To effectively implement the recommendations of the Diocesan Synod on promoting pastoral work in schools, the diocese has been providing subsidies since 2005 to its primary and secondary schools to hire dedicated pastoral assistants. They assist schools in fulfilling their mission of religious education and enhancing the quality of evangelization awareness and religious activities within the school.

Like all Catholics, those involved in School Pastoral Services are especially called to proclaim the Gospel, not only with their words but also with their lives. Such integrity of a life of faith and fidelity is a powerful evangelical witness to the Lord Jesus and his life-giving teaching.

Whilst the Pastoral Assistant will not usually be involved in formal teaching, they would do well to make themselves available to assist other
members of staff in dealing with theological/spiritual/pastoral issues for students as these arise throughout in the School.

It would certainly be helpful if the Pastoral Assistant had opportunities to visit classrooms and contribute in ways which make use of their expertise. Once
again the witness and opportunities for primary evangelisation are enormous if due preparation time is given and key objectives made clear.