timeline of significant events and challenges of the early catholic community By rforbes Jan 26, 1788 first fleet arives in australia Period: Nov 3, 1788 to Nov 3, 1850 catholics Jan 31, 1792 catholics settlers petition the governor Feb 14, 1797 catholics in australia Mar 9, 1798 the first two priests arrive in australia Mar 28, 1803 first mass alowed to be celebrated Apr 5, 1817 first free priest arrived Apr 13, 1820 first official catholic priests arrive Apr 30, 1828 catholics in new south whales May 4, 1829 emancipation act in england May 11, 1830 first important officials in new south whales who were catholics arrived May 18, 1835 bishop polding appointing Jun 19, 1836 church act Jun 20, 1838 myall creek massacres- white settlers killed a group of aboriginies at myall creek Jul 5, 1838 caroline chisolm championed the cause of women and emigrants Aug 7, 1842 polding appointed archbishop Aug 27, 1843 first priest arrives in brisbane
