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Catholic Education

Providing education, especially to the poor and marginalised, has been a vital part of the work of the Church for 150 years.

Catholic Education
God’s work Catholic Education

Education has long been a vital part of the work of the Catholic Church in Queensland. From early education and care, primary and secondary school, right though to university and adult faith education, Catholic education values the holistic formation of every person and community. Catholic education strives to inspire a love of learning in students, teaching with purpose to make the world a better place. 

Centacare operates more than 130 early education and care services across South East Queensland under the Catholic Early EdCare brand.

Catholic Early EdCare partners with families to watch children grow from six weeks to high school age. As a faith-based organisation, Catholic Early EdCare recognises the value of diversity and welcomes all families within our community. We work with Brisbane Catholic Education, local schools and parishes to provide child care services, including long day care, kindergarten and outside school hours care to meet the needs of our local communities.

Our educators are committed to supporting children to grow socially, individually, respectfully, spiritually, creatively and confidently, through our play-based programs.

Brisbane Catholic Education

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is committed to providing a high quality, Christ-centred, inclusive education for young people across more than 146 primary and secondary schools and colleges. 
Since the first Catholic school opened its doors in 1845 to just 56 students in the Brisbane CBD, hundreds of thousands of students have enjoyed the benefits of a Catholic education in schools stretching across the Archdiocese – from the Gold to Fraser Coasts and inland to the Lockyer Valley and Burnett region.  
Today, Catholic schools are at the forefront of the Church’s mission of serving and supporting the people of the Archdiocese of Brisbane.  

Institute of Faith Education 

Institute of Faith Education (IFE) is the Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Registered Training Organisation, offering supportive and engaging learning environments for people developing wishing to gain and skills qualifications to equip them for a career in Catholic education, community services and ministry. 

Face to face and online training options are provided. The following courses are provided by IFE: 

  • Through online workshops and materials, Foundations for Parish allows you to explore your faith with others or gain the insight, skills and confidence for ministry. This course can be completed as a nationally accredited Diploma, or without assessment if you just want to participate and learn.  
  • Every registered teacher requires formal accreditation to teach religion in a Catholic School. Foundations provides a seamless accreditation pathway, allowing you to competently prepare and deliver religious education. This course can be completed in 1-2 years in an online environment. 
  • Compass and its more advanced option, Compass Plus delivers nationally accredited qualifications to students who are looking to reflect on beliefs and ethics across a wide range of topics. Students will develop vital employability skills for now and into the future.  
  • Designed for Centacare support workers, this Certificate III in Individual Support will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to support people to live well in their own homes and community. 

Chaplaincy and youth initiatives

Everyone hits tough times. Whatever you are facing, chaplains are an open and non-judgemental space to talk through what is on your mind and heart.  Operating as part of the school student pastoral support team across Catholic and ecumenical schools within the Archdiocese of Brisbane, chaplains provide safe and positive mentoring for students as well as additional support to staff and families. Your school office will be able to provide you with information about chaplaincy at your school. 

Chaplains are available and present for what is very often a pivotal intersection in young people’s lives. Catholic or ecumenical chaplaincy is available at all major tertiary institutions. The role of a chaplain is to support young people with a continued pathway of spiritual development and opportunities for faith formation beyond the completion of year 12. 

Through a mix of drop in-centres and peer ministry offered by on-campus groups, tertiary chaplains encourage young adults to discover and grow in their understanding of the Christian life and Catholic Church teachings. Often the Sacraments are made available through tertiary chaplaincy. 

Catholic youth initiatives provide a space for young people to stay connected to the faith as they transition from high school to adulthood. 

There are a range of faith groups, societies, and ministries that operate on tertiary campuses throughout the Archdiocese of Brisbane. They vary in activity and emphasis but generally operate using a peer-to-peer model with casual gatherings for students to share in fellowship as they discover and grow in understanding of the Christian life and Catholic Church teachings. 

Queensland Catholic Education Commission

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) is the peak body representing Catholic education in Queensland. QCEC is dedicated to ensuring that all families who choose a Catholic education for their children can have access to high quality, affordable, faith-based education, responsive to the needs and challenges of contemporary Australian society. The Commission supports Catholic schools works with the five diocesan school authorities and 17 Religious Institutes and other incorporated bodies which operate Catholic schools within the state. 

Some images on this page are used under license from BCE Stock Image Library 2023-2025.