The CCD supports Catechists in the Diocese with resources to assist them in the classroom. This page also contains a link to forms that may be required by parish coordinators.
CCD Regional Resource Centres
Each CCD Regional Centre has resources available for borrowing. There are resources to complement your lesson planning as well as resources for your own education. These include Reference books, Story & Picture books, Posters, DVDs & CDs.
To find your regional centre go to the Contact Us page.
Prayers for the School Year
Catechist Sunday
The Sunday before Ash Wednesday is traditionally Catechist Sunday in the Diocese and this year will be held on Sunday 11 February 2024. Catechist Sunday is an annual event in the CCD Calendar. Catechist Sunday originated in 1935 when the Vatican published a document ‘On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education’, which acknowledged the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and asked every country to honour those catechists who serve within their Christian communities.
As catechists begin another year of ministry, parishes are invited to stop and think about the dedicated work of these volunteers. You may choose any number of ways to recognise and celebrate their service to the parish community, such as:
- Commissioning service with blessing ceremony for catechists. Download Catechist Renewal of Commitment
- Inviting a catechist to highlight their vocation to the ministry.
- Showing the I’m a Catechist video (Parish Coordinators have these) or you can download from this link.
- Printing catechist profiles in the parish bulletin.
- Exhibit a catechetical ministries display table outside the church after Mass.
- Gathering for a catechist morning tea with the parish community after Mass.
- Distribute 'Pray for a Class' cards to parishioners, with details of a class written on reverse.
Parishes are asked to acknowledge the work and dedication of volunteer catechists, including SRE catechists, Sacramental catechists, RCIA catechists and Children’s Liturgy of the Word catechists. Because Catechist Sunday acknowledges the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry, it also provides an opportunity to recognise Catholic school teachers in the parishes.
Catholic Mission Resources
Updated Catholic Mission Resources will be accessible here as they become available.
Caritas Lenten Resources for Catechists
Caritas has once again provided us with beautiful resources for the classroom, including teaching notes, student pages, PowerPoints and videos for students. CCD has developed these resources into simple age-appropriate lessons for the various stages and these are authorised for us in our SRE classrooms during Lent.
Student Wellbeing – At Caritas Australia and CCD, we believe that all people should be treated with respect and dignity. Everyone has the right to feel safe, especially children and vulnerable adults. Please consider your audience when selecting which stories and activities to share with the students in your class. Learning about challenges to health, wellbeing and safety of others and our earth can be hard at times. We could encourage children and young people to talk to their teacher or trusted adult if they feel worried or upset about anything they have learnt through an understanding of the outreach work which Caritas does. Caritas also encourages the voice of the child and invites them to share their ideas.
CCD has authorised these three lessons – one for Kinder and Stage 1, another for Stages 2 and 3, and a third for use in Stage 4 and 5 (high school). Please ensure you use the age appropriate materials.
Primary School Resources (Kindergarten and Stage 1)
Leaia's Story Lesson Plan & Worksheets - Kinder & Stage 1
Leaia's Story Powerpoint - Kinder & Stage 1
Primary School Resources (Stages 2 and 3)
Leaia's Story Lesson Plan & Worksheets - Stages 2 and 3
Leaia's Story Powerpoint - Stages 2 and 3
High School Resources (Stages 4 and 5)
Leaia's Story - Secondary Student Workbook
Leaia's Story - Secondary Teacher's Handbook
Lesson Notes
Leaia's Story - Powerpoint
Leaia’s Story - Video (English Voiceover)
Leaia's Story - Video (Subtitles)
Powerpoint - Prayer
Ash Wednesday Resources (suitable for Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 and Stage 5)
Ash Wednesday Liturgy Script
Ash Wednesday Liturgy Powerpoint
Downloadable forms required by Parish Coordinators during the course of their role.