Mass celebrates 175 years of Catholic Mission

Fr Paul and concelebrants thanking students at World Mission Mass

Friday 16 October 2015 saw Principals, RECs and students from 53 schools from across the Diocese come together with Diocesan priests to celebrate in a World Mission Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. In 2015, the Church celebrated 175 years of Catholic Mission. 

The Mission Mass gave everyone the opportunity to celebrate their role in the mission of the Church and, in particular, to show their support of the work carried out by Catholic Mission in Australia and in other countries throughout the world.

The mass was led by Institute For Mission Director Fr Paul Roberts who said he felt enthused at the Mission gathering and Mass by the presence of so many young people of our diocese who are active in bringing hope. 

‘Mission across borders and across the globe is as important as ever but we can easily miss the emphasis that God's mission is right here, right now,’ Fr Paul said. ‘To be people of mission is to be people who say yes to being sent; sent across hearts, across families and across the street; recognising and learning from Christ's presence that's already there; and breathing Christ's Spirit to further the joy of the Gospel amidst all of God's beloved creation in those places.’ 

‘I'm in awe of what our teachers and leaders in our Catholic Schools of the Diocese are doing to support and further many generous young people's keenness to be Christ for he world,’ he said. 

Greg Whitby with student representatives and Principal from St Patrick's Primary, Parramatta

Executive Director of Schools Greg Whitby congratulated Catholic Mission on their 175th anniversary and thanked all in attendance.

‘I thank you for the collaborative work that you have done and continue to do on a daily basis with the staff and students of the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Parramatta and in raising awareness and funding for the important projects that Catholic Mission is engaged upon both here in Australia and around the world,’ Greg said.

Catholic Mission spokesperson Rosa Vukovich spoke of her experience working with the poor and oppressed people from different areas around the world and how this experience had increasingly challenged her to seek the face of Jesus in those she sought to minister to. Conversely, she also learnt that she had to be the face, hands and feet of Christ to them in return. Rosa challenged everyone and especially the students in the congregation to follow the call of Christ and to set out on mission; a mission that starts as soon as we set foot outside our own front doors.

The day was run by St Patrick’s Primary, Parramatta Year 6 school leader Clarissa Guino who welcomed guests, introduced speakers and concluded mass.

After Mass, schools showcases their Catholic Mission work at an ‘expo’ held during lunch and assisting to build awareness of the work they carry out on behalf of the school community.