In the context of a growing appreciation of the role of families and of parishes in supporting the faith development of Catholic children, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference presents these national norms and guidelines regarding children requiring a parish-based religious education outside the Catholic school network.

The purpose of these guidelines is two-fold:

• to assist dioceses and parishes in their provision of a parish-based religious education programme outside the Catholic school network, including sacramental education and preparation;
• to support parents in their task as primary educators of their children in the ways of faith by providing a parish- based religious education programme.The Guidelines can be accessed here: Guidelines for Parish Based RE of Children_web