We have two Sunday schools in the Parish based at the two Port Church’s, being St Catherine’s, Port Erin and St Mary’s, Port St Mary.

On occasions, both Sunday Schools meet together to worship. A Crib service is held alternatively on Christmas Eve at St Catherine's and St Mary's. On the fifth Sunday of the month the Sunday Schools meet and sing together or lead prayers.

Is a small but faithful group ranging in age from 5 to 14.  Scripture Union teaching books, with some input from Roots are used.  Meetings commence at 11 am on three Sundays; the 3rd Sunday in the month being a Family Service and on the 5th Sunday, there is usually a joint service at the Parish Church.

Every effort is made to making the lessons as instructive and enjoyable as possible, using the mediums of craft, food and games. Great importance is placed on helping the children to become familiar with their Bibles, and proficient in finding chapter and verse, as most of the time the lessons are lectionary-based.

At festival times, special Family Services are held in which the children are encouraged to take part, either in dramatised readings or leading the prayers. One of the pupils has done particularly well in the Thomas Cranmer Award, and her excellent reading skills have greatly benefited our services.

Great encouragement is received from the congregation at St. Catherine's in many ways. The aim is to increase the number of children who attend. However, it is felt that the close relationship that develops in a small group makes the children very aware that God loves them and that He is with them at all times.

The Sunday School meets on the first, third and fourth Sunday of each month. It joins in with St Mary’s Family Service on the second Sunday, and whenever there is a fifth Sunday it joins in a Family Service at the Parish Church. The school always meets in church before moving into the church hall and is addressed by the person taking the service, and joining in with a hymn. The parents of the children meet them after Sunday School and join in with the closing blessing. When there is a Holy Communion service the recently confirmed children are given the opportunity to receive the Sacrament.

The group is led by a number of competent leaders who split the children into age groups. The material used ranges from craftwork to more challenging work for the older and brighter pupils. The work has to be flexible as the attendance by the older children is sporadic because of other interests which take place at the same time.

The family services are usually very lively. These are prepared after consultation with the person leading    worship. The material used does not always fit in with the lectionary reading of the day but usually there will be a link which is applied. The service is expected to include some drama, singing, reading and prayers, and these are always shared by children and the congregation.
Fund raising opportunities occur at the Christingle Service towards the end of January, and during Lent. Both raise money for chosen charities.

Both Sunday Schools are run by happy and enthusiastic teams which are excited and encouraged in its work with the children.