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
-
17 Jun 2026
Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!
21 Jul 2022
Example Event
This is an example event that will appear on all school sites while they are in development. The event will disappear before the site goes live.
Latest News More news
04 Jun 2026
What Your Child Really Learns in the First 100 Days of School
One moment your child is holding your hand at the school gate and before you know it, they're walking in confidently, greeting friends by name, carrying their own bag, and coming home full of stories about 'assembly' and 'sport'. Here’s what to expect in their first 100 days of Kindergarten.
14 May 2026
Music, art, movement: why creativity matters more than you think
Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
14 Apr 2026
5 Ways to Build Better Learning Routines at Home
The habits your child builds now will shape how they thrive in high school and beyond. Here's what the research and local educators say actually works.
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
10 Mar 2026
NAPLAN: What Parents Really Need to Know
Each March, families across Australia hear a lot about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But what does it really mean for your child in 2026?
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.
12 Jan 2026
Is your child starting Year 7 this year? Read our practical tips
Starting Year 7 is an exciting milestone and a big change. Moving from primary to secondary school brings new routines, more classrooms, new friendships and greater independence. With the right preparation, students can begin this next chapter feeling confident, organised and ready to thrive.
12 Jan 2026
Transitioning smoothly into ‘big school’: What parents need to know
The first day of Kindergarten! It’s a milestone filled with excitement, pride and maybe a few nerves (for both you and your child!). Starting “big school” marks the beginning of a whole new adventure, and with a little preparation, you can help make those first weeks calm, confident and full of smiles.
18 Dec 2025
Catholic schools across Western Sydney celebrate HSC success
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) is celebrating another outstanding year of Higher School Certificate (HSC) results as students from 22 secondary schools receive their results.
18 Nov 2025
Western Sydney Catholic Schools hold the phone
Student mobile phone use will be banned across 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The restriction presents a positive opportunity to enhance student outcomes, both in academic excellence and wellbeing.
28 Oct 2025
Nagle College Launches New STEM Scholarship for Future Innovators
Nagle College Blacktown has announced the launch of the “Christine Howe STEM Academic Scholarship”, a new opportunity designed to support and inspire young women passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Students enrolling in Year 7 from 2026 are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to excellence in learning within a supportive Catholic community.
12 Sep 2025
Bishop’s Awards celebrate student excellence across Parramatta Diocese
The annual Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence honours Year 12 students who demonstrate strong leadership, a spirit of service and a lasting impact on their school community.