This week we celebrate National Volunteer week – an opportunity to honour and give thanks for the contributions of all those who give their time and talents to serve our communities, particularly the Special Religious Education (SRE) Catechists who teach Catholic children in public schools.
Since its origins in the sixteenth century the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) has relied on lay volunteers who have given their time to be trained and share the Good News of the Gospel with children, so that they may know and love God.
This week we share with you the stories of three of our volunteers who give themselves to this most important work.
Bishop Vincent with the 20 Years of service award recipients during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
Jenny from Winston Hills
My first experience of being a Catechist was accepting a request from my Parish Priest to “step in” and take a class at one of our local primary schools. The regular catechist was shortly to be holidaying overseas for six weeks.
Conveniently for Father, I had come to the church to organise the Baptism of my third child. He knew I was on maternity leave. Any reservations I might have had at the time were tempered by my being flattered by his request. I had only joined the Catholic Church, through the parish’s RCIA, two years earlier.
That six-week experience, with an excellent curriculum and Year 5 at Winston Hills Primary School, was really pleasant, so, in years following, whenever the Church was appealing for Catechists, I would make a personal pledge to volunteer as soon as I retired.
Eighteen years later I kept my promise, and last year, I received from Bishop Vincent, a certificate for fifteen years of service in this ministry. The really satisfying aspect of this ministry is that, in every respect, by going into the schools and teaching there, we are doing exactly what Jesus asked of his disciples and generations of followers, to “Go….make disciples of all nations……and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you.” (Matthew 28:16-20)
Certainly, faith is not always the easiest subject to teach but sometimes, by our own example of faith, amazing things happen. When children engage in discussions, when they ask questions of us their teachers, or their parents, faith formation is happening and it is wonderful to be part of this process.
I would really encourage people of all ages to consider, finding out what is involved, giving the time, if they are able, to volunteer to teach a class a week. We do need people to continue this important commission the Lord has given us.
Fr Zvonimir (right) has been a SRE Catechist for over 40 years. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Stephen from Baulkham Hills
My SRE journey started just after I retired from my working life. I was at Mass one Sunday morning and a now fellow SRE volunteer spoke, asking for help in this ministry to assist teaching in our local public schools. I felt the whole congregation was looking my way, but really that was my active imagination. But you know what, I can give this a go as I have spare time on my hands.
After a few enquiries I found myself in a classroom with my mentor, teaching primary school aged children our faith. The initial and ongoing training is workshop style and great, as the training keeps you up to date in this ever-changing world we live in. As informative as it is, it keeps my mind active and you get to meet other likeminded people. I have been volunteering for three years now at the same school, and it’s lovely to see the children growing through the school years, with our small contribution to their religious studies. Overall, being a Special Religious Educator is a wonderful experience for me and all the children I teach.
SRE Catechists during the Annual Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, in November 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Rhonda from Stanhope Gardens
I felt that I could be a disciple of Jesus and make a difference maybe now or later in life to these young people. I hope to be able to convince them that there is a God who loves them and that they are never alone.
I found the training to be very good. I enjoyed the flexibility of being able to complete the units online at convenient times. I particularly liked the unit on stages of development and the varying philosophies of learning, not to mention the bible activities. The online training is supplemented by the attendance at the parish level with Father Jolly and the SRE team, which helps to familiarise everyone with local practices and policies.
The support from the Parish and communication within the team, is invaluable. There is also a very effective network at the school level. The best part of this ministry is being in the classroom with the students, and the teaching learning process. I feel that when I reflect on the lessons that I am teaching, I am learning so much myself on how to provide a positive, happy experience for the students.
Students from Nagle College, Blacktown, lead an SRE lesson at a local public primary school. Image: Nagle College/Supplied.
If you would like to learn more about what our SRE Catechists do and how they make a difference in the lives of young people, please visit our website.
Our CCD and SRE Catechist Program is an example of our Pastoral Plan’s priorities of Formation and Prayer. Please visit Synodality to learn more.
