #Matthew516 #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #SchoolCommunity #LeadingWithHeart #FaithInAction #MakingADifference
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
☀️ 🏉 Stage 3 Touch Football Gala Day 🏉 ☀️ Last week, our Stage 3 boys’ and girls’ teams proudly represented our school at the Touch Football Gala Day, demonstrating excellent teamwork, sportsmanship and determination throughout the day. A special congratulations to our Year 6 girls’ team, who finished the day undefeated and won their pool with an outstanding display of skill, determination and teamwork. Well done to all of our students for representing St Matthew’s with pride, enthusiasm and great sportsmanship. We are so proud of your efforts! #StMatthewsWindsor #TouchFootball #SchoolSport #Teamwork #Sportsmanship #ProudToBeStMatthews #CatholicSchools #PrimarySport #GoTeam
05 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⛪️🙏🏻 Confirmation Mass 🙏🏻⛪️ Over three special evenings last week, the students of St Matthew’s proudly celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation, saying “Yes” to God and receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These beautiful celebrations marked an important milestone in each student’s faith journey. Surrounded by their families, sponsors, teachers and parish community, they took this significant step with faith and courage. We are incredibly proud of all of our newly confirmed students. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen you as you grow in faith and live out God’s love each day. Congratulations to all of our Confirmation candidates. #Confirmation #SacramentOfConfirmation #CatholicEducation #FaithJourney #HolySpirit #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsPrimary #StMatthewsWindsor #SchoolCommunity #GrowingInFaith #CatholicLife #Blessed
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
⭐️ 🏆 Principal Awards - Term 3, Week 2 🏆 ⭐️ Mr Ticehurst is proud to recognise this week’s Principal Award recipient, who has demonstrated positive learning habits and maintained a growth mindset. We celebrate their achievement and consistent effort as they strive for their personal best. #PrincipalAwards #StudentAchievement #GrowthMindset #PositiveLearning #LearningExcellence #StudentSuccess #SchoolPride #CelebratingSuccess #PersonalBest #FutureLeaders #StMatthews
01 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🙏🏻 💫 Faith in Action Awards - Term 3 Week 2💫 🙏🏻 Congratulations to our learners who put their Faith in Action this week by letting their light shine. Through their kindness, compassion, service and commitment to living out our school values, they have been wonderful role models for others. #FaithInAction #LetYourLightShine #BeTheLight #CatholicEducation #LivingOurFaith #GospelValues #FaithAndLearning #StudentAchievement #SchoolCommunity #CelebratingSuccess #KindnessInAction #StMatthews
31 Jul 2026
From Facebook
✈️🪽 Flying High Awards and Wings – Term 3, Week 2🪽✈️ Congratulations to this week’s Flying High Award and Wing recipients! These learners have consistently demonstrated what it means to be Safe, Respectful and Responsible Learners. We are incredibly proud of their positive attitude, dedication and commitment to our school values. Keep up the fantastic work! #FlyingHighAwards #FlyingHighWings #SafeRespectfulResponsible #StudentSuccess #SchoolValues #PositiveLearners #ProudSchoolCommunity #CelebratingSuccess #StudentAchievement #StMatthews
25 Jul 2026
From Facebook
💛 🧶 Wrapped in Love 🧶 💛 This winter, our weekly Community Prayer Garden gatherings have been made even warmer thanks to the incredible generosity of Savannah and her family. With loving hands and generous hearts, Savannah, her mum, grandma and aunty lovingly crocheted beautiful blankets for our school community to wrap around ourselves as we gather in prayer each week. These blankets are more than just a source of warmth; they are a tangible reminder of God’s love, care and the kindness that lives within our community. Every stitch reflects compassion, service and the gift of sharing our talents with others. Thank you, Savannah and your wonderful family, for reminding us that even the simplest acts of love can make a lasting difference. Your beautiful gift has wrapped our Prayer Garden in comfort, warmth and love. “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) We are so grateful for your generosity and the love you have stitched into every blanket. #WrappedInLove #CommunityPrayerGarden #GodsLove #ActsOfKindness #SchoolCommunity #CrochetedWithLove #Gratitude #1Corinthians1614 #LoveInAction
25 Jul 2026
From Facebook
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
⭐️ 👵🏼 100 Days Brighter in Kindergarten! 👴🏼 ⭐️ What an incredible milestone! Today our Kindergarten students celebrated 100 days of learning, growing, laughing and shining bright at school. From making new friends to discovering new skills, every day has been filled with wonderful memories and exciting adventures. We are so proud of all they have achieved in their first 100 days and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store. Well done, Kindergarten! #100DaysOfSchool #100DaysBrighter #Kindergarten #LearningAndGrowing #StMatthewsPrimary #CatholicEducation #SchoolLife #ProudToLearn #LetYourLightShine #StMatthewsWindsor
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
16 Jul 2026
From Facebook
💛🧶 Kindness is Contagious 🧶💛 As part of B Kinder Week, Elora wanted to spread a little joy throughout our school community. She came up with the wonderful idea of holding a Beanie Colouring-in Competition in the lead-up to our annual Vinnies Scarf and Beanie Winter Appeal. Students from every grade enthusiastically joined in, creating fantastic and colourful entries that made choosing the winners a very difficult task! A huge thank you to Elora’s family for generously donating four beanies as prizes for our lucky winners. We are so proud of Elora for showing such wonderful initiative, creativity and compassion. Her thoughtful idea brought smiles to so many faces and reminded us all that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference. Kindness really is contagious! 💙✨ #BKinderWeek #KindnessIsContagious #ChooseKindness #StudentLeadership #MakingADifference #VinniesWinterAppeal #SchoolCommunity #CompassionInAction #ActsOfKindness #ProudMoment #PrimarySchool #LearningThroughService
14 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🌱♻️ Year 3 Science – Sustainable Table Organisers ♻️🌱 Our Year 3 students have been busy in Science, designing and creating their own table organisers using recycled materials. The challenge was to create something that is practical, functional and easily accessible while helping to keep their desks organised. It has been wonderful to see their creativity, problem-solving skills and commitment to sustainability shine through in their unique designs. Well done, Year 3, on your innovative thinking and fantastic creations! #Year3 #Science #STEM #Sustainability #Recycling #CreativeThinking #ProblemSolving #HandsOnLearning #FutureFocused #LearningThroughDoing #CatholicEducation #PrimarySchool #SchoolLife #ProudSchoolCommunity
09 Jul 2026
From Facebook
⭐️🧱 Lego Showcase Success! 🧱⭐️ In week 11 our Lego Lunch Club was buzzing with creativity as we celebrated our Lego Showcase! Students proudly displayed the incredible creations they have built throughout the term, sharing their imagination, creativity and engineering skills with others. Students also had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, get building and create even more amazing Lego masterpieces. It was wonderful to see so much creativity, teamwork and problem-solving on display as students inspired one another with their unique ideas. Congratulations to all of our talented builders on their fantastic efforts. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create next! #LegoLunchClub #LegoShowcase #CreativeMinds #STEMLearning #ProblemSolving #Teamwork #Innovation #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #StudentSuccess #SchoolLife #PrimarySchool #ProudSchoolCommunity
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.