A new generation of teachers and school leaders has been formally welcomed into the mission of Catholic education at the 2026 Sydney Catholic Schools Commissioning Mass, held at St Mary’s Cathedral.

Celebrated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher, 300 beginning teachers and 88 new Principals, Assistant Principals and Religious Education Coordinators, marked the start of their journeys, which Sydney Catholic Schools Executive Director Danielle Cronin described as a ‘uniquely transformative, deeply spiritual and profoundly life-changing’ calling. 

“Put simply, we are entrusted with the sacred task of forming students — mind, heart, hands and spirit. We don’t merely teach subjects; we witness a way of life — a life of faith, compassion, service, love, and human excellence.”

“We are fortunate to be able to draw on and be inspired by the richness of our Catholic Intellectual Tradition, which integrates faith, reason, and knowledge and is expressed through a rich and ever-expanding canon of art, music, literature, and philosophy.”

In his homily, Archbishop Fisher urged  teachers and leaders to have confidence in their vocation, to show courage in their leadership, and find joy in their faith and mission. 

“Catholic leaders and teachers have an especially precious task: to treasure and transmit that news, that faith, to others, so they too might have fullness of life,” Archbishop Fisher said. 

“Bringing young people to Christ is doing them the greatest favour we can.”

Among those commissioned was Andrew Maher, who began his role as Principal of Corpus Christi College Maroubra earlier this year.

The College has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, including the transition to co-education, a new uniform, major building works and a new name — an energy that Mr Maher said drew him to the community.

“The excitement hasn’t worn off,” he said. “Each day I look forward to arriving at the College and working alongside a passionate, enthusiastic and expert team of staff, and watching our wonderfully talented student body work hard, collaborate, be curious, look after each other and learn together.”

The Mass also recognised beginning teachers embarking on their very first year in Catholic education.

Among them was Toni Deeb, a Year 6 teacher at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School Ashbury, who said joining the school community had been a deeply meaningful experience.

“I have been welcomed with open arms, to be part of a place where students, families and staff can grow together and live our school motto – serviam, I will serve,” she said.

“Helping young people deepen and grow their connection with God is truly something special, and it is a privilege to contribute to students’ faith and spiritual journeys.”

The Commissioning Mass serves as a powerful reminder that Catholic education is a shared mission — uniting educators, leaders, families and the wider Archdiocese of Sydney in service of students and the building of God’s kingdom.

Sydney Catholic Schools extends its congratulations and prayers to all those commissioned in 2026 as they begin this important ministry.