Fr James Dixon

  • Queen’s Birthday for Catholics

    By Jordan Grantham, Catholic Outlook   The official birthday of the sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is shrouded in mystery for many Australians. Was that the Queen’s real birthday? What does it mean? And what relevance does the day have for Catholics in the Diocese of Parramatta? A...
  • Celebrating St Patrick, who inspired a global missionary effort

    By Ben Smith, Catholic Outlook, March 2017 On 17 March we celebrate St Patrick’s Day. It is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. In Ireland, 17 March is a public holiday. Celebrations also occur in Great Britain, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Argentina, Russia, the Caribbean, and...
  • Historical Series: Fr James Dixon, Parramatta Pioneer

    By Jordan Grantham, Catholic Outlook   Fr James Dixon was a prisoner priest in the early Colony of New South Wales and said the first Mass sanctioned by the government. The proclamation was read at Government House, Parramatta, and the first Mass was celebrated in Sydney on 15 May...