Equipping Our Catechists

SRE Training and Formation

 

Comprehensive training designed to assist Special Religious Education (SRE) teachers in developing the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to teach in government schools.

Empowering our SRE Teachers

The CCD offers robust training programs designed to assist Special Religious Education (SRE) teachers (catechists) in developing the essential knowledge, skills, and understanding required to teach SRE in government schools across the Diocese.

Our comprehensive training covers vital topics such as classroom management, Safeguarding and child protection (including mandatory reporting requirements), curriculum implementation, teaching methods, child and adolescent development, Sacred Scriptures, and spirituality.

New and Returning Catechists

New or returning catechists who have not completed the initial accreditation training since 2016 must undertake the compulsory CCD Ministry Induction (CCDMI).

Register or Enquire

Ready to begin your training or have questions about our courses? Please contact the CCD registrations team.

(02) 8379 1643 Email Registrations Training & Events Calendar

Training Courses Offered

Explore the different levels of certification and ongoing development available.

CCD Ministry Induction Course (CCDMI)

Compulsory Foundation Training • 8 Units

The CCD Ministry Induction course is compulsory training for all new catechists and those returning after an extended break. It consists of eight 2-hour units designed to provide a solid foundation for teaching SRE. Click here for a printable Information flyer on CCDMI.

The Mission and Ministry of the Catechist

Presentation and discussion of the Mission of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and the Ministry of the Catechist in the Church today.

The SRE Teacher in the Parish and the School

An outline of the rights and responsibilities of the Special Religious Educator, the Parish, parents, the School, and students. Includes training in the Department of Education's Code of Conduct and Social Media policy.

Safeguarding/Child Protection/Mandatory Reporting

Reflects the Diocese's commitment to implementing Child Safe Standards. Includes training in legislative requirements for Mandatory Reporting and the responsibilities of a mandatory reporter.

Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum

Workshop on using the authorised curriculum. Covers how to plan, prepare, and present a lesson with confidence, enthusiasm, sensitivity, and age-appropriateness.

The Development of the Child and Adolescent I

An introduction to current cognitive developmental theories used in curriculum design, examining Piaget, Vygotsky, and Gardener's theories.

Classroom Management: Positive Discipline

Identifying student needs and learning a range of strategies to create and maintain a classroom climate conducive to effective teaching and learning.

Introduction to the Bible

An overview of the structure and formation of the Bible, so as to appreciate its nature and purpose.

Lesson Planning: Using Digital Resources

An activity-based workshop to train teachers in using digital resources that complement the 'Walking with Jesus' curriculum. (Compulsory for SRE teachers using digital resources).

Level One - Tools for Ministry

Certificate Course • 6 Units

Complimentary to the CCDMI, this course presents advanced teaching strategies for the classroom. It is offered as additional, non-compulsory training. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of both the CCDMI and Level One.

Prayer in the Classroom

Designing and leading prayerful experiences to deepen students' relationship with God.

Listening and Questioning

Techniques promoting effective classroom communication.

Using Music in the Classroom

Developing skills to comfortably integrate songs and hymns into lessons.

Miracles and Parables

Examining key parables and miracles across the Synoptic Gospels.

Using Drama

Confidence in using drama as an engaging learning activity.

Stories and Visual Resources

Maximising lesson effectiveness through appropriate resource selection.

Level Two - The Church in the 3rd Millennium

Certificate Course • 12 Units

Consists of twelve 2-hour units covering the deep teachings of the Catholic Church. A certificate is awarded on successful completion.

  • Catechist Spirituality & Church Renewal

    Features of catechist spirituality and an overview of changes initiated by Vatican II.

  • Development of the Child and Adolescent II

    Examining Kohlberg and Erikson's theories of moral and social development.

  • Sacraments & Tools for Catechesis

    Theology of Sacraments of Initiation, and the use of the Catechism and Directory for Catechesis.

  • Science, Religion & Liturgy

    The relationship between Science and Religion, and the historical development of the Liturgy.

  • Scripture: Old & New Covenants

    Studies of the Exodus/Sinai covenant and the Paschal Mystery.

  • Social Teaching & Interfaith Dialogue

    Origins of Catholic Social Teaching and the Church's position on ecumenism and world religions.

Level Three - Faith in Ministry

Diploma Course • 12 Units

A Diploma in Special Religious Education is awarded on the successful completion of all three levels of CCD ministry training.

Child & Adolescent Spirituality

Bringing the student's innate spirituality into dialogue with religion.

Theological Reflection

Methods for reflecting on the scriptures of the Liturgical year.

Bible or Vatican Text

In-depth study and discussion of a chosen biblical book or Church document.

Leadership & Integrity

Examining the spirituality of leadership and creating a synthesis of the learning experience.

Ongoing Training

Compulsory SRE Refresher • Every 3 Years

The Department of Education requires all SRE teachers to undertake ongoing training every three years. These in-service units are continually updated and designed for experienced catechists.

  • Safeguarding / Child Protection

    Updates on implementing Child Safe Standards and mandatory reporting requirements.

  • Classroom Management

    Preventative discipline strategies to anticipate and manage classroom disruptions.

  • Teaching Authorised Curriculum

    Teaching with sensitivity and age-appropriateness, focusing on the specific learners in the class.

Professional Development Resources

The quarterly catechist magazine, Connections, contains regular articles providing current information in these critical areas.

Training and Events Calendar

Registrations are essential for all training and formation events. Please register your attendance to ensure that there are sufficient resources for all attendees.

registrations@bbcatholic.org.au 02 8379 1643
Lenten Reflection Days Poster
March 2026

Lenten Reflection Days

SRE Catechists are invited to join us for a Lenten Reflection Day. Walk the sacred path of the Cross this Lent as we prayerfully reflect on Christ's journey of love, sacrifice, and hope. Renew your heart and deepen your calling as catechists through reflection and shared faith.

Friday 20 March at Chatswood Parish

Friday 27 March at The Entrance Parish

Download Flyer (PDF 6.5MB)
CCDMI Course Poster
Term 1, 2026

CCD Ministry Induction (CCD MI)

Our CCDMI course is running again in Term 1, 2026 (February-April). There are two options - Mondays mornings and Wednesday evenings - all on Zoom.

Please note, anyone interested in becoming a catechist needs to complete authorisation paperwork in their Parish before they can be registered for this course. Please contact your local Parish Office or Parish Catechist Coordinator in the first instance.

Download Course Details (PDF 10.4MB)