Australian National UniversityCatholic Society

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.

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First time? Start with our New Here guide →

Next MassFriday, 6 pmSt John the Evangelist ChapelNext ConfessionFriday, 5:30 pmBefore Mass, in the chapelNext Society EventSee the weekly scheduleEvery week during semesterThis WeekFull scheduleEverything on this week →
Your Home on Campus

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 5:30 pm, Mass at 6:00 pm, then pizza in the chaplaincy room.

Between liturgies you will find us at coffee catch-ups, women’s groups, formation sessions, public lectures, and social events around campus and Canberra. You can simply drop in to anything — no membership, booking or prior knowledge required.

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Friday evening Mass inside the St John the Evangelist Chapel
Friday Mass in the chapel, Daley Road
Choose Your Next Step

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.

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I'm looking for community

Pizza after Friday Mass, coffee catch-ups, dinners and socials — friendship is half of what we do.

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I want to explore Catholicism

Curious, sceptical or somewhere in between — questions are welcome here. No sign-up required.

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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.

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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.

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I want to become Catholic

The path is called OCIA. Our chaplain may run it, or we point you to a nearby parish — start with a conversation.

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What's On

Upcoming events

The Roncalli Lecture: Contemporary Questions of Human Dignity

Wednesday 21 October 2026 · 6 pm–7:15 pm

Hedley Bull Building, Theatre 1, ANU · Free

The Roncalli Lecture is an ANU tradition first established at John XXIII College in 1991, and we are delighted to be reviving it after almost a decade. This year David Smith MP, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship, speaks on Contemporary Questions of Human Dignity - how the Catholic tradition reads human dignity, public life, public policy and the common good. Free, and open to everyone; registration is appreciated.

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See all events and the weekly schedule →

Why We Exist

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.

Read our mission and history →

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+
Life Together

A year in the Society

Archbishop Christopher Prowse addressing students
The Archbishop's Visit
Fr Anthony Walsh OP speaking with students outside the chapel at dusk
Dominican Retreat
A large group of students gathered after a formation evening
MGL Faith Formation
The chapel roofline and cross at dusk with Telstra Tower behind
Jesus Youth Adoration Night

More photos and our Instagram →

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.

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