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1803
A convict priest named Father James Dixon, was told that Masses could take place once more, but only for ten months. After this, masses were no longer permitted. -
1817
Father Jeremiah O'Flynn visited Australia to minister Catholics in Australia. He celebrated masses in the homes of Catholics, but he did this without permission. After eighteen months he was deported, but he left the Blessed Sacrament in the home of a Catholic Australian. -
1820
The first priests officially appointed to minister to Catholics in the colony were Father John Kelly and Father Philip Conolly. They arrived in 1820. Father Kelly had vacant land available, so he built the first Catholic Church in the settlement. It was then named St Mary's Cathedral. -
1835
John Bede Polding was the first Catholic Bishop in Australia. He arrived in Australia in 1835. He organised dioceses, helping priests respond effortlessly to the needs of the public community. He was then declared Archbishop of Sydney due to his amazing leadership skills he had shown. -
1840
As the colony grew, Catholics realised that they needed to continue to spread the Good News of God and attend to the needs of those who are calling for their help. One example of this that they showed was visiting poor children, making them feel loved and cared for. One lady who willing demonstrated this was Caroline Chisholm. She kindly worked hard to improve the living conditions for female convicts and immigrants. -
1850
Mary MacKillop was another pioneer of the Catholic Church and she brought Catholic education to poor children in country areas. With the assistance of Father Woods, Mary founded a religious order for women called the Sisters of St Joseph. -
1870
Religious sisters and brothers were invited to Australia to continue the work of pioneers. They established schools, hospitals and looked after those in need.