CSSA Symposium - Excellence in P-12 Religious Education in Catholic Schools

About this event

Catholic Schools NSW invites School and System Leaders, Religious Education Coordinators, Classroom Teachers, Key Learning Area Coordinators, and Stage P-6 Year Coordinators in Catholic education to join us at the 2025 CSSA Symposium – “Excellence in P-12 Religious Education in Catholic Schools” on Friday 5 September 2025 in Sydney.

This year’s CSSA Symposium focuses on academic excellence in P-12 Religious Education and delves into the purpose of a properly constituted Religious Education curriculum. It will explore the role of Catholic schools as ecclesial communities and the importance of educators in bringing to life the Mission of the Catholic Church for students, their families, and the wider school community.

The event will emphasise excellence in curriculum, assessment, and faith and mission programs for evangelisation and catechesis. Discussions will highlight opportunities for educators to design and deliver quality curriculum, assessment, and faith experiences across the full continuum of learning from pre-school to Year 12.

Keynote Speaker:

We are pleased to announce our international keynote speaker for the Symposium.

Father Friedrich Bechina

Fr Bechina is an Austrian priest and theologian who has dedicated his ministry to Catholic education. Born in Vienna in 1966, he undertook rigorous academic training, earning a doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1996. His dissertation, focusing on the Church as the Family of God in the Second Vatican Council, was awarded the prestigious Premio Bellarmino. 

Ordained as a priest that same year, he initially served in pastoral and teaching roles in Feldkirch, Austria. However, his path soon led him to the Holy See, where he served in the Congregation for Catholic Education from 2001 to 2022. During this time, he became a leading figure in international higher education playing a crucial role in shaping international higher education policy. Within the Congregation, Fr Bechina held various leadership positions. He served two terms as Undersecretary of the Congregation, further demonstrating his influence and commitment to Catholic education. In this role he served under three Popes. 

Since 2022, Fr Bechina’s work has included consultancy internationally in higher education. He holds teaching and advisory positions at various universities and Catholic institutions worldwide, including a role advising the Archbishop of Salzburg and the Austrian Bishops Conference.

Additional speakers and full agenda coming soon.