Special Religious Education (SRE) is a vital ministry that brings the Good News of Jesus Christ into the heart of our local government schools.
At St Patrick’s Cathedral, our SRE volunteers—also known as Catechists or Scripture Teachers—joyfully share the faith with children, helping them build a personal relationship with Jesus and grow in their understanding of His message.
Each week, around 220 primary school students and 80 high school students at Macarthur Girls High School receive faith formation through the commitment of our dedicated team. We currently serve:
- Bayanami Public School
- North Parramatta Public School
- Parramatta Public School
- Parramatta East Public School
- Oatlands Public School
- Macarthur Girls High School
With over 20 SREs actively teaching and a few more assisting, this ministry flourishes thanks to the generosity, preparation, and faithfulness of our volunteers. Many of our catechists manage multiple classes each week, ensuring every opportunity is seized to plant seeds of faith in young hearts.
Recognising the importance of ongoing formation, all new SREs participate in training through the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), equipping them with skills in classroom management, creative teaching methods, curriculum knowledge, and child protection practices.
Our ministry continues to grow through regular recruitment drives and the inspiring witness of our long-serving members, some of whom have been honoured with Papal Blessings and Diocesan Awards for their years of faithful service.
As Jesus reminds us:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)
We warmly invite parishioners to consider joining this important outreach. By becoming an SRE, you help to nurture the next generation in faith and offer them the gift of knowing Christ.
For more information or to get involved, please contact: [email protected]
Please keep our SRE team and the children we teach in your prayers!