Welcome - Bishop's Message
The education and care of children is of great importance for every Australian. As Catholics we know that this includes a full human and Christian formation.
Today’s children need to be given what they need to navigate the complexities and difficulties of contemporary life. Specifically, a spiritual life, or at least the openness to God is necessary. Our Catholic faith provides our children with something of what they will need to live fulfilled and happy lives.
Many Catholic children attend state schools, and it is our responsibility to give them the opportunity to know and love Jesus Christ. Members of the CCD give time and energy to teaching catechism to our Catholic children in the state schools. I commend their work and thank them for their generosity.
— Bishop Greg Homeming OCD
Jump to..
What is SRE? (Special Religious Education)
History
Special Religious Education (SRE) for Catholic students in Public Schools is managed by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). CCD is a worldwide organisation concerned with faith education. It began with the work of lay people in Milan, Italy in 1556.
In 1960, when the “Motor Missions” were set up in the Lismore Diocese, Catechists were able to receive support, help and formation in the parishes where the sisters operated.
In 1993, a CCD Director for the Diocese of Lismore was appointed by Bishop John Satterthwaite. The role of the Director is to support all the Catechists in the Diocese in meeting the requirements of the Department of Education with regard to Authorisation, Training and Curriculum.
Mission
Catechists are men and women who are committed to the Faith Development and Religious Education of Catholic children in government schools and volunteer for this ministry. They strive to ensure the inclusion of the children and their families in the local parish community.
“Fan into a flame the gift that God gave you”
Catechists in Parishes
There are currently ten Parishes in which Catechists are teaching in local Public Schools.
Each Parish has a Catechist Coordinator responsible for:
- Coordinating the group
- Liaising with the Parish Priest and Diocesan Coordinator
- Organising school placements and resources
Parents and Schools
SRE in Public Schools
Catholic SRE is taught in Public Schools by Catechists (also known as SRE Teachers).
SRE is provided under Section 32 of the Education Act 1990, which requires that:
“In every government school, time is to be allowed for the religious education of children of any religious persuasion.”
This provides a historical and legal basis for SRE in NSW Public Schools.
What is a Catechist
Catechists are parish volunteers who:
- Have a passion for sharing the gift of faith with young people
- Teach and share their faith with children from their parish who attend government schools
- Can spare a couple of hours per week to support young people
- Respond to the mission of the Church to make Jesus known and loved
“Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.”
— Pope Saint Paul VI
Curriculum
Christ Our Light and Life (COLAL)
COLAL is the main approved SRE curriculum for Catholic children in public schools in the Lismore Diocese.
- It meets legislative requirements of the NSW Department of Education and Training
- Is designed for volunteer SRE teachers
- Links human life experiences with the Gospel message
- Encourages student response through diverse strategies
Programs are age-appropriate, with flexibility for use across adjacent age groups. Multi-age class needs should be discussed with the CCD Coordinato
Review and Revision:
The COLAL curriculum is reprinted each year with updates. A five-year review cycle is conducted by the Archdiocese of Sydney, which supplies curriculum materials.