2017 Connections Term 1

I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her... (Pope Francis EG #3)

Catechist Sunday 26 February 2017

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SEEK UNIT Y | EDUC ATE | PROC L A I M | C ELEB R ATE | SER V E | RES P O N D P ERSO N A LLY | LOV E E ACH OT HER CCD Ne w sl et ter Term 1, 2017 | Vo l 22 Is s u e 1

Daniel ang - Director, Office for Evangelisation

The Catechist as Christian Disciple In a recent interview Pope Francis called Christians to witness to their faith in concrete relationship to the world, primarily in relationship to others. He remarked, “Either Christianity is concrete, or it’s not Christianity”. He went on to warn of an “airspray religiosity” that takes comfort in structures and ideas and encouraged instead an embodied faith that is open to a transforming and radical encounter with Christ and neighbour.

The ministry of the catechist embodies this courage to go beyond the borders of the familiar and the comfortable, to spread the Gospel through Word and witness. As the new school year begins, the Diocese of Broken Bay is blessed with over 900 catechists serving across State primary and secondary schools, reaching over 14,000 primary students and almost 2,500 students in the secondary environment. There are a diversity of models of SRE delivery, from weekly lessons to once a term seminars, and various gifts and challenges in local communities though all sharing the one commitment to parish evangelisation and outreach.

As the CCD looks to a bright future there are a number of emphases that will form the focus of this New Year and indeed those to come. Among these are ongoing support for parish coordinators and catechists in the area of recruitment and volunteer retention, with the development of resources to support this important effort at a local level, an exploration of the opportunities to recruit school leavers and young adults in service of the Church and also digital strategies to welcome and invite this audience online. We look as always to strengthen SRE in secondary

schools, and also dedicate ourselves to the update and renewal of training packages and primary and secondary curriculum so that the Gospel can be preached and shared in ways that are fitting to the young people we are encountering today, alike but also distinct from those who have gone before.

So there is much to do and great potential to grow in faith and mission over the coming years! Of course, this depends much on the passion and dedication of catechists throughout the Diocese and our invitation of others to join us in mission. So please keep inviting your family, friends and parishioners to consider joining the mission of catechists throughout our parishes and Diocese.

Pope Francis has reminded us that we grow in discipleship by doing, by living the Gospel we have received. The ministry of the catechist is a sure pathway of personal conversion and learning.

As every teacher and catechists knows, we so often gain so much more from our sharing of faith than we bring. Such is the gift of Special Religious Education.

As the school term begins in earnest and we are led towards the Easter mystery, the revelation of life everlasting, I wish you every blessing and share gratitude for your living faith and generous discipleship in the mission of Jesus Christ.

Daniel Ang Director, Office for Evangelisation

Caritas Australia

Project Compassion 2017 The theme for Project Compassion 2017 is

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“Love your neighbour”

This year, Project Compassion demonstrates how love for our neighbours can transform lives. For more than 50 years, Caritas Australia has been privileged to work together with our neighbours – our most vulnerable sisters and brothers in First Australian communities and in many other countries. Working with partner agencies in those communities, Caritas Australia has developed the strength to combat poverty, promote justice and uphold the dignity of every person.

Throughout Project Compassion 2017, inspiring stories from the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Australia, Vietnam and Fiji will be shared, highlighting the importance of working hand in hand with communities around the world.

CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 1

“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Matt 22:39 “We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.” Pope Francis, Laudato Si The Catechist Resources that supplement this theme are available on line on the Caritas Australia website. You can use the videos and Teacher’s Handbook to plan your SRE lessons and help your students learn how to love their neighbours this Lent and for the rest of their lives.

They are available at: http://www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion/ about and from your parish coordinator.

alison newell - CCD, Diocesan Coordinator

Child Protection/Safeguarding Children – A Shared Responsibility Over the past twenty years, many improvements have been made in the area of protecting children in society and indeed in our NSW public schools system. Those of you who have been teaching SRE in public schools for a while will know that quite regularly the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian implement new and improved systems to ensure the safety and protection of our most vulnerable citizens.

In 2013, Working with Children Checks were introduced for all paid and voluntary people who work with children in NSW. This requirement raised the bar considerably in the area of child protection. In 2014, the Department of Education mandated initial and ongoing training in the areas of Child Protection and Classroom Management, though the CCD in the Diocese of Broken Bay had implemented compulsory training in these areas 10 years earlier.

Annually, for over 20 years parishes have been required to provide individual schools with the names of catechists and helpers who are authorised to teach in each school.

This year, the Department of Education has introduced an additional step in the area of child protection. In addition to the names of catechists, parishes are now required to provide the dates of birth of catechists. This additional information allows schools to check their Not To Be Employed (NTBE) database, which lists names of people who the Department of Education have deemed not appropriate to be on a school site which may include reasons not related to working with children. Your Parish Coordinator will provide this information to the schools.

The Department has also requested contact details for coordinators and SRE teachers and helpers. The Parish Coordinator will provide both the parish office phone number and their own. You may be asked by the school to provide contact details. If you are, we encourage you to cooperate with the school, as it makes sense for the school to be able to contact you should they need to do so.

Additionally, in order to ensure the identity of individuals who enter school grounds, some schools may now request photo ID. If schools ask for photo ID, you are required to present it for identification purposes only. Please don’t be offended if you are asked to provide ID. There was an incident in a school where someone claimed to be another person to gain entry.

Finally, it is important that you wear your authorisation card in the lanyard provided. It is a requirement that you can be easily identified by all staff whilst on school grounds.

The CCD applauds the steps taken to protect children. We thank you for your understanding and compliance with all the measures that have been introduced over the years. Like me, I’m sure you will be happy knowing that children and young people are well-protected in our schools.

Wishing you every blessing for the 2017 school year.

Alison

Tips to get back into the classroom:

Always remember to:

During the first weeks of school, everything is new again. Here’s some tips to make your return to school simple and smooth as possible.

• Sign the attendance book for visiting SRE teachers.

• Be punctual - arrive at least 10 minutes before the lesson begins.

• Discover and observe the school rules concerning discipline, toilets, and use of equipment and technology and familiarise yourself with school procedures.

• Get to know the names of the students as quickly as possible.

• Respect the students’ personal space.

• Never leave your class unattended and avoid activities that are dangerous.

• Establish definite classroom rules with the students and convey them calmly and consistently. Use the rules already in place at the school.

• Greet the classroom teacher and find out his/her name.

• Leave the classroom tidy and don’t keep the teacher of the next class waiting.

• Use the authorised Diocesan CCD curriculum – Walking with Jesus Pathways of Discipleship.

• Be aware of teaching material and resources available to support your lessons.

• Ensure additional resources are age-appropriate.

• Diligently prepare lessons.

• Attend classes regularly and punctually.

• Notify the appropriate person if unable to attend class.

• Attend courses, in-services and reflection days to ensure professional development continues to be updated.

• Be a person of prayer finding some quiet time to reflect on SRE. • Co-operate with Parish Priest, Parish Catechist Coordinator and CCD Coordinators.

• Keep a record of students’ names – this will assist when the annual census in taken.

• Teach with sensitivity.

• Enjoy your work in the SRE classroom as you share the Good News.

Vol 22 Issue 1 | CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017

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classroom resources - primary

Lenten Activities for The Primary Classroom As a way of making Lent and positive way of preparing for Easter, explain to them that by doing simple kind acts or acts of Mercy is how they can become more like Jesus and show Jesus to those people whom they love and call friends. Brainstorm simple ways to make helpful and meaningful contributions to the group of friends, their family, school and parish life. Compile their positive ideas on a chart and display it so all can see.

Distribute strips of coloured paper, (Links of the Love chain). These would be 1.5 cm wide and 4 or 5 cm long. Have the children reflect on which ones of these they have already done in the previous week. Have them write these acts of love on the strips of paper, one act per strip. Collect the strips and staple them into a chain and place on the sacred space.

Each lesson through Lent, repeat this exercise, adding the new links to the chain and place in the Sacred Space. This could be part of the prayer ritual at the beginning of each lesson. Keep the chain of Links of Love to decorate the room during the Lessons of the Easter Season.

To have the children enter into the above activity more fully, have them write down the Links of Love that they can do during the week. Distribute an A5 sheet of paper for the children to write down what they can do and for whom they can do it during the Season of Lent. Have the children neatly fold the paper and hand out envelopes. Have the children place their list in their envelope. On the format of the envelope, have them label it “Links of Love� and decorate the envelope.

Encourage children to share their Links of Love with their families. Tell children to place their envelope with the list in a place where they can review it daily during Lent.

Source: http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/lent/activities-and-resources/lenten-activities-for-children#grade7

For the Sacred Space Lenten Cross How to Make Your Own: Start with a tray of some kind that is capable of holding some sand. (The sand represents the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.) Spray paint it purple or cover with purple paper (for the liturgical colour of Lent). Allow to dry and fill with sand.

Obtain 6 electric tea light candles and 6 purple plastic cups in which the lit candles are placed. Lay a simple wooden cross on the sand in the tray and for weeks 1 to 4 of Lent, place a candle at each end of the Cross.

For Week 5 place the candle at the intersection of the two arms of the cross and for week 6 place the last candle halfway between the intersection and the foot of the Cross. Ideas from Catholic Icing.

Source:http://www.catholicicing.com/candles-for-lent-a-lenten-cross/ 4

CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 1

classroom activity

From St. Agatha’s Parish, Pennant Hills Stations of the Cross – Poster Activity Melissa Chan and I found this group activity useful and engaging. It gives such an important lesson the best opportunity to help familiarise the children with the significance of events and Jesus’ love for us.

Two to three lessons work best to complete the project in its entirety – I utilise 3 lessons. One and half lessons to colour, assemble and assist the students and the remainder to present and read each poster passage in groups, read the responding prayer and briefly discuss. An assistant is highly recommended if possible.

You will need: 1. 14 x A3 sheets with Station heading in a font that can be coloured in and Roman numeral at footer.

2. 14 x 2 per page adhesive label: one label with graphic and the other with the passage reading and correlating Roman numeral.

3. Place children into groups (perfect opportunity to separate chatterboxes!)

4. Ensure that they colour their poster headings and labels BEFORE assembling them or some students will be left out.

5. During the colouring and assembling ask the children to organise their reader(s).

Whilst Melissa engaged the children in being more aware of the stations themselves and encouraged them to read the actual passages, I had ample time to assist with their activity and assess student interaction and behaviour.

Not only did this activity engage, it helped set a precedent for participating in Scripture. Both Melissa and I are happy to be contacted should anyone like finer details or assistance.

Tina Higgins, Catechist, St. Agatha’s, Pennant Hills

Vol 22 Issue 1 | CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017

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training and formation

Term 1 CCD training and formation opportunities serve those involved in the mission of Special Religious Education (SRE) in our State Schools but are also open to those in catechesis and evangelising outreach in our Diocese. This term CCD MI and Level 1 units will be offered.

CCD Ministry Induction – Compulsory Training for New Catechists and Helpers CCDL1-01MI

Mission and Ministry of the Catechist

CCDL1-02MI

SRE Teacher in the Parish and the School

CCDL1-03MI

Child Protection

CCDL1-04MI

Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum

CCDL1-05MI

Development of the Child and Adolescent I

CCDL1-06MI

Classroom Management: Positive Discipline

CCDL1-07MI

Introduction to the Bible

Level 1 – Tools for Teaching in the SRE Classroom CCDL1-08-14

Teaching Strategies: Prayer in the Classroom

CCDL1-09-14

Teaching Strategies: Listening and Questioning

CCDL1-10-14

Teaching Strategies: Using Music in the Classroom

CCDL1-11-14

Miracles and Parables

CCDL1-12-14

Teaching Strategies: Drama in the Classroom

CCDL1-13-14

Teaching Strategies: Using Stories and Visual Resources

CCDL1-14-14

Teaching Strategies: Using Interactive Whiteboard Resources

North Shore Hornsby Region - Course Type: CCDMI Venue:

Caroline Chisholm Centre, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Building 2, Pennant Hills (Vehicular entry via City View Road)

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Dates:

Thursday 9, 16, 23 February 2017, 2 March 2017

Time:

9:30am - 2:30pm (2 March 2017 9:30am – 12:00pm)

RSVP:

By Thursday 2 February to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

Northern Beaches Region - Course Type: CCDMI Venue:

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Centre, 9 Currie Road, Forestville

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Dates:

Friday 10, 17, 24 February 2017, 3 March 2017

Time:

9:30am – 2:30pm (3 March 9:30am – 12:00pm)

RSVP:

By Friday 3 February to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

Northern Beaches Region - Course Type: Level 1

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Venue:

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Centre, 9 Currie Road, Forestville

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Dates:

Friday 3, 17, 24, 31 March 2017

Time:

9:30am - 2:30pm (3 March 12:30pm – 2:30pm)

RSVP:

By Friday 25 February to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 1

training and formation

Central Coast Region Course Type: CCDMI Venue:

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Dates:

Monday 6, 13, 20, 27 February 2017

Time:

9:30am - 2:30pm (27 February 9:30am – 12:00pm)

RSVP:

By Monday 30 January to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

Central Coast Region Course Type: Level 1 Venue:

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Dates:

Monday 27 February 2017, 6, 20, 27 March 2017

Time:

9:30am - 2:30pm (27 February 12:30pm – 2:30pm)

RSVP:

By Monday 20 February to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

ENCOUNTER Series Christian Spirituality: Awakening the Deep Spirituality is central to what it means to be human. This ENCOUNTER course will highlight the meaning of spirituality and how it is understood within the Catholic tradition. How does it animate our spirit, and how is it different, if at all, from our understanding of religion? Fr David explores how spirituality is an “awakening” of the deeper parts of ourselves.

Course Duration: 1 x 2 hours Presenter: Very Rev Dr David Ranson, Parish Priest Holy Name Parish Wahroonga

and Vicar General Diocese of Broken Bay Date: Wednesday 15 February 2017 Time: 7:00pm Mass followed by presentation from 7:30pm – 9:30pm Venue: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 92 Glennie Street, Wyoming RSVP: registrations@dbb.org.au or 9847 0448 / 4332 9825 by Monday 13 February

Caroline Chisholm: Prophet of the Laity To celebrate the 140th anniversary of the death of Caroline Chisholm, the namesake of the Diocesan offices, Clara Geoghegan of the Siena Institute will lead an exploration of her life and legacy. Bringing together colonial Australian history and efforts in building up the nascent Catholic Church in Australia, Caroline Chisholm’s tireless work in defence of Gospel values will be explored. Highlighting her prophetic voice, Clara Geoghegan presents Caroline Chisholm’s earthy and connected spirituality as a model for our time, especially as it relates to the apostolate of the laity. Please do not miss this special presentation of the Office for Evangelisation!

Presenter: Date: Time: Venue:

RSVP:

Clara Geoghegan Wednesday 22 March 2017 9:30am – 12:30pm Railway Room, Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (Vehicular entry via City View Road) registrations@dbb.org.au or 9847 0448 / 4332 9825 by Monday 20 March Vol 22 Issue 1 | CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017

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lenten quiz / secondary activity

How much do you know about Lent?

A Lenten Quiz: Questions 1. The official (liturgical) colour of Lent is red. TRUE or FALSE? 2. Lent lasts for 40 days, not counting Sundays. TRUE or FALSE?

Lenten Activity for The Secondary Classroom Take 10 Minutes Have the students recall temptations that they have experienced. Direct them to silently reflect on 2 or 3 temptations that recur in their lives. While they are reflecting have some music playing and distribute a sheet of A4 paper and an envelope to each student.

3. The word Lent comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning “midwinter.” TRUE or FALSE?

Have the students devise a personal strategy they can use to help them avoid these temptations in the future.

Encourage young people to begin each strategy statement with...

4. The 40 days of Lent are a reminder of the Bible story in which Jesus spends 40 days alone in the wilderness and is tempted by the Devil.

TRUE or FALSE?

“First, take 10 minutes and talk to God about the temptation. ...”

5. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when people often have the sign of the cross made of ashes placed on their foreheads. Most often, these ashes are made by burning palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday service. TRUE or FALSE?

The students write their strategies on the paper and fold the sheet and place inside the envelope. Suggest that they keep this envelope in a safe place that is easily accessible for them whenever they need to refer to it.

Encourage students to use these strategies whenever they encounter the temptations they face.

6. The ash is supposed to represent the story in which Jesus places dirt or ash on a blind man’s eyes to make him see again. TRUE or FALSE?

These and more ideas can be found in Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts. Loyola Press

7. Many people give up something during Lent. The point of this practice is to show your willpower. TRUE or FALSE?

Source: http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/ liturgical-year/lent/activities-and-resources/lenten-activitiesfor-children#grade7

8. Fasting is a common practice in Lent but the one day people don’t fast during Lent is Sundays. TRUE or FALSE? 9. The phrase “Glory to God” is traditionally never spoken during Lent and does not make its return until Easter morning. TRUE or FALSE? 10. The last week of Lent is known as “Holy Week.” TRUE or FALSE? 11. On Holy Thursday, the last Thursday in Lent, we recall the last night and meal that Jesus shares with his disciples. TRUE or FALSE?

Answers 1. False. It’s purple – representing royalty and repentance.

2. True.

3. False. It translates “springtime” since that is the time of year the season generally falls.

4. True. It also recalls the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness.

5. True.

6. False. The ashes represent humility and our own mortality – from dust we came and to dust we shall return.

7. False. It is a practice of self-denial that allows room in your life for God to do something new.

8. True. People traditionally do not fast on Sundays as Sundays are to be reminders or a foretaste of the coming resurrection.

9. False. “Alleluia” is what many churches abstain from saying in worship during Lent.

10. True.

11. True.

Source: http://www.rethinkingyouthministry.com/2008/02/ideas-for-lent-3-youth-bible-study.html

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CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 1

spiritual formation

Don’t Ditch the Desert…

How the Wilderness Can Benefit Spiritual Health Most of us like to avoid hardship and difficulty. We do not seek out harsh conditions or frustrating periods. But God makes it clear that our faith grows stronger not in the beautiful mountaintop feelings of joy and elation, but in the dark valleys of struggle and doubt.

As those who minster with children and youth, it is important for us to remember this. We can fall into the trap of portraying being Catholic as a happy colourful flannel graph or multimedia presentation. For our own peace we must acknowledge and accept the “dark nights” - the difficult class, that annoying student or the lessons that just don’t work – as inevitable, and for the sake of our students we must recognise that reality.

Throughout the Bible we see many key events of character shaping that take place in the wilderness. Firstly, Abraham is described as “a wandering Aramean”. Moses escapes to the wilderness to escape Egyptian anger at his killing an overseer of the Hebrew slave. What happens when he thinks he is safe? God calls him in the midst of the burning bush and sets him on a course that will take him back to Egypt to confront his fear and live his life in totally trusting in the favour of the Lord. In that wilderness God gave Moses his assignment to free His people.

Another desert episode emerges as the people of God are forced to wander forty years in the wilderness. This wandering changes the tribe of slaves into a nation of people who are God’s Chosen People, a people who eventually trusted in God’s providence. Elijah also has a desert experience which brought him to know another side of God. Until this point the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was the creator and the All Powerful One. After Elijah vanquished the prophets of Baal, he feared for his life and fled into the desert where he fell into deep depression. He lay down beneath a bush and wanted to die. The God of his Fathers sent an angel with a scone and water for him to eat and drink and continue the journey. “and went a day’s journey into the wilderness, until he came to a solitary broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death: “Enough, Lord! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” He lay down and fell asleep under the solitary broom tree, but suddenly a messenger touched him and said, “Get up and eat!” He looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat or the journey will be too much for you!” He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.” Kings 19:4 - 8 Elijah did as the angel told him and reached Mt Horeb where he hid in a cave. It was in that cave that he met God, not in the power of an earthquake or a violent storm but in still, small voice or quiet whisper.

As we begin Lent, we remember the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry where he is led into the wilderness to confront his adversary. It was a time for prayer and fasting for Jesus, something that is rarely found in tourist brochures today.

This was not an accident or a punishment, but something that was driven and directed by God. Jesus spent this time of solitude and challenge to prepare for His ministry on earth. He had to go through this period to contemplate the mission the Father had called Him too. For Jesus, it was a time to focus on that call, to face the temptations and to fully trust in the loving kindness of the Father. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He withdraws to the ‘quiet places’ for nourishing time in prayer, talking to the Father. Jesus knew the value of time alone God. He did not avoid the desert but allowed Himself to be nourished and strengthened.

So what does that mean for us? For one thing, it means that we don’t need to fear times when our faith seems strained, struggling, or challenged. Doubt and even depression are not sins. We can use those dark valleys to grow when we continue to walk in the light. Perhaps we may not feel like praying, but pray we must, even if only crying out in the midst of dim frustration or sitting quietly, waiting on the Lord. The prayer of quiet can be a powerful thing.

How can we use this Lent to truly have an experience of metanoia or change of heart? Do we trust Our Father as Jesus did, to be with us in the ‘desert’ of our hearts”? Can we take a day to go to a lonely, quiet place and experience God in the absence of the things that can distract us? Can we stay with Jesus on the Mount of Olives for the soldiers to come? Would we dare to accompany Mary Magdalene to the tomb on Easter Sunday Morning?

If we dare, we too will encounter God in the still small voice and be strengthened to continue faithfully as God’s prophets in the 21st Century.

Michael Tebbutt, CCD Regional Co-ordinator Vol 22 Issue 1 | CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017

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from the parishes

North Harbour Catholic Community a parish with an Augustinian Flavour In this parish on the Northern Beaches there are six Government Primary Schools. 34 Catechists/ SRE teachers bring the message of God’s love to 835 students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays every week of the school term. Fr Paul Maloney O.S.A, the parish priest is always very supportive of the CCD/SRE ministry. Fr Paul opens his lovely, inviting meeting rooms for the once a term Northern Beaches’ Co ordinator Meetings which are held at Manly Vale. Compulsory CCD workshops which attract large numbers of participants are also held in the Manly Vale meeting rooms. We thank Fr Paul for his generosity in allowing CCD teams to utilise these premises. It should also be noted that the Augustinian formation community located in nearby Brookvale recognise the valuable experience for seminarians to have pastoral experience and formation. As such many of them volunteer their services to be catechists at the local schools.

Adriana Bowyer is the current CCD parish coordinator. She has been in the role since 2014. Previously Adriana was parish receptionist and she has also helped out with the parish sacramental programme. Adriana is an extremely hospitable and generous person with her time and talents. Her welcoming smile is the everlasting gift she gives to all who come into contact with her. She is totally committed to her faith and her parish community which comprises of both St Cecilia’s and St Kieran’s church groups. She is much loved by all the parish catechists as well as the many parishioners she comes into contact with.

The end of year celebration of the CCD ministry will begin with Mass followed by a luncheon prepared by all the catechists. A truly fitting conclusion to the year while celebrating the wonderful work of CCD ministry.

Yvonne van den Berg, former CCD Regional Coordinator Northern Beaches

Terrigal Parish Jim and Clare Pratt have retired from our Catechist Ministry after 20 years of dedicated and faithful service to the children from our Terrigal State Schools.

Jim has, in the past, also been the Terrigal Parish Catechist Coordinator.

On Wednesday 5 October 2016, approx 30 of our Catechists gathered in the Parish Hall to bid a fond farewell to Clare and Jim and to enjoy the opportunity of a nice cuppa and a chat, and to share our stories.

Clare and Jim are leaving the Parish and moving on to the next exciting chapter of their lives and we wish them every blessing.

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CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 1

Jim and Clare Pratt

from the parishes

GRAFFITI WALL Looking For Jesus (Prepared by Year 7 at Barrenjoey High School on the Northern Beaches) Lesson 7.2.3 challenges students to investigate and discover the person of Jesus Christ. The aim of this lesson is to foster a deeper relationship with the second person of the Trinity. David West and Veronica Thomas teach SRE to the students in years 7-10 at Barrenjoey High every Thursday for two periods. The students receive fortnightly lessons every term which equates to 20 lessons a year. For this lesson, Veronica provided the students with butchers paper and textas, encouraging them to create their artistic responses. Thank you David and Veronica for sharing the fruits of your efforts of Evangelisation.

Yvonne van den Berg

Contact Details for CCD Diocesan Offices Sharon da Roza Dioccesan CCD Admin sharon.daroza@dbb.org.au P: 02 9847 0492 F: 02 9847 0501

Alison Newell Diocesan CCD Coordiantor alison.newell@dbb.org.au P: 02 4334 3367 M: 0419 123 096

Regional Offices North Shore Hornsby Region P: 02 9847 0228 M: 0438 229 541

Northern Beaches Region P: 02 9847 0494 M: 0447 901 531

Central Coast Region Brisbane Waters Deanery P: 02 4323 7090 / 02 4322 5869 M: 0407 218 677 Tuggerah Lakes Deanery P: 02 4334 3367 / 02 4334 2622

Vol 22 Issue 1 | CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017

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annual ccd diocesan mass The Annual CCD Diocesan Mass and Presentation of Awards Ceremony was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral at Waitara on Saturday 5 November 2016. Bishop Peter Comensoli celebrated Eucharist with Clergy from across the Diocese and catechists from all parishes. Deceased catechists were remembered for their contribution to the Ministry of SRE. Catechists were awarded for Years of Service for 15 years and above (in increments of 5 years) and for Accreditation for the completion of the Level 3 of the CCD Training and Formation Program. At a Parish level, catechists were awarded for 5 and 10 years of service and for the completion of Levels 1 and 2.

Deceased catechists remembered for their contribution to the Ministry

Papal Blessing awarded by Bishop Peter Congratulations to Level 3 Diploma candidates Catechists at Mass

Catechists awarded for their contribution to the SRE Ministry

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CCD Newsletter Term 1, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 1