The school community gathered together for the Opening School Mass on Friday, 6th February 2026.
Over 1500 students, staff, parents, grandparents, carers and special guests gathered in The Morley Centre for the 2026 Opening School Mass.
The Catherine McAuley Westmead Opening School Mass on Friday, 6th February 2026 marked a meaningful and uplifting start to the school year.
Students, staff, parents and a wide range of honoured guests gathered together, including Sisters of Mercy, representatives from the Parents & Carers Group, staff from Catholic Schools Diocese of Parramatta and neighbouring schools.
Thank you to Most Rev. Vincent Long Van Nguyen, OFM. Conv DD STL, Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta; Very Rev Father Robert Riedling, Dean and Administrator of Parramatta Cathedral, Episcopal Vicar for Education; and Rev Father Walter Fogarty, Coordinating Pastor of Westmead Catholic Community for concelebrating the Mass with the school.
At the conclusion of the Mass the student leaders for the Student Representative Council, Mercy in Action, House, Liturgy, and Year 10 Peer Mentors, were commissioned. The leaders made their act of commitment in the presence of the school community and were presented with their badges.
Ms L. Morrison, Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7 and Mercedes, Year 7 student, lighting the Year 7 candle.
The Year 7 students had the Year 7 candle lit for the first time by Ms L. Morrison, Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7 and Year 7 student Mercedes. This candle symbolises Christ’s presence amongst the Year 7 group and is a candle which will accompany them throughout their time at the school. The Year 7 students were then invited to move out of their seats, with their newly presented bibles, and form a circle of mercy around the Morley Centre.
Finally, new staff joining the Catherine McAuley Westmead community were commissioned with Ms Refalo, School Principal, inviting the new staff members to come forward and receive a Staff Candle which was lit by the School Captains from the School Candle. The school welcomes Mrs K. Kelly, Mrs G. McDermott, Mrs A. Danaher, Mr H. Erwin, Miss H. Kaur, Mr R. Limbaga, Ms M. Mai, Miss E. Moyo, Mr P. Ogle, Miss N. Prasad and Miss L. Puzny.
Year 12 Hospitality students served an afternoon tea for guests in the school library at the conclusion of the mass.
Thank you to all those who helped celebrate the beginning of the 2026 school year.
View all photos from this event
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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OPENING SCHOOL MASS ✝ New staff were commissioned today at the Opening School Mass. All new staff received a Staff Candle, which was lit by the School Captains from the School Candle. The new staff members then joined with the Year 7 students in forming a circle of mercy around the Morley Centre.
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