Catholic schools honour Bishop Manning’s legacy

Bishop Manning Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese mourns the loss of Diocese of Parramatta Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning who passed away yesterday. Bishop Manning who attended and studied for the priesthood at St Columba’s College Springwood, served as Bishop of Parramatta from 1997 to 2010.

Through his leadership, characterised by compassion and commitment, Bishop Manning left an indelible mark on the Parramatta community. He was the Patron of the Bishop Manning Support Fund, a charitable fund established in 2007 by Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese to receive tax-deductible donations to provide financial assistance for families in the Diocese who would like a Catholic education for their children, but for whom the cost is out of reach.

Executive Director of Catholic Schools Jack de Groot served alongside Bishop Manning on the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council during the 1990s. He said Bishop Manning’s commitment to equitable access to Catholic schooling and contribution to education in the Diocese of Parramatta leaves a proud legacy.

"Bishop Manning’s personal experiences deeply informed his advocacy for Catholic Social Teaching, particularly regarding workers' rights," said Jack. "His time in Armidale also fueled his commitment to supporting First Australians, highlighting the injustices of poverty and discrimination."

One of seven children, Bishop Manning left school at 14 to work and support his family. These early experiences of hardship, coupled with a desire to share what little he had with those in need, shaped his profound commitment to social justice. Bishop Manning was a strong advocate for workplace relations, social justice and especially his careful fostering of good relations with Muslims.

Diocese of Parramatta Curia member Sr Patty Andrew OSU served as Principal of Holy Family Primary Luddenham during the time Bishop Manning led the Diocese and says his ability to connect through shared experience exemplified his dedication to community.

"One fond memory I have is from a special Holy Family Luddenham Parish anniversary celebration in the mid-1990s," said Sr Patty. "During Mass, Bishop Kevin made a profound connection with the congregation, sharing a personal story from his youth when, as a young seminarian, he worked on the construction of the Warragamba Dam during his holidays. This experience allowed him to spend time with the labourers, and he emphasised how much he learned from them. His heartfelt reflections resonated deeply with the working-class community gathered that evening."

Former Executive Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Greg Whitby AM KSG fondly remembers Bishop Manning as a good pastor with “clarity of purpose for Catholic schooling”. He also admired Bishop Manning’s leadership on interfaith dialogue, observing that this is such a relevant focus for our times.

Former Executive Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Dr Anne Benjamin worked with Bishop Manning during his time in Armidale and for a long period when he was Bishop of Parramatta and paid tribute to his legacy of supporting school communities.

“I remember Bishop Kevin as a pastor who made a priority for the wellbeing of children in our schools,” said Anne. “He supported the work of teachers and put trust in our staff. We shared a mutual respect and regard."

“We will continue to honour Bishop Manning’s legacy through the Support Fund in his name,” Jack de Groot added. “Bishop Manning stood with people who experienced disadvantage and had such solidarity with people doing it tough. The Support Fund provides practical support for families who struggle with costs associated with schooling such as uniforms and technology.”

Learn more about the Bishop Manning Support Fund

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Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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29 Sep 2026
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2027 CSPD Primary Sport TEAM Registration Form (Expression of Interest) - Sport Trials (Basketball, Cricket & Tennis) - Session 1 (November 2026) AFL (Boys & Girls -trials in early 2027) Expression of Interest (EOI) Nominations are now open for students wishing to trial for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Primary Sport Teams. Parents and guardians are invited to complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form for their child to be considered for selection trials. Please note: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee attendance at a trial. All nominations are subject to school approval. 1. Sports Currently Open for Nominations The following sports are accepting nominations for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Teams. Cricket – Boys & Girls (closing date 26 October 2026) Basketball – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) Tennis – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) AFL – Boys & Girls (closing date 28th January 2027) Cricket, Basketball and Tennis trials will be held in November 2026. AFL trials will take place in early February 2027. 2. Upcoming Nominations – Term 1 and Term 2 Trials Nominations for the following sports will open on 23 November 2026 and close on Friday, 5 February 2027. Trials will be held during Term 1 and Term 2 of 2027. Hockey Football Netball Rugby League Rugby Union Softball Touch Football 3. Student Eligibility and Selection Criteria Students nominated for diocesan trials must demonstrate an above-average to high level of skill in their chosen sport. Students should have experience playing in regular competitions outside of school. For some sports, representative playing experience may also be required. Year Level Eligibility Students must generally be in Year 5 or Year 6 in 2027 to be eligible for nomination. Students entering Year 4 in 2027 who demonstrate exceptional skill and ability may also be nominated. This is open age and will compete against Year 5 & 6 students for the following sports: Hockey Softball Tennis Touch Football All nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant sport. 4. School Approval and Trial Selection All Expressions of Interest are subject to approval by the student's school principal and sports coordinator. Each sport has specific eligibility and selection criteria that schools must follow when considering nominations. Submitting an EOI does not automatically qualify a student to attend a diocesan trial. Schools have final discretion over which students are approved to attend. Students selected by their school will receive the relevant Parramatta Diocesan Team trial information directly from their school. 5. How to Submit an Expression of Interest Parents and guardians may complete this form on behalf of their child. A separate EOI form must be submitted for each child and each sport. Once all required information has been completed, click SUBMIT to register your child's Expression of Interest. https://forms.gle/22MBb12d7cZgeTzo8 6. Additional Team Sports (MacKillop level only) – CSNSW Sport Portal Nominations for the following sports will open in early 2027 and must be completed through the CSNSW Sport Portal: Diving Golf Netball – Boys Rugby 7s – Girls These sports are not included in this EOI form. 7. Further Information For further information about eligibility, nomination requirements or selection trials, please contact your school's sports coordinator. Important reminder: This registration is an Expression of Interest only. Participation in Parramatta Diocesan Team trials is subject to school approval.

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