Sunday School

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

— Mt 19:14

​

The Sunday School (SS) of the Church of St Bernadette supports children aged 6 to 16 years with Catholic faith formation. We collaborate closely with the archdiocesan Office for Catechesis (OFC) and our parish’s Faith Formation Pillar.

 

The catechists from Sunday School form part of the community that imparts the Catholic faith to our children, and are second only to their parents and godparents. They are inspired by Jesus’ call to let the children come to him, and to help the children come to a deeper and more personal relationship with God. Centered on our Savior and our one Teacher, Jesus Christ, catechists transmit the key pillars of the Catholic faith — Scripture and Tradition, Sacraments, life in Christ, and prayer. They accompany the children through Sacramental preparation, classroom lessons, encouragement in participation in Catholic devotions, and involvement in parish community activities. The idea of a classroom as not just as a learning venue, but as a prayer space where we can encounter Jesus meaningfully, is introduced from early on.

 

Enrol into Sunday School

 

The catechism journey begins from Kindergarten 2 and Level 1 (primary 1 equivalent) and continues to Level 10. Sessions are conducted on Sundays in our parish premises. The school calendar is from January – December, with holiday breaks following the local Singapore school system. Classes are held on Sunday mornings. Please contact the catechetical coordinators for the timings.

 

Ideally, children should begin their catechism journey from the age of six. New students from K2 to Level 2 are required to fill up a registration form and provide a copy of their Baptism certificate. New students from higher levels are required to submit a letter of transfer from the parish where they have had their former catechism classes, as well as a copy of their baptism certificates, and First Holy Communion certificate if any.

 

Children aged nine years and above but have no previous formal catechetical formation, as well as children who are not yet baptised but whose parents desire baptism for them, may contact our SS coordinators to discuss their options.

 

Volunteer with Sunday School

 

Fresh volunteers begin as class assistants. To be commissioned as a catechist, you will need to be a baptised and confirmed Catholic. Previously commissioned catechists from other parishes are welcome.

 

If you do not want to help out in the classroom, you may join the Parents Support Group which handles logistics, equipment, events and mass preparation.

 

Catechists and class assistants regularly undertake training, faith formation sessions, and fellowship activities in the community. Resources, including modern technology, are made available for catechists and class assistants to create age-appropriate activities and lessons, and to communicate with the children and youth.

 

If you feel called to hand on the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith to children and youth, and to journey with them in their encounter with our Lord Jesus, do have a chat with our SS coordinators.