Catholic Church Timeline

  • First Mass within Australian Territory

    First Mass within Australian Territory
    La Perouse enters Botany Bay and his chaplain, Abbe Mones, celebrates the first
    Mass within Australian territory
  • First Irish convicts transported to Botany Bay

    First Irish convicts transported to Botany Bay
    The first convicts that were of Irish origin began arriving in Botany Bay.
  • The first official mass in public is celebrated.

    The first official mass in public is celebrated.
    The first official mass in public is celebrated by Catholic believers.
  • Arrival of First Priests

    Arrival of First Priests
    The first priests arrive in Australia (Father John Therry & Father Philip Connoly)
  • Completion of St Mary Chapel

    Completion of St Mary Chapel
    St Mary’s Chapel is officially completed
  • Abolished State Aid to Religion

    Abolished State Aid to Religion
    The NSW government passes bill to abolish state aid to religion