Catechists are those who are called to serve through teaching, witness, prayer, service and building community. Catechists minister to adults, young and children in a variety of locations and programs: state schools, youth ministry programs, sacramental preparation, Christian Initiation processes, family programs, and ministry formation programs. Those who are called catechists are also pastoral leadership who serve the catechetical ministry of our Church at the parish, diocesan and national levels.

A Catechist is a person who gives her/his time voluntarily to provide religious education to children in primary and secondary state schools.

What is Involved ?

Primary Catechists typically spend one hour per week, including travel time, and presentation of a 30 to 40 minute lesson, to 10 - 20 pupils, at one of  six local State Primary Schools, on Tuesday, Wednesday  or Thursday mornings.

• Tuesdays—Balgowlah Hts PS  -    10:00 - 10:30 and 11:00 - 11:30
• Wednesdays—Manly Vale PS  -      9:00 - 9:30
• Allambie Hts PS  -                        9:20 - 9:50 and  10:00 - 10:30
• Seaforth Public School -                9:15 - 10:00 and  10:15 - 11:00 and 11:30 - 12:15
• Thursdays—North Balgowlah PS -  10:00 - 10:30 and 10:30 - 11:00

For a Helper (a teachers assistant) this is all that is required. A Teacher would typically take another hour to prepare the weekly lesson.

New Catechists are encouraged to start as Helpers, unless they have a teaching background.

Lesson materials, comprising comprehensive  teachers’ guidelines and student class books are provided.

A half-day induction session and a  Basic Training Program, comprising three units, of six half  days each, are presented locally, to equip Catechists for  a teaching role.

How to get involved, for a look, see,  or to join the team?

Leave your name and contact details with the Parish office.

Phone Sr Josie, the Parish CCD Co-ordinator on  9949 4455, for  information, to arrange a classroom trail visit, or to join the team.