Senior Catholic educators are warning in a confidential paper that any move by NSW bishops to start collecting rent from Catholic schools could be seen as a way of "paying for the 'sins' of the clergy".

And the serious "reputational, political and canonical risks" involved could trigger a perception that government money meant for the education of children was being diverted to other church activities, the paper says.

There are 545 Catholic diocesan schools in NSW, accounting for 230,000 students. Credit:Michele Mossop

The internal briefing paper, obtained by Fairfax Media and dated early April, was prepared for the heads of the 11 different Catholic education offices in NSW, who each report to their local bishop.

At least one diocese, Newcastle–Maitland, has confirmed to Fairfax Media it is considering a proposal to charge its schools rent.