Australian National University
Catholic Society
Fides et Ratio — Faith and Reason
Faith and friendship at the heart of Australia's national university. Join a welcoming community of students seeking Christ through the sacraments, prayer, formation, service and life together.
First time? Start with our New Here guide →
A place for prayer, friendship and study
The Society gathers at the St John the Evangelist Chapel at 51 Daley Road — a short walk from Kambri, beside John XXIII College. Friday evenings are the heart of our week: confession and quiet adoration from 4:30 pm, Mass at 5:30 pm, then pizza in the courtyard.
Between liturgies you will find us at coffee catch-ups, Bible studies, lectures and dinners around campus and Canberra. You can simply drop in to anything — no membership, booking or prior knowledge required.
Wherever you're starting from
I want to attend Mass
Mass is on campus every Friday in semester, and all over Canberra on Sundays. Come as you are.
Go →I'm looking for community
Pizza after Friday Mass, coffee catch-ups, dinners and socials — friendship is half of what we do.
Go →I want to explore Catholicism
Curious, sceptical or somewhere in between — questions are welcome here. No sign-up required.
Go →I'd like to return to the faith
Been away a while? You are not the first. Start with Mass, or a quiet word with the chaplain.
Go →I'd like to speak with someone
Message us to meet a committee member before your first event, or to talk with the chaplain privately.
Go →I want to become Catholic
Ten catechumens are currently preparing through the Society. The path is called OCIA — start with a conversation.
Go →Upcoming events
Nothing special is scheduled right now — we are likely between semesters. Friday Mass and our weekly gatherings continue through teaching weeks, and new events land first on Instagram.
Faith and reason, side by side
The ANU Catholic Society is the home of Catholic students on campus. As a society with strong Dominican origins, our motto - Fides et Ratio, Faith and Reason - draws from St Thomas Aquinas, who taught that rigorous intellectual inquiry and a life of deep faith are not opposing paths but complementary pursuits that lead to truth.
In this spirit, the Society provides a nourishing Catholic community that supports ANU students as they grow in faith and deepen their understanding of the world at university.
- catechumens in the past two years
- 15
- of the Archdiocese's current seminarians were associated with the Society
- 57%
- current student members
- 70
- social media followers
- 5,500+
A year in the Society
There is a place for you here.
Come to Mass, share a meal, join a discussion — or simply meet someone from the Society before your first event.