The Catechist Service supports the Parish Religious Education Program for primary school - aged children who do not attend Catholic schools. The service provides the initial training and formation which enables those who wish to share their faith with children to become commissioned Catechists. Ongoing training and formation is also offered (in the areas of Theology, Scripture, Spirituality and Religious Education) so that catechists continue to mature in their own faith journey and in the skills needed for their ministry.  

The teaching resource "The Truth will set you free" is provided and Catechists are assisted with its use. Parishes are offered the support and consultation needed to develop their Parish Religious Education Program including leadership training for Catechist Coordinators, support with duty of care policies, recruitment of Catechists and developing processes for family catechesis.  

The Catechist Service also oversees the implementation of the Perth Archdiocese Sacrament Policy for school aged children. It provides training for Sacrament Coordinators and supports school/parish collaboration including the provision of child/parent sacramental workshops and sacrament formation opportunities for parents.  

The Catechist Service is a team within Catholic Education and its role derives from the mandate of the Bishops of Western Australia to the Catholic Education Commission to act on behalf of the Catholic community for the benefit of all Catholic school-aged children, be they in Catholic schools or not.  

The assistance of the Catechist Service in the provision of parish religious education and preparation for sacraments is available to other Western Australian Dioceses.