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- A Message from the Principal
- A Message from the Assistant Principal
- A Message from the Leader of Ministry
- Wati Discovery House (Years 7 and 8)
- Watha Endeavor House (Years 9 and 10)
- Bathu Horizons House (Years 11 and 12)
- A Message from the Leader of Learning - TAS
- A Message from the Leader of Learning - CAPA
- A message from the External Sports Coordinator
- A Message from the Ursula Frayne Library Team
- Upcoming Events - Term 4
- Parish Mass Times
Bernard Burgess
Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ was rich, but he became poor,
To make you rich out of his poverty.
Alleluia. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Dear Catherine McAulay Catholic College families,
This week the very first Year 12 graduating class for Catherine McAulay Catholic College, Medowie experienced the very first Graduation Mass, Assembly and Graduate Clap out. Our first cohort of graduates are a credit to our College, their families and themselves.
I have included below my Graduation Assembly speech and some photos from the day for all in the CMCC community to see and hopefully be able to share in some of the experience of our Year 12 cohort’s Graduation Day.
Distinguished guests, parents, carers, families, Year 11 students, and most importantly, the trailblazing Year 12 graduates of Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie. Welcome to this momentous and historic occasion.
As Mrs Denham, your long time mentor and Head of House has expressed, you have been part of many “firsts” in the brief yet remarkable history of CMCC.
Today, you etch your names into the College’s story as its very first graduating class - a milestone we honour with pride and with joy.
A heartfelt acknowledgment must go to the families of our Year 12 students who, in 2021, placed their faith in a vision, a newly established Catholic College with no legacy, only promise. On that first morning, Mr Donohoe received the keys and opened the doors to our first cohort of Year 7 and 8 students. That leap of faith marked the beginning of a journey that has led us to this very celebration today.
The foundation of our College was not laid overnight. It was the result of years of thoughtful planning, staunch support from the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, all levels of government, the Catholic Schools Office and the bold spirit of our founding staff. Through innovative building designs and learning structures and a courageous approach to contemporary education, what was built was more than a school, it was a community and the loyalty and commitment of our students, and their families has ensured that what was envisioned now thrives.
Year 12, as you look back on your five-year journey, you will recall moments of laughter, growth, challenge, and triumph. But you did not walk this path alone. Your achievements are shared with your teachers, who have guided you with wisdom and care, and most profoundly it is shared with your families, whose love and support have been your constant companions.
Year 12, I invite you now to stand and face your families and offer them your heartfelt thanks.
Year 12 - Your appreciation for your teachers and educators has shone brightly at recent events and celebrations, and you will have further opportunities to express your gratitude. Let’s also take a moment to honour the quiet heroes of our College, our support staff. From Mr Spence’s legendary BBQs to the warmth and hospitality of our office team, their contributions have enriched your experience in countless ways, and I know you will acknowledge and thank them in your own individual ways.
I personally take this opportunity to thank every staff member across the College who in so many ways have contributed to today’s celebrations and to ensuring the occasion has been meticulously and fittingly prepared and delivered.
Year 12, you have made your families, your teachers, and your College proud. As pioneers, you have grown not only in knowledge but in faith and character, embodying our values of Compassion, Courage, Hospitality, and Faith in Action.
Throughout this week, your approach to your final days of schooling at CMCC have been exemplary. You have indeed set a high bar for all who follow you, in the way that you have conducted yourselves, celebrated and displayed community spirit reflective of all that we hope for in our students. You are to be congratulated on the high expectations you have for yourselves and that align with our College expectations.
Already, 34 of you have received early university offers in fields as diverse as Law, Education, Health, and Construction and yet continue to strive for excellence in your HSC and ATAR that will undoubtedly see you achieve your personal and academic goals and the realisation of offers in ever expanding fields such as Medicine and Engineering.
Others have secured apprenticeships, enrolled in TAFE, or are preparing to enter the workforce. Whatever path you choose and follow, you carry with you the spirit and vision that has shaped CMCC.
We look forward to staying connected and hearing of your future achievements through our Circle of Mercy Alumni platform and may you continue to be changemakers and trailblazers in your communities and far beyond.
In closing, Catherine McAuley has been your shining lamp giving light to your path for the past five years. May her words and example continue to inspire you as you navigate life’s journey and may you always “strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
God bless you, Year 12.
United in Mercy
Bernard Burgess
College Principal
Claudette Stace
Celebrating the End of Term 3 and the Class of 2025
As Term 3 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible efforts and achievements of our school community. This term has been filled with learning, growth, resilience, and collaboration and we are proud of every student and staff member who has contributed to making it a success.
A special acknowledgement goes to our dedicated staff, whose unwavering commitment to student wellbeing and academic excellence continues to shape a positive and inspiring learning environment. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we thank you for everything you do.
This term also marks a significant milestone: the final graduation of our Year 12 students. The Class of 2025 has shown remarkable perseverance, leadership, and spirit throughout their senior years. As they prepare to embark on their HSC exams and the next chapter of their lives, we celebrate their journey and all they have accomplished.
To our Year 12 students, congratulations on reaching this important moment. We wish you every success in your exams and beyond. May your futures be bright, fulfilling, and full of possibility.
Please see below an important message regarding Student BYOD devices and Windows 10:
Please see below a resource for all parents and carers to familiarise themselves with some Catholic beliefs and traditions:
Please see below a message for Port Stephens Libraries school holiday programme:
Enjoy a well-deserved break, and we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for Term 4!
United in Mercy
Siobhan Kelly
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” (Catherine McAuley)
We are very much looking forward to the upcoming Ministry events at Catherine McAuley Catholic College as we enter the final weeks of Term 3 and prepare for the beginning of Term 4.
Our first major celebration will be the Year 12 Graduation Mass on Thursday 25 September at 9:45am in the College Chapel. This is a momentous milestone as our very first graduating class reaches the end of their 13 years of education. It will be a special time of thanksgiving and blessing, as we honour their achievements and send them forth with our prayers. During this Mass, we will also hold a commissioning ceremony for our new student leaders, as the leadership baton is passed from the 2025 to the 2026 Student Leadership Team. We congratulate our incoming leaders on their successful appointment and look forward to the way they will guide our community with faith and integrity.
Next, we eagerly anticipate Mercy Day on Wednesday 15 October, the first Wednesday of Term 4. This year our celebrations will centre on the Mercy Value of courage. Catherine McAuley embodied this value as she educated and housed vulnerable people in Ireland during the penal times, despite the dangers of doing so. Our whole-school liturgy will reflect on her courage and challenge us to live it out today. Following this, students will enjoy an extended Break 2 with food stalls offering sausage sizzles, cakes, milkshakes, soft drinks, and treats, before moving into a range of fun faculty-led activities.
In Week 2 of Term 4, our Year 12 students will embark on their retreat, themed On The Road. This retreat will invite them to reflect on their journey so far, strengthen their sense of community, and discover anew that Jesus walks with them always, especially as they take their next steps into Year 12 and beyond.
Finally, we warmly invite all families to join us for our Family Mass at St Stephen’s Catholic Church, Tea Gardens on Sunday 16th November at 8:30am. Family Mass is a beautiful opportunity for us to come together as one united community in Mercy to pray, celebrate, and strengthen the bonds that connect us as families and as a College community. The celebration will feature a children’s choir, morning tea, helium balloons, and bracelets for all children who attend. It promises to be a joyful occasion for the whole family.
We look forward to sharing these rich moments of faith, celebration, and community with our students and families and we wish you all the best for the coming holidays.
United in Mercy
Siobhan Kelly
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Hello families
Term 3 has been a busy and exciting time for our Wati House! As we head into the last term of 2025, it is valuable to look back on the special achievements of Year 7 & Year 8. I am particularly proud of their academic progress highlighted in their recent Assessment Tasks, giving their best in all they do. In the House Celebration on Monday, I asked them to keep striving to do the little things well. As Cathrine McAuley herself said, "We must strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well." In further news, I spoke to Wati House around the Parental Leave I am taking in Term 4 with my own family. I want to thank the students and families for their hospitality this year and wish everyone well for term 4 and the holidays. I would like to welcome Mr Robert Bain to the role in Term 4. Please reach out to robert.bain@mn.catholic.edu.au for any inquiries moving forward. Year 7 & Year 8 are in great hands! Finally, congratulations to the Mercy Value Award winners for Term 3, celebrated on Monday, I am very proud of you and all of our Wati House:
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
| Harry Murchie | Annika McFarlane |
| Ashlee Lopez-Perez | Charlotte Manewell |
| Eva Cashel | Charlotte Jones |
| Hunter Ridgeway | Eden Bland |
| Lucca O'Neil | Holly Williams |
| Lucy Dalton | Jacob Randall |
| Ruby Scholl | Millicent Fogarty |
| Shanique Robertson | Owen Kempf |
| Zara McCaull | Riley Blanch |
Year 7 Highlight from Mr Moore
As we finish Term 3, I want to celebrate the wonderful community spirit shown by our Year 7 students. A real highlight was their involvement in R U OK? Day, where many students accessorised with yellow to show their support and spread awareness about the importance of checking in with others. Another highlight was when the Year 10 PASS students delivered their "Tabloid Games" which included exciting, fun and competitive games which saw a number of students represent their LEA and compete for glory! It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and care for one another on display during these events. Congratulations to 7.1 LEA on victory!
Our theme of Stewardship has guided much of our learning this term, encouraging students to use their gifts to make a positive difference. As we move into Term 4, Year 7 students are now preparing to celebrate their growth and success through the upcoming Learner Led Conferences, taking place in Weeks 5 and 6.
With the move to summer uniform and warmer weather, a reminder that students are expected to wear hats during PDHPE and while out on the playground.
Well done, Year 7, on a fantastic Term 3!
Year 8 Highlight from Ms Koch
Year 8 students had a fantastic time taking part in the Tabloid Games, which were proudly run by the Year 10 PASS classes. Competing in their LEA groups, students moved through a variety of fun, energetic activities, from relays to team challenges, cheering each other on along the way. It was wonderful to see Year 8 stepping out of their comfort zones and working together. Their energy and positive attitude made the day a great success.
United in Mercy,
Wati Discovery House Leaders
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It has been my pleasure to work with our Year 9 and Year 10 students as Head of House for Watha this term. I have been inspired by the way our students continue to strive to be their best, showing endeavour not just in their studies, but also in the way they support one another and contribute to the wider school community.
This week, we celebrated our Mercy Value Awards for Year 9 and Year 10. These awards, chosen by teachers, recognise students who consistently live out the values of our school – compassion, courage, faith in action, and hospitality. Following in the spirit of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, these students demonstrate the everyday leadership, kindness, and integrity that make our community stronger. Congratulations to all of our award recipients!
It has also been a memorable term for both year groups. Mrs Stoneman has really enjoyed her first term with Year 10, and has spoken about how impressed she has been with their maturity, leadership, and willingness to engage in their learning. Their efforts this term have set a strong foundation as they move further into their senior school journey.
Meanwhile, Year 9 have also had a fantastic term, highlighted by their collaborative project creating stepping stones that will become a permanent part of our school community. This project was more than just an artwork – it was a symbol of unity, creativity, and leaving a legacy that future students will walk alongside. It has been wonderful to see the way Year 9 came together to achieve this, and it reflects the spirit of teamwork and endeavour that defines Watha House.
Alongside this, it was wonderful to celebrate the achievements of our students at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival. Their hard work, determination, and team spirit were on full display, and their results were a credit to both themselves and Watha House. We are proud to share a photo of our representatives who competed with such enthusiasm and courage.
Looking ahead, I am excited to share that next term I will be stepping into the role of Wati House Year 9 and 10 Head of House, while Mr Mahony is on leave. While I will miss working with Watha in this capacity, I am looking forward to continuing to support our students in new ways and to building on the fantastic community spirit that both Watha and Wati Houses share.
Congratulations again to all our Mercy Award and sporting recipients – your achievements are a reminder of what it means to live with endeavour and uphold our school’s Mercy values every day.
United in Mercy,
Watha Endeavour House Leaders
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Hello families,
Year 11 Highlight from Mrs Browne
I would like to extend my congratulations to our Year 11 students for the maturity, commitment, and positive attitude they displayed throughout their Preliminary Examinations. Their preparation and focus were evident, and the way they supported one another during this important stage of their academic journey was commendable. In addition, their respectful behaviour and strong presence at our first-ever Year 12 Graduation demonstrated both leadership and school pride. By representing the College with such dignity at this monumental moment in our history, Year 11 showed that they are ready to step into their role as the new senior leaders of Catherine McAuley Catholic College.
I hope all Year 11 students enjoy a well-deserved holiday after their hard work this term. I look forward to welcoming them back in Term 4, where we will take time to reflect on their Preliminary Examination feedback and continue their journey with the Year 11 Retreat in Week 2—an important opportunity for growth, connection, and preparation as they step into their final year of schooling.
Year 12 Highlight from Ms Harrison
Our first-ever Graduation Mass, Ceremony, and clap out at Catherine McAuley Catholic College was a truly historic and joy-filled occasion. It was a day marked by reverence, gratitude, and celebration as our community gathered to honour the achievements of our inaugural graduating class. The Mass set a reflective and prayerful tone, reminding us of Catherine McAuley’s wisdom that “We must strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.” The ceremony that followed was a beautiful acknowledgement of the students’ growth, resilience, and leadership, while the clap out provided a heartfelt and symbolic farewell. I am deeply grateful to our graduating students for the legacy they leave, and to the staff whose dedication and generosity made this milestone so special. Together, we have created memories that will forever be part of the story of Catherine McAuley Catholic College.
Congratulations to our Graduating class of 2025.
Major Award Winners:
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2025 Year 12 Academic Leader - Taylor Smith |
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2025 Inaugural Sportsperson Award - Dixie Conlon |
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2025 Inaugural Creative and Performing Arts Award - Nina Easthope |
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2025 Inaugural Mercy Award - Amy Grant |
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2025 Inaugural Future Pathways Award - Imogen York |
United in Mercy,
Bathu Discovery House Leaders
Richard Brown
HSC Major Projects
Congratulations to all of our Year 12 TAS students for the completion of their Major Projects! There has been a few setbacks along the way but it is great to see the finished projects and all the hard work that has gone into making them.
Thank you to all teaching and support staff for their assistance and perseverance to get the students over the line. Good luck to our Year 12 students with their final HSC examinations!
Industrial Technology Timber Major Projects:
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| Dewald Karsten – Bedside Cabinet | Jesse Nolan – Blanket Box |
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| Will Bradshaw – Desk and Drawers | Tyson Salway – Bedside Cabinet |
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| Isabelle Lilley – Jewellery Box | Ben Ringrose – Bedside Cabinet |
Industrial Technology Multimedia: Screenshots from Major Projects
Ryan Breslin – Music video using 3D modelling and motion tracking
Jackson Gregori – History of golf and golf tutorial with special effects
Jayden Belan – Time passing music video
Bailey Kent – 2D pixel art platform game
Design & Technology Major Projects
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| Ryan Breslin - Customisable Medical ID | Steph Hallan - Small space storage solution |
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| Jackson Gregori - Skateboarding training device & app |
Alfie Jadric - Battery sorting device |
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| Milla Doherty - Customisable sustainable event arch | Jayden Belan - Gardening tool for people with hand issues |
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| Bailey Kent - Universal vacuum nozzle for small crevices |
From Kayla Dowling – TAS and Hospitality Stage 4:
Our Year 7 students have been cooking up a storm in Technical and Applied Sciences! From sizzling tacos to gooey chocolate chip cookies and creamy mushroom and cheese pasta, the classroom has never smelled so delicious. But it’s not just about food—students are also diving into the digital world, developing game apps and learning how to navigate the internet safely and smartly.
Meanwhile, our Year 8 students are hands-on in Materials Technology, mastering skills in both Engineered Systems and Textiles. Their creativity shines through in the sensational items they’ve crafted, including stylish tote bags and clever mobile device holders.
TAS subjects are more than just fun—they foster collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and empower students to design real-world solutions. We’re proud of the innovation and enthusiasm our students bring to every project!
Elyse North
HSC Major Works
Drama HSC OnStage Nominations
We are thrilled to congratulate our talented students on their OnStage nominations, the highest recognition for HSC Drama performances in NSW.
- Group Performance Nomination for ‘All Boxed In’, an original and powerful piece about conformity and societal pressures performed by Nina Easthope, Charlie Harford, Jayden Holstein and Angelique Whatham.
- Individual Performance Nomination for Jayden Holstein for his intense and harrowing portrayal of Dr Jekyll.
We are so proud of the creativity, courage and dedication shown by our students and are grateful for the guidance of their talented and inspirational teacher, Ms. Tamara Carrigan. What an incredible achievement for the very first Drama class at CMCC!
HSC Visual Arts Body of Work Submissions
Congratulations to our Year 12 Visual Arts class on the submission of their Body of Work for the HSC Visual Arts course. These works are the culmination of many months of creativity, perseverance, and artistic growth as students explored ideas, refined their skills, and brought their visions to life. The variety and quality of the works reflect the individuality and passion of each student, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts and that of Mrs. Aleeah Maffesoni in guiding them through the course.
Due to restrictions in the marking processes for this course, we will publish images of our Body of Works in Term 4.
HSC Music 1 Practical Marking
Our Year 12 Music 1 students presented their program of works in Week 9, Term 3. This was a valuable opportunity for our students to showcase the dedication and effort they have put into developing their performance, composition and musicology knowledge skills throughout their time at CMCC. We are so proud of the way our Year 12 students represented themselves and our school community, highlighting both their creativity and commitment to excellence. A special thanks goes to their classroom teacher, Mrs. Louiza Mavros for her support of our students.
A special thanks also goes to Alex Kurtz (Year 11), Spencer Merriman (Year 11) and Bastian Nolen (Year 9) for accompanying students in performances.
Mat Bailey
Our students have continued to represent our College across a variety of sports this term, with a great sense of pride.
Boys Netball Final
Our Boys Netball teams performed well during the regional finals day of competition held in Maitland last week. Against some strong competition, the Year 9/10 team won three of their six matches, while the Year 7/8 team secured the one win. Both teams displayed energy and perseverance. A huge thank you to Makenna Penfold and Haylea Caldwell (Year 9) for supporting the day by umpiring games.
Boys U/13’s Rugby League 9’s
Our Under 13’s Rugby League team competed in the recent 9’s event, where they had two pool game wins to qualify for the quarter finals. They were narrowly defeated by a strong Maitland High School side. Well done to all the boys who displayed some quality football throughout the day.
Athletics Age Champions
During our recent whole school assembly, we celebrated our Age Champions from the College Athletics Carnival that took place at the end of Term 2, recognising their excellent performances. Congratulations to:
12 Years – Cooper Ashpole and Lucca O'Neill
13 Years – Xavien Dorin and Clair Cousins
14 Years – Noah Bremmell and Siena Todd
15 Years – Thomas Lynch and Lily McCaull
16 Years – Darryn Vaggs and Heidi Gibson
17+ Years – Tyler Martin and Dixie Conlon
NSWCCC Athletics
Nine of our students represented the College at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships held in Sydney, competing against some of the best athletes in the state. Well done to Dixie Conlon (Year 12), Oliver Lawrence, Tyler Martin (Year 11), Thomas Lynch (Year 9), Isla Bailey, Owen Kempf (Year 8), Ashton Mabb, Clair Cousins and Shanique Robertson (Year 7) for their efforts in their events, with many achieving personal bests. A special mention goes to Dixie Conlon, who earned multiple bronze medals in her events – an outstanding achievement at this level.
Congratulations to all students who have been involved in our College sporting teams this term. Your teamwork and pride in representing the College are to be celebrated. We also thank our amazing staff who coach our teams in making these events a success.
Michelle Philpott
It has been a wonderfully busy and vibrant term in the Library celebrating the love of reading, creativity and collaboration. From the excitement of Book Week to the creativity of Write A Book In A Day our students have fully embraced the fun of stories and the roles they play in their lives.
Book Week: Book An Adventure
This year’s theme Book An Adventure invited a connection with books and where they take us. Students and staff alike joined in a week of competitive fun from designing artistic bookmarks to quizzes and solving complex puzzles. For the entire week the Library was transformed into a celebration of literature, with themed displays and lunchtime activities for students to explore new genres and voices.
Write a Book in a Day: Creativity Under Pressure
The culmination of Book Week was our participation in Write a Book in a Day, a national competition that combines storytelling with teamwork and a tight deadline. We entered a Year 8 team and a Year 9-10 team this year and in just one day, 8am-8pm the teams brainstormed, wrote, illustrated, and submitted 2 complete books—all while raising funds for children’s cancer research. Congratulations to both teams who combined to raise a total of $1212!!!! WOW!
The energy in the library was electric as students collaborated, problem-solved, and supported one another through the creative process. The final products were impressive, showcasing not only their writing skills but also their empathy, humour, and imagination. There is a copy of both books in our Library and both books will now be shared with children in hospitals, making the experience even more meaningful. Very proud of the teams and their faith in action.
Looking Ahead
As we head into the final term of the year, we’re excited to continue the building of our current collection with new YA book purchases to foster a love of reading and learning. The library remains a very popular and welcoming space for curiosity, creativity, and connection—and we thank our school community for their ongoing support.
A quick reminder: To help us keep our library collection in great shape, we kindly ask parents to support their children in returning all class texts and renew personal borrowing by the end of each term. Your help ensures that all students can continue to enjoy access to a wide range of resources.
Happy Holiday Reading!
The Ursula Frayne Library Team
Key Dates 2025 |
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Friday 26th September |
Pupil Free Day / Staff Development Day |
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Monday 13 October |
First Day for Students |
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Wednesday 15 October |
Mercy Day |
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Thursday 16 October- Friday 7 November |
Year 12 HSC |
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Friday 7 November |
Year 12 College Formal |
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Wednesday 19 November |
Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Meeting - 6pm |
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Wednesday 17 December |
Last day of school for students |
St Brigid’s, Raymond Terrace
(69 William Street)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 5.30pm
Sunday 9.30am
Weekday Mass:
Tuesday 7.00am
Wednesday 7.00am
Friday 9.15am
St Christopher’s, Medowie
(On the site of Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 5.30pm
Weekday Mass:
Tuesday 5.30pm
Friday 5.30pm
Our Lady Help of Christians, Mallabula
(1193 Lemon Tree Passage Road)
Weekend Mass:
Sunday 7.30am
Weekday Mass:
Thursday 9.15am
St Michael's, Nelson Bay
(12 Sproule St)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 5.00pm
Sunday 8.30am
Weekday Mass:
Tuesday 5.00pm
Wednesday 9.15am
Thursday 5.00pm
Friday No Mass
St Brigid's, Buladelah
(26 Buladelah Way)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 5:00pm (1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays)
Sunday 8:30am (2nd & 4th Sundays)
St Stephen's, Tea Gardens
(Witt St)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 5:00pm (2nd & 4th Saturdays)
Sunday 8:30am (1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays)
Our Lady of Rosary, Karuah
(Tarean Street)
Weekend Mass:
Saturday 6:30pm (Vigil - 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays)
Sunday 8:30am (2nd & 4th Sundays)
St Peter-in-Chains, Stockton
(13 Dunbar Street)
Weekend Mass:
Sunday 9:00am
Weekday Mass:
Thursday 8.30am