Timeline of the Catholic Church in Australia

By japarjen

  • arrival of First Fleet at Sydney Cove

    The arrival of First Fleet included Catholics and
    possibly the first Mass on Australian soil was celebrated by Fr. Receveur

  • first public Mass

    first public Mass celebrated by Fr. Dixon in Sydney

  • the first official priests arrive

    Frs. Therry and Conolly (the first official priests) arrive

  • construction of first Catholic church

    construction of first Catholic church as a permanent building at Richmond, Tasmania

  • Australia’s first Catholic bishop

    Pope Greogy XVI appoints Fr. Bede Polding as Australia’s first Catholic bishop

  • first Bishop of Hobart

    Robert Wilson appointed first Bishop of Hobart

  • first Bishop of Perth

    John Brady appointed the first Bishop of Perth

  • first Bishop of Melbourne

    James Alipius Goold appointed first Bishop of Melbourne

  • the Catholic Church in Australia is divided

    the Catholic Church in Australia is divided into provinces and dioceses

  • first Bishop of Brisbane

    James Quinn appointed first Bishop of Brisbane

  • Mercy Sisters arrival

    Mercy Sisters arrive in Queensland

  • Sisters of St. Joseph founded

    Mary McKillop and Fr. Julian Tenison Woods found Sisters of St. Joseph

  • Christian Brothers arrival

    Christian Brothers arrive in Melbourne
  • Period: to

    state-aid to Church schools is ended

    colonial governments end state-aid to Church schools

  • St. Vincent de Paul Society established

    first permanent St. Vincent de Paul Society established in Australia

  • resumption of State Aid to Catholic schools

    resumption of State Aid to Catholic schools

  • first visit by a Pope

    first visit to Australia by a Pope (Pope Paul VI)

  • second visit from a Pope

    second visit from a Pope (Pope John Paul II)

  • beatification of Saint Mary Mackillop

    Pope John Paul II visits for the second time to beatify Saint Mary Mackillop

  • Pope Benedict XVI arrives for World Youth Day

    XXIII World Youth Day is held in Sydney
    Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Sydney for World Youth Day