A Special Ministry
The Special Religious Education (SRE) or Catechist Ministry is a vital outreach to our Catholic children in the State Schools of our parish.
Who is a Catechist?
A Catechist (SRE teacher) is a person who gives her/his time voluntarily to provide Special Religious Education to children in our parish public primary schools. An SRE Assistant helps the catechist in the classroom.
Catechists are those who are called to serve through teaching, witness, prayer, service and building community.
What is Required?
Commitment to the Catholic Church and its teachings
Participation in training and faith formation
Current Working with Children Check (WWCC) or willingness to obtain one
What is Involved?
Catechists typically spend 1-2 hours per week, (school terms only) preparing, teaching and sharing their faith with students in one of our 4 parish public primary schools.
What Do You Teach?
"Walking with Jesus-Pathways of Discipleship" is the authorised curriculum for the Diocese of Broken Bay. It has been specifically designed for Catechists to use in the' classroom. The detailed weekly lesson plans make teaching easy.
The Diocese offers training through- out the year to equip the Catechists with skills such as safeguarding children and classroom management; teaching strategies eg: using prayer, music, drama and technology. All training is free of charge and some can be completed online.
Why Be a Catechist?
The impact you will have on our young people is unique and lasting. You will be welcomed by them, eager to hear about God's love. You will form a special relationship with those you teach, that in many ways, lives on in their minds and hearts long after they finish school.
Five Surprising Benefits of Being a Catechist
1. Quality Relationships
Discover new friendships and build quality relationships.
2. By Giving, We Receive
Sharing in love what we know brings new life. "It is in giving that we receive". (St Francis of Assisi).
3. Spiritual Enrichment
Experience the belief that 'God Loves You' expands your mind. You grow in wisdom and come to know God more.
4. Mastering New Skills
As a Catechist your abilities will grow in many ways, including the development of your interpersonal, leadership, story-telling, speaking, use of technology and teaching skills.
5. Being Part of Something Important
Catechists make a difference. They share the most basic message of God's love, this brings great hope to young people. You are participating in Christ's call to share the Good News, is a great source of joy and meaning.
Catechist Corner
On Saturday, 16 November, our Catechists attended the annual CCD Diocesan Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in Waitara. During the event, three of our current Catechists received Service Awards presented by the Vicar General, Fr David Ranson, in recognition of their years of teaching Special Religious Education to Catholic children in our public schools. Mary Evans was honoured with a 25-year award, while Johanna Hall and Deacon Rosan both received 15-year awards. This is an incredible achievement for all three of our wonderful Catechists.
At our 8am Mass last Sunday, we also acknowledged Desmond Ho, who was presented with two CCD Diplomas in Special Religious Education for completing CCD Level 1 and Level 3 Ministry courses. These courses reflect Desmond’s commitment to the CCD Ministry. We would like to extend our gratitude to all of them for their outstanding contributions to this ministry.
The Catechists are rested and rearing to go for Term lV. They will soon be preparing the children in the State Schools for their Christmas assemblies, where they reenact the story of the Birth of Jesus.
Featured here is our Catechist, Patricia Yeo, who takes great joy in bringing the faith to the primary children.
Catechists have many resources and use an easy-to-follow curriculum, backed up with books for the children to use and keep, sacred space materials, posters, and the smart board to show presentations.
For enquiries call Leanne on 4332 2216.
You begin as an assistant helping the catechist then can have your own class at your own pace or stay as an assistant, whatever you are comfortable with. Pauline Farrugia (pictured) was an assistant to Anne Henry for many years before taking over the role of Catechist and Anne became the assistant. They teach at Brooke Avenue and Bateau Bay.
As we reach the end of Term 2, I want to thank all our Catechists for their hard work and dedication in nurturing the faith of our Catholic students in state schools.
I'd like to give a special shoutout to everyone who supported our students during their Sacrament of First Eucharist. The families of these children are truly thankful for your contributions, and Colleen, our Sacramental Coordinator, deeply appreciates your efforts.
We hope that Rosan (SRE teacher in Killarney Vale and Brooke Ave) and Pauline (SRE teacher in Brooke Ave and Bateau Bay) are having a wonderful time on their holidays, Rosan has returned home to India to visit loved ones, and Pauline is embarking on a memorable journey through Europe.
We're always in need of more caring individuals to join this wonderful ministry. If you have around 1-2 hours to spare each week, all the necessary training and resources will be provided. Feel free to contact Leanne at the Parish Office on 4332 2216 for more details.
Photo: Anne henry on last day of Term 2 teaching the children at Bateau Bay all about Baptism.
Welcome to our first “Catechist Corner”.
Photo is of our wonderful Catechists Johanna, Mary, Pauline and Alfia outside Bateau Bay Public school, which is 1 of the 4 State schools that our Catechists go in to teach SRE.
Thousands of volunteers have served as Catechists in the Diocese of Broken Bay since its beginnings 37 years ago. The main quality that these wonderful volunteers bring to this ministry is their desire to share their faith with others, they simply spread the Good News. Our catechists are happy and committed to the work of teaching SRE and they would love to invite anyone who may be interested in finding out more about this wonderful ministry to come forward. Research has shown that the number one reason people volunteer is because “someone asked me”. So we are asking: “Would you consider volunteering to teach religion to Catholic children in public schools?” You never know who God is calling to this Ministry!!!