Annual Diocesan SRE Mass
This Diocesan event is celebrated in February to celebrate the ministry of Special Religious Education and to acknowledge the support of spouses, family and prayer partners.

SRE teachers and Assistants are acknowledged for their service to this ministry. Recognition of Service certificates are presented by Bishop Bill for each 5 years of service from 15 years. Papal Blessings are special recognition for 20 years of service. Certificates for 5 and 10 years of service are sent to parishes for presentation by the Parish Priest during the SRE weekend which commences with this SRE Mass.

Accreditation Certificates and Pins are also presented by Bishop Bill to those Teachers and Assistants who have completed all 3 levels of training.

During the SRE weekend, Teachers and Assistants are commissioned for the coming school year in their parishes.

Reflection Days

Reflections with Bishop Bill

Each year Bishop Bill leads three Regional Reflection Days with SRE teachers from the Northern, Newcastle, Chisholm & Vineyards Pastoral Regions.

Each Reflection Day commences with a Mass. There is time for reflection and an opportunity for the group to share their experiences with Bishop Bill.

Reflections with Monica Brown

This year in association with CSO, we will be holding two Reflection Days with Monica Brown and Hilary Musgrave at Tea Gardens (21 May) and Lochinvar (22 May)

For more information click here.

Training & Inservice
SRE teachers have many opportunities to update their skills and to participate in ongoing faith formation. Catholic dioceses in NSW offer three levels of training for SRE teachers, including topics such as lesson presentation, classroom management and child and faith development.

Special Religious Education Level 1 Adult Education Courses 2012 - see full schedule here.

For more details about the training courses currently on offer, please contact us

Child Protection
The Department of Education and Training states that the Department expects that all SRE teachers receive training and regular updates in Child Protection.

In the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle all SRE teachers are expected to attend Child Protection training at the commencement of their involvement with SRE and to attend updates every three years.

Child Protection Training is organised and presented by the Diocesan Professional Conduct and Child Protection Unit on request. Inservice days can be arranged in regions or parishes to include all those who work with children.

Introduction to Child Protection & Child Protection Update Course - Tuesday 7 February 2012 10am - 1pm, Singleton. More info

Hunter Christian SRE Committee Training
Hunter Christian SRE Committee (formerly called CCRESST), organises joint-denominational SRE support, training and in-service days. In this diocese many modules offered by the Hunter Christian SRE Committee may be credited towards a Level 1 certificate.

Interactive Whiteboard Workshop (Branxton/Greta) - Tuesday 1st May, 2012. More information.

Interactive Whiteboard Workshop (Charlestown) - Saturday 19th May, 2012. More information.