Become an SRE Teacher

Steps to qualify, required documents, and upcoming training opportunities.

Introduction

Becoming an SRE teacher

Also known as a Catechist, the SRE Teacher is a volunteer who is approved and authorised by the bishop on the advice of the parish priest to teach or assist with the religious education of Catholic children attending public schools in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.

It is the responsibility of the diocese to provide initial and ongoing training for catechists who undertake the mission of teaching the Catholic faith to children in public schools.

Training, formation and reflection opportunities are offered in each of the deaneries throughout the year. Mandatory child protection & mandatory reporting training is currently held every two years- even years, e.g. 2022, 2024. All SRE personnel are required to participate. Volunteers are currently required to update in classroom management strategies and implementation of the curriculum every two years. Training sessions are held in each deanery every two years- odd years, e.g. 2021, 2023. All SRE personnel are required to participate.

Qualities of an SRE teacher

A Catholic SRE Teacher (Catechist) should:

Have a strong personal commitment to the faith with a concern for the spiritual growth and wellbeing of children;
Endeavour to transmit by his/her teaching and behaviour the teaching and life of Jesus in union with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church in whose name they teach;
Be willing to undertake the necessary training in order to develop the knowledge and skills required in this ministry; and
Be a citizen in good standing with the legal requirements in working with children.

Required reading + authorisation documents

Reading material

SRE Child Protection Training Reading Material and Response Sheet
Child Protection and Code of Conduct Introductory Training

Required authorisation documents

Conduct + authorisation procedures

How to apply

The 4 step process is a guide to authorisation only. For more detailed information on authorisation, please refer to Confraternity of Christian Doctrine – SRE Authorisation Procedure

Make yourself known to your parish priest (If you are new to the area, a reference from your previous parish priest or parishioners may be required).
Complete all of the Required reading & authorisation documents section including:
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Teacher Engagement Form
- Diocese Wagga Wagga Code of Conduct in the Protection of Children and Young People
- Child Protection
- Code of Conduct Introductory Training
- All reading materials and proceedures
Once your authorisation has been processed you will be issued with a lanyard containing your Identification and Green Authorisation Card*
Once you have obtained your authorisation to go into schools we recommend you spend some time as a helper with an experienced catechist before taking your own class. Speak to your parish priest or the Parish SRE Coordinator to arrange this.

*SRE Teachers and Helpers are required to wear a lanyard containing their Identification and Green Authorisation Card whenever they are on school property for the purpose of SRE. They are also required to carry photo ID (eg driver’s licence) and be prepared to present this upon the request of the school.

Training

Face-to-face

Classroom Management Training is being offered at a variety of dates and venues around the Diocese. Refer to the 2024 training schedule to view training dates for your parish.

2024 scheduled training

Ready to begin or need support?

RSVP essential – Please confirm your acceptance to attend one of the scheduled sessions.

Contact the Diocesan Catechist Office at catechist@wagga.catholic.org.au or call 02 6937 0003 to ask questions, confirm training dates, or check your authorisation status.