Bicentenary of Catholic Education National Celebration
10am and 2pm
Thursday, 18 February 2021
Online at 200years.catholic.edu.au
This is a free online event for Catholic educators, leaders, students and their families.
The year 2021 is the Bicentenary of Catholic Education in Australia.
During this event, the Chair of the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education, Archbishop Anthony Fisher, will release the Australian Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Letter, "200 Years Young". The letter recognises the contribution made by religious, clergy and lay people to the foundation of Catholic education, and the distinctive role Catholic schools play in educating and forming young people of faith and service in their communities.
The 200 year celebrations mark the founding of Australia's first "official" Catholic school on Hunter Street in Parramatta in October 1820 by Fr John Therry with 31 students. The Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long, and representatives from Parramatta schools will also participate in this event in recognition of this historical connection.
Timeline of Catholic education in Australia
National Catholic Education Commission