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First Fleet arrival
The first Catholics to arrive in Australia came with the first fleet in 1788. The people on the ship consisted of Irish and English. -
First Australian Christmas
In December 1788, the first Christmas was celebrated in Australia. This would start the tradition in Australia. -
First Catholic Mass
On New years day 1803, the first mass was held in Australia. This mass was held by Fr. James Harold and Fr. James Dixon. -
First Catholic School
In 1822, the first catholic school was founded in the NSW suburb of Paramatta. -
More Catholic Schools Appear
By 1833, over 10 catholic schools have been built in Australia, marking progress towards Catholicism in the country. -
The First Bishop
John Bede Polding was appointed as the first bishop in Australia. He was the bishop for New Holland and Van Diemens land. -
St. Vincent de Paul Conference
In 1854, the first Australian conference about the St. Vincent de Paul society happened in Melbourne, Victoria, -
Sisters of St. Joseph
By 1857, a few religious groups have started to form, including the sisters of St. Joseph. St. Mary Mackillop was apart of this group. -
Archbishop of Melbourne
In 1886, Thomas Carr was appointed as the archbishop of Melbourne. Thomas Carr was an influential figure for catholicism in Australia. -
Second Vatican Council
The Vatican II was the most important event of the twentieth century in the Catholic church and Australia. The council was held in Rome and the members included the current Pope at the time and bishops from all around the world. The plan of the second Vatican was to "open the windows of the Church' and promote Christian unity and rights to religious freedom. -
Mary Mackillop becoming a saint
Mary Mackillop becomes a saint in 2010.