The history of the catholic church By thomasthomasthomas Period: 1780 to 1960 The history of the catholic church in australia 1788 Arrival of the first fleet 1799 William Davis arrives in Australia. 1802 Christian Brothers founded by Edmund Rice 1803 First public mass 1815 Sisters of charity founded 1818 Jeremiah O'Flynn arrives in Sydney 1821 The first catholic school is opened 1854 St vincent De Paul society is founded 1866 The establishment of Sisters of St Joseph 1909 Mary Mackillop dies