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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25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
A beautiful day filled with gratitude, pride and emotion as we celebrated the Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony ππ Watching our students walk this special journey of faith, friendship and growth has been nothing short of inspiring. We not only honoured their achievements but also the values, memories and community spirit that will stay with them forever. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025!! May you continue to shine brightly as you step into your next chapter π #ClassOf2025 #Graduation #FaithAndEducation![598270595434072_1852020822404300-1]()
25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
What a special night for our Delany College Year 12 students as they celebrated their formal with teachers who have guided and supported them along the way. A beautiful reminder that education is more than just learning, itβs about the people who walk beside you on the journey π Congratulations to the Class of 2025! The future is yours! π #DelanyCollege #ClassOf2025 #Year12Formal #ProudMoments
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25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
A beautiful day filled with gratitude, pride and emotion as we celebrated the Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony ππ Watching our students walk this special journey of faith, friendship and growth has been nothing short of inspiring. We not only honoured their achievements but also the values, memories and community spirit that will stay with them forever. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025!! May you continue to shine brightly as you step into your next chapter π #ClassOf2025 #Graduation #FaithAndEducation
25 Sep 2025
From Facebook
What a special night for our Delany College Year 12 students as they celebrated their formal with teachers who have guided and supported them along the way. A beautiful reminder that education is more than just learning, itβs about the people who walk beside you on the journey π Congratulations to the Class of 2025! The future is yours! π #DelanyCollege #ClassOf2025 #Year12Formal #ProudMoments
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Bishopβs Awards celebrate student excellence across Parramatta Diocese
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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.
19 Aug 2025
From Facebook
π WEEK 5 ACADEMIC JUGGERNAUTS β STAGE 4 π Huge congratulations to our standout students this week! π Year 8: Levi Fifita Levi has been smashing it with his focus, maturity and consistent effort. Keep it up! π Year 7: Makayla Merhi Makayla has shown incredible growth through her hard work and dedication to learning. Amazing job! π Special shoutout to all students nominated by our staff - you are seen, appreciated and celebrated! π Year 7 Nominees: Eyad Wehbe, Leya Sande, Mareta Awad, Alakor Ngor, Mikhael Holzmann, Ravpreet Kaur, Mustafa Niazy, Gwen Schembri, Irene He Year 8 Nominees: Akuee Akot, Jessie Debah, Derek Custodio, Connor Pollard, Arshia Afsharpour, Mika Apikotoa, Sean Ejim, Kesaia Sikulu, Sebasjin Tuki Keep up the amazing work, everyone! πͺπ #AcademicExcellence #Stage4Superstars #Week5Winners
14 Aug 2025
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Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up. π¬πͺ Bullying doesn't stop on its own, it takes all of us. Whether itβs in the classroom, the playground or online, we all have a role to play. 𧑠Students can speak up, stand together and support those being targeted. 𧑠Parents & teachers can guide and model positive behaviour, helping young people grow with respect and empathy. Letβs create a culture where kindness leads and bullying has no place. π #BeKind #SpeakUp #StopBullyingTogether #StrongerTogether
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π Huge congrats to Stella Fitzpatrick, Luke Laoulach & Kayi Salicioglu-Achi for proudly representing Delany College at the Rainbow Crossing Young Champions Awards on Sunday, July 27! πβ¨ All three were recognised as finalists for their incredible initiatives, hard work & commitment to community service throughout the year. πͺβ€οΈ We're so proud of you! ππ #DelanyPride #YoungChampions #CommunityHeroes #StudentLeaders #ProudMoment
29 Jul 2025
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πβ¨ Curious about what makes our school special? Come see for yourself! Join us for a guided school tour and discover our vibrant community, dedicated teachers, and exciting learning environment. Whether youβre a parent, student or just interested, weβd love to show you around! Reserve your spot today! We canβt wait to welcome you! #SchoolTour #DiscoverOurSchool #FutureStudents #EducationJourney
29 Jul 2025
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π Huge congratulations to our Week 2 Academic Juggernauts from Stage 4! π Year 7: Mikhael Holzmann π Year 8: Sophie Yang & Solomone Lemoto You've truly embodied Delany Collegeβs 4Ps: Pride, Passion, Persistence and Patrician. Keep shining π #DelanyProud #AcademicExcellence #4PsInAction
04 Jul 2025
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