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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18 Sep 2026
From Facebook
💧🌏 Season of Creation 2026 at Holy Cross 🌿 Our school community has been celebrating the Season of Creation through prayer, learning and action. We began with classroom liturgies for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, followed by Faith in Action activities led by our iHelp students, including Creation Scavenger Hunts and Earthcare Eco Expo, where students explored ways to reduce waste. Our Year 6 iHelp students led Creation Prayer Time with their Kindergarten buddies, while our Year 3 students put their learning about showing mercy to God’s creation into action by picking up rubbish during recess and collecting containers for Return and Earn. As a whole school, we have also recommitted to using our Return and Earn baskets to help reduce waste and care for our common home. ♻️ Together, we are putting our faith into action and caring for common home. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese #faithinactioncspd15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Today, we celebrated our school Feast Day! ✝️✨ While the official Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross falls on September 14th, our school community gathered together today to celebrate our unique identity, founded on the Cross. We shared in the Eucharist and remembered Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us—a constant reminder of His call for us to “Live Life to the Full.” After Mass, Father Jolly blessed our beautiful new foyer cross! ✝️✨ More than a piece of art, this cross powerfully reflects our Catholic faith and our Holy Cross identity. The Tree at the Centre: Jesus is the trunk, deeply rooted in our faith. We are the branches, called to grow and share his message with the world. The Surrounding Cross: A daily reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s enduring love, and the hope of new life. We want to thank two High Schools from our Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese: St John 23rd for supporting us with our band and choir during Mass, and CathWest, who graciously made our cross. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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18 Sep 2026
From Facebook
💧🌏 Season of Creation 2026 at Holy Cross 🌿 Our school community has been celebrating the Season of Creation through prayer, learning and action. We began with classroom liturgies for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, followed by Faith in Action activities led by our iHelp students, including Creation Scavenger Hunts and Earthcare Eco Expo, where students explored ways to reduce waste. Our Year 6 iHelp students led Creation Prayer Time with their Kindergarten buddies, while our Year 3 students put their learning about showing mercy to God’s creation into action by picking up rubbish during recess and collecting containers for Return and Earn. As a whole school, we have also recommitted to using our Return and Earn baskets to help reduce waste and care for our common home. ♻️ Together, we are putting our faith into action and caring for common home. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese #faithinactioncspd
15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Today, we celebrated our school Feast Day! ✝️✨ While the official Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross falls on September 14th, our school community gathered together today to celebrate our unique identity, founded on the Cross. We shared in the Eucharist and remembered Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us—a constant reminder of His call for us to “Live Life to the Full.” After Mass, Father Jolly blessed our beautiful new foyer cross! ✝️✨ More than a piece of art, this cross powerfully reflects our Catholic faith and our Holy Cross identity. The Tree at the Centre: Jesus is the trunk, deeply rooted in our faith. We are the branches, called to grow and share his message with the world. The Surrounding Cross: A daily reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s enduring love, and the hope of new life. We want to thank two High Schools from our Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese: St John 23rd for supporting us with our band and choir during Mass, and CathWest, who graciously made our cross. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
04 Sep 2026
From Facebook
What a wonderful morning celebrating all the incredible fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our school community! 💙✨ Here is a look at how we spent our Father’s Day celebration today: Father's Day Breakfast: We kicked off the morning with an early Father's Day breakfast. Father's Day Liturgy: We came together in prayer, reflecting on the love, guidance, and strength our dads provide every day. Special Student Presentations: Each grade took to the stage to share what they love most about their dads. Classroom Activities: Dads joined the kids in the classrooms for fun collaborative games and some friendly competition. Picnic Lunch: We wrapped up the celebrations enjoying lunch together in the sunshine. Thank you to all the father figures who joined us and made today so memorable, and to our staff and parent volunteers who helped bring it all together. Happy Father's Day to all our amazing dads this weekend! Check out some of our favourite moments from the day below 👇📸
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
A few more shots of the Book Week fun at Holy Cross today 💜💚 The students had a great time dressing up, and thoroughly enjoyed the visit by renowned author Tim Harris ✍️
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
This morning we held our annual Book Week Book Parade and it was another exciting event for our community! 💜💚 The students had a great time singing and dancing as they paraded their costumes for everyone to see. Well done to everyone for getting involved and making it so much fun! Big thanks to Mrs Morris and Mrs Calabritta who did an awesome job of hosting the event!
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Celebrating 40 years of Catholic education in our Diocese! 🎒✨ On Wednesday, our student representatives attended the annual Education Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. This special Mass brought together students, staff and parents from across the Diocese of Parramatta to celebrate their vital role in the mission of the Church. Adding to the joy, this year's service coincided with the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Parramatta, marking four decades of rich history, learning, and community across our Catholic school system. We are so proud of our student leaders for representing our school at such a meaningful event!
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21 Aug 2026
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Thank you to our Year 2 students who shared their learning with us this afternoon! 💜💚
20 Aug 2026
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18 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Well done to all eight students who presented speeches at this morning’s school final of the Voice of Youth competition 👏 Special congratulations to Amelie and Xavier who have been chosen to represent Holy Cross at the Upper Hills Cluster Final next week 💜💚
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
This week our Year 2 students had a blast learning all about forces with the team from Fizzics Education 🥼🔬🔭
12 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to all students who ran, jumped and threw at the Blacktown Zone Athletics Carnival on Tuesday. We had some amazing results, many students making finals or placing top 10 in their events. Special congratulations to the following students who have qualified for the Parramatta Diocesan Carnival: Neil B 🥉Long Jump Leanna F 4th 100m Brendan F 4th Long Jump Louis H 🥇800m Nicholas H 🥇Discus Aarick K 4th 800m Ava L 4th 100m 🥉 200m 4th Long Jump 🥈Shot Put Yuvraj M 🥈Long Jump Alana T 🥇Shot Put 🥇Discus Thank you to all the parents who came and cheered all our students on!
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