Connections Term 4, 2021.

INSIDE >>

2021

TERM 4

EVANGELISE + GATHER >< SEND >

2-3

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

6-9

CLASSROOM TIPS AND RESOURCES

12-14

STORIES FROM THE REGIONS

15

RECRUITMENT

VOL 26 ISSUE 4

Christmas Greetings to All Our Catechists

F

or God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Christmas celebrates the first coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who, through the Holy Spirit is making such a difference to the lives of those who relate personally with him. As they pray, worship and strive to live as he taught, they experience his power in their lives.

Just as God gave us His ultimate gift, we are reminded what a wonderful gift to the children in public schools Catechists are. Thank you for your commitment to the ministry, your hard work and patience in this challenging year.

We know just how much you have missed doing what you love to do - that is sharing your faith with kids in your SRE classes. Though it cannot replace the time that you lost in the classroom this year, our team at CCD Broken Bay has developed a Christmas and Advent resource that is being distributed in newsletters via the school networks. Our hope is to spread the message of a Christ-centred Advent and Christmas to as many families as possible.

To view the booklet visit the page on our website: https://www.bbcatholic.org .au/our-faith/ccd/ccdchristmasmessage/catholic-srechristmas-message-2021

2 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

Inside the booklet you will find: a Christmas greeting to all Catholic SRE families from YOU, their Catechists craft activities such as making an advent wreath or Jessie Tree ornaments Liturgies and prayers for the Advent and Christmas seasons Festive baking recipes Mass times around the diocese Advent and Christmas music playlists As we ponder the difference Christ is making in the lives of believers today, may we all be filled with Christmas joy and blessings. A holy and happy Christmas to you all.

CCD Team

From The Term Diocesan Coordinator 4, 2021

F

irstly, I would like to wish each one of you a joy-filled Advent. As we make our preparations for Christmas, as disciples of Christ we look forward with great hope to the Good News of Jesus’ birth. Let’s remember those whose lives have been affected so deeply by the pandemic in 2021 and do what we can to bring joy into their homes this Christmas.

I can’t let the year close without conveying my deep appreciation of your ministry. In a year like no other, when we were only able to teach SRE for half the year, let us join in prayer for the children and their families that they will be blessed by the coming of the Christ child this Christmas. To you, our catechists – thank you for your ministry both in the classroom for the first two terms and in prayer for the children during the second half of the year. As catechists, we know the power of prayer and we trust that the Holy Spirit is working through the hearts and minds of the children in our SRE classes, even though we have been absent from the classrooms.

Many of you were disappointed that we did not resume SRE in midNovember, even for only a couple of weeks. The advice that we provided to wait until the beginning of Term 1, 2022 was given out of a deep concern and respect for the wellbeing of you, our catechists, for the students and for the school staff who welcome us into their classrooms each week. Our prayer is that these summer months ahead will provide more clarity around living with Covid and thus allow a safer return to the schools in February.

The months out of the classroom have provided us with the opportunity to offer more training and formation sessions than ever and we have been constantly inspired by the attendance and participation of new and experienced catechists from every parish in the diocese. The wisdom that you have gained from your participation in this ministry is a key part of the sharing within our training and formation programs. Catechists are constantly being formed for ministry through the preparation and teaching of their lessons, their attendance at our training and formation sessions and their prayer life.

All of this prepares you to be a constant witness of faith in your families, communities, and our schools. What a blessing you are to the Church in Broken Bay and indeed beyond.

For those catechists who still need to undertake their ongoing Safeguarding training prior to the issue of authorisation cards in 2022, we will be offering training on Zoom during mid-late January (we will advertise the dates when they have been finalised). Should you not be able to join us on Zoom, please contact our Registrations Desk (Colleen Smith) at

registrations@bbcatholic.org.au or 8379 1643 and discuss how we can help you to fulfil the mandatory requirements to undertake Safeguarding training every three years.

We look forward in early 2022 to our Annual CCD Mass and Presentation of Awards Ceremony, which was postponed for the second year in a row from November 2021. The Eucharistic celebration of our ministry is a significant date in our calendar each year and we very much pray that we can gather at our Cathedral at Waitara on the weekend of Catechist Sunday, i.e., Saturday 26 February 2022.

In closing, I wish you a very happy and holy Christmas, with rich blessings upon you and your loved ones.

With sincerest appreciation.

Alison Alison Newell

3 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

From The Regional Coordinators Sue-Anne Sherwood Hornsby Region

This term has been filled with training and recruitment. I’ve so enjoyed meeting up with some groups to help plan their recruitment campaigns. Lovely to be able to get together again to do so and generously hosted by our Coordinators. You’re all in our prayers as your campaigns go ahead. Holy Spirit, we pray for a whirlwind of urging for God’s special people who are called to this ministry and for the courage for them to say ‘yes’.

May the joy of the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love and your life with laughter and peace.

They say the best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas surrounded by your precious family, and many blessings for the coming year.

Whatever is beautiful. Whatever is meaningful. Whatever brings you happiness. May it be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

"You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." ~ Maya Angelou However tangled the lights are this year, I know you'll handle it with aplomb. Have a blessed Christmas!

Having endured months of shutdown we are looking forward to a COVID free Christmas with family, friends and freedom.

My prayer is that you are happy and healthy as this year comes to a close.

John Donnelly Northern Beaches Region

It is quite a different ending to those we have

experienced in the past. Not being able to farewell students in the usual ways is disappointing but this challenge has resulted in creative approaches and responses. One can see the hand of God in the midst of these difficult times as we focus on the coming of baby Jesus, (Emmanuel) – God with us.

Here’s to the New Year 2022 when we return to the ‘new normal’ for the SRE ministry in public schools. Hopefully we will again experience the satisfaction of meeting students face to face and sharing with them the good news of the gospels. When we can resume conversations of faith with children and young people as we lead them in their walk with Jesus down the pathways of discipleship.

God bless you and yours as we wait upon the Lord.

Kristy Komadina

North Shore Region

Though we may not have been together in the flesh, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of you over Zoom in our training days and Reflection Mornings. It's so nice to finally put a face to names and sometimes I think this time has been a blessing in disguise with so many more people able to access training from the comfort of their own homes.

I've also been heartened by the many likes, shares and comments on our Facebook and Instagram pages. If you haven't found our pages yet, please do (simply search for CCD Broken Bay). We post daily with a mix of education, prayer, inspiration and information.

Lastly, have a blessed, restful and beautiful Christmas! See you all next year, well refreshed and ready to get back into the classroom!

4 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

and CCD Administration Staff Michael Tebbutt Central Coast Region

Well, here we are nearing the end of the year, looking forward to celebrating Christmas with our families and friends.

The question I have is “Where did this year go?”It has been another unusual year with a few months living in lockdown and not being able to go into the schools and teach the wonderful children and having to be content with training via Zoom and not face to face. These things I have really missed however, many new opportunities have presented themselves and it has been a busy and fulfilling time.

I would like to thank all you wonderful catechists, catechist assistants and catechist co-ordinators for all you contribute to this ministry and for sticking with it through this time of lockdown. I am sure you are looking forward to getting back into the classes next year. I am.

In the meantime, prepare for Christmas, both spiritually and materially and have a very special celebration of the Birth of Christ this year.

Blessings to you all!

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.”

Admin Assistant NSH + NB ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol My personal recap on a year where there has been constant talk of the Past, Present and the Future.

Sharon da Roza

The Past: I have really missed being with my colleagues in person for much of 2021. I have missed the opportunities where we meet up with our catechists (and not forgetting my family or friends, of course).

The Present: Is where I will be revelling during Christmas; loving being with my family, catching up with friends and hopefully some Christmas frivolity with my beloved CCD team. To enjoy all those moments of spontaneous laughter, shared banter, sharing a few champagnes, being able to hug my daughters and cuddle my new great-niece.

The Future: How excited are we all for next year! When we can all experience each other’s company in person, not just on Zoom. And to go back into classrooms! I do fear that I am not ‘match-fit’, when it comes to providing hospitality, whether it be at work or on the home front – but I will endeavour to do my best.

Enjoy the company of your family and friends.

Looking forward to a Fabulous 2022!!

Colleen Smith

Admin Assistant Central Coast

It is hard to believe that Advent and Christmas are upon us we start to plan and prepare for events and family gatherings (at long last something to look forward to). This year has certainly brought us challenges once again with working from home, separation from loved ones and not being able to enter schools or attend Mass. I have been truly grateful to have been able to share in prayer each morning and reflect on the scriptures with the rest of the CCD team and pray for our catechists and others that needed our prayers.

I have appreciated all the phone calls, emails from catechists registering or enquiring about training opportunities.

I have enjoyed chatting with you all and helping you to achieve meeting your training and formation opportunities.

It is always a joy to hear from you. I hope and pray that you all have a happy and Holy Christmas with family and friends, and we look forward to seeing you all next year.

Merry Christmas and best wishes and many blessings for 2022.

5 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

FOR THE CLASSROOM

A Resource For Catechists For Return To School A Covid Safe

A Pastoral Guide to

Return to School in 2022

Resuming SRE Lessons

At this stage, we are confident that SRE will resume at the beginning of Term 1, 2022. Schools are responsible for managing Covid requirements that will safely accommodate visiting providers to their sites.

1.

CONTINUITY

Consider teaching the same class Stay with the students you started with in 2021 Start the year with Cycle B

As always, we ask you to manage your health in conjunction with medical professionals and following the advice of NSW Health and the Department of Education.

Covid safe measures will apply in the schools, such as: ·All visitors to school sites, including parents and carers, volunteers and all providers must be fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination will be required at sign-in.

2.

·Do not attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms.

Masks required indoors for all staff, adult visitors and students in Year 7 or above, and recommended indoors for primary students.

All staff and visitors must check in when attending a school site or gathering.

Maintain 1.5 metres physical distancing wherever practicable and good hygiene.

Students must stay in their cohort and avoid mingling with other class and year groups when moving around the school. This safety measure will be interpreted differently in each school depending on the size of the cohorts. It could relate to individual classes, year groups or stages.

Singing and chanting are not permitted.

3.

COURTESY

School staff and students Do not attend if you have cold and flu like symptoms Respect that your school will set its own COVID expectations for volunteers.

4. CLEAN AIR Teach outdoors if practical and possible Open windows and doors when inside the classroom Turn fans on to move the air around

CCD will confirm the Covid safe measures that will be in place at the beginning of Term 1 when that information comes to hand. Should we need to modify the delivery of SRE, we will keep you informed.

If you have any enquiries in relation to the above, please don’t hesitate to contact your Parish Catechist Coordinator or your Regional CCD Coordinator to discuss.

Alison Newell

We can all be COVID safe in schools and our communities if we look after each other.

6 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

CARE OF SELF

Physical and emotional wellbeing Attend classes with confidence Do not attend if you are unwell or unsure

5.

CONTENT

Acknowledge the shutdown and share feelings about returning Ask students about their experiences of returning to school at this time Relate messages about Jesus to the students' experience eg God is with us.

FOR THE CLASSROOM

Tips for bringing fun into the classroom

INCORPORATE MYSTERY Learning is the most fun when it’s surprising. Don’t just disseminate information; cloak it in mystery. Highlight the weird, the unusual, the unique. Ask questions. Start with a curious detail that can only be addressed by diving into the background of the subject and thoroughly exploring it. Pose a mystery at the beginning of the lesson and let your students work towards solving it..

BE GOOFY Let loose; laugh; make fun of yourself. Don’t worry about sacrificing your authority. In fact, the latest research says authority stems from showing you care about your students, and making them laugh and feel good is one way to do that.

PARTICIPATE Don't just leave it to the kids to get involved, make sure that you are part of the action too. Can you sit on the floor with them or sing Contrast is the difference between along to a song you are learning or make yourself a character in a two different colors. It helps to dramatisation? Children will respond with enthusiasm (and maybe a show definition and leads the eye few laughs) if they see that you're not afraid to do the work with around a piece of artwork or design. them.

Five Tips for Achieving and Maintaning Classroom Discipline Greet the students at the door of the room as they enter.

Ask the name of the first student and introduce yourself.

Have that student introduce you to the following student.

The benefit of this is that the students enter the room in an orderly fashion and you will learn some of their names.

Make sure the students are focused before you begin the lesson. Do not ask for quiet but rather say, “everyone sitting facing the front with voices turned off.” (or something similar). You may need to wait a few seconds.

Do not raise your voice and demand silence. The children will simply talk over you and that will create more noise.

Model the behaviour you want your students to produce. Be respectful, enthusiastic, courteous and interested in them, and they will soon reflect your manner. Once again, smiling is very effective.

AVOID GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS It’s so easy to let teaching become automatic, especially those who have been doing it for a long time. You tend to use the same lessons and techniques year after year with different students. But if it’s not fun for you, it won’t be fun for your students either. Make an effort to be fresh, try new things, take risks, make mistakes, enjoy the moment.

ENJOY YOURSELF People with high confidence–people we respect and listen to–tend to have one important trait in common: they enjoy themselves.

Quite literally. You’ll have a significantly better time teaching if you work on nurturing your personal relationship with yourself. Your students will have a better time, too.

If a child is not so co-operative, or as a wise catechist told me, needs some extra TLC, remain calm and positive. Find something that that student has done well and comment positively. Do not criticise the student but use the student’s name and say something like, “Shane, how are you going with the written work?” or “Jenny, would you like me to help you with the puzzle?” Hearing their name will bring them back to task.

When the students are working in groups or individually, move about the room. Address the students by name and give them a positive comment on the work they are doing. Having a smile on your dial also helps a lot.

7 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

FOR THE CLASSROOM SAFEGUARDING

How to learn names and get to know each other at the start of the year

Who am I? When students meet a new teacher or are put into a new group of students, they could be a little shy or they may feel a little lonely in the company of strangers. This game will help everyone realise that they can always learn something about even someone they think they know well.

ASK STUDENTS TO INTRODUCE EACH OTHER TO THE CLASS Give students 2-3 minutes in pairs to interview each other and discover something that no one can forget.

Go around the room asking students to introduce each other, allowing 1 minute per pair.

First, distribute an index card to each student. Ask students to write one little-known fact about themselves on this card. It should be something that people could not know just by looking at them. The students’ names should not appear on the cards. Then collect the cards.

Take a card from the pack, read it and ask the class to guess who the fact describes. You could read several cards at the beginning of each class period throughout term 1 or until you and the class know each other from these little-known facts. They will also learn that they have something in common with a classmate or they learn something interesting about someone that might otherwise have taken all year to discover.

USE A SEATING CHART FOR THE FIRST 2-3 CLASSES

CLASSMATE INTRODUCTIONS

Ask students to sit in the same place for a few classes to help you learn their names more quickly

In the first lesson, introduce yourself and let the students know a little about what they will be doing during the Special Religious Education classes this year. Tell them however that they will learn more and enjoy the class more if everyone knows each other.

Have the students pair up and their task is to interview each other and when selected, they will introduce their partner to the rest of the class.

Display the following questions for the students to use when interviewing their classmate.

USE NAME TENTS Ask students to write their names in large letters on both sides of a folded 5 x 8 index card and keep this card on their desks for the first few classes.

s u s e J

· · · · ·

t s i r Ch

8 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

What is your name?

What is your favourite subject at school?

What sport or sports do you enjoy playing?

What hobby or hobbies do you like to do?

What is something that not many people know you can do?

This activity will give you a chance to move about the class and observe the students’ interaction with each other and learn their names.

FOR THE CLASSROOM Learning Styles Survey This survey would be best suited for stage 2 classes and higher. It will get the students thinking about themselves and it will give you an idea as to which activities in the Walking With Jesus lessons and the Pathways of Discipleship lessons will work well or who to ask to participate in activities such as role plays or reading out to the class tasks.

LEARNING STYLES SURVEY NAME:

Read the phrases in each box. If you enjoy doing the activity, place an 'X' in the box in front of the phrase.

SAY IT

COUNT IT

Write a letter

Doing a maze or a puzzle

Make a crossword

Draw a graph

Write a story

Design a survey

Reading a story out loud

Invent a code

PICTURE IT

MOVE IT

Draw a picture

Roleplay

Make a poster

Create a model

Take a photo

Develop an invention

Create a cartoon

Make a mobile

HUM IT

LEAD IT

Perform music

Do a volunteer project

Sing a song

Organise an event

Tapping to the beat

Interview a person

Sing in a choir

Take part in a discussion

REFLECT ON IT

INVESTIGATE IT

Keep a diary

Make observations

Keep a personal log

Classify objects

Keep to yourself

Create a display of objects

Think about things a lot

Identify objects 9 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

SAFEGUARDING

Bishops United in Safeguarding Commitment In September 2021 the leaders of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Sydney, Archbishop Anthony Fisher, the Diocese of Broken Bay, Bishop Anthony Randazzo, and the Diocese of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long made a joint commitment to safeguarding children and young people. The three leaders stated that this commitment is underscored by our faith in Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

INSIDE >>

A document entitled Children and Young People’s Participation in Catholic Communities was launched by the three dioceses as a guide to supporting and engaging, listening, and communicating with children and young people.

The three leaders endorsed the underlying principles and practices expressed in the document.

The leaders noted: “We are united in having zero tolerance to any attitude and activity that makes children and young people unsafe.”

As part of our co-responsibility and ongoing efforts to foster a culture of safety for children and young people in our communities, parishes and schools, I invite you to familiarise yourself with the document which can be found at the following link on the Diocese of Broken Bay website: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/about/safeguarding/safeguardingmonth-2021 A page from the new Safeguarding document Children and Young People's Participation in Catholic Communities

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE BROKEN BAY Caroline Chisolm Centre 423 Pennant Hills rd PENNANT HILLS NSW 2120 PO Box 340 PENNANT HILLS NSW 1715 ALISON NEWELL CCD Diocesan Coordinator P: 8379 1637 M: 0424 737 911 E: alison.newell@bbcatholic.org.au SHARON DA ROZA Diocesan CCD Admin (NSH & NB Regions) P: 8379 1638 E: sharon.daroza@bbcatholic.org.au

KRISTY KOMADINA North Shore Region P: 8379 1639 M: 0400 809 644 E: kristy.komadina@bbcatholic.org.au SUE-ANNE SHERWOOD Hornsby Region P: 8379 1639 M: 0416 141 508 E: sueanne.sherwood@bbcatholic.org.au JOHN DONNELLY Northern Beaches Region P: 8379 1640 M: 0437 964 072 E: john.donnelly@bbcatholic.org.au

10 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

Central Coast CCD Resource Centre 12 Ashton Ave THE ENTRACE NSW 2261 (Behind OLOR Church) PO Box 390 THE ENTRANCE NSW 2261 MICHAEL TEBBUTT Central Coast Region P: 8379 1641 M: 0407 218 677 E: michael.tebbutt@bbcatholic.org.au

COLLEEN SMITH Central Coast Admin P: 8379 1642 E: colleen.smith@bbcatholic.org.au Registrations for CCD Training P: 8379 1643 E: registrations@bbcatholic.org.au WWJ Curriculum Resources P: 8379 1642 E: ccdresources@bbcatholic.org.au

Join the conversation on our social media pages. instagram.com/ccdbrokenbay facebook.com/ccdbrokenbay

CATECHIST FORMATION

Mary Proclaims the Reign of God When we think of Mary, we often imagine a young mother caring for Jesus and her husband Joseph in the perfect Jewish home or we see her as the perfect woman, dressed in white and blue, always perfectly presented. The Magnificat is often seen as Mary’s prayer, praising and thanking God for all that God has done for her.

Mary’s initial response to Gabriel’s message as we have heard is a big ‘Yes’.

But what does she do next? What would you do? I imagine most parents-tobe would be so happy that they would go out and tell everyone they knew that they would be having a baby or start making preparations for the arrival of the newborn.

But what does Mary do? As soon as she hears that her kinswoman, Elizabeth is also expecting a child, Mary heads off, on foot, to the hill country of Judea.

Elizabeth is older and has been barren. Mary’s concern is for Elizabeth and not herself. Mary responds as a disciple of her yet-to-be-born son.

On meeting Elizabeth and hearing her greeting, once again Mary does not respond as might have been expected. Rather she proclaims a magnificent prayer from her lips, deflecting attention away from her and toward the great works of God. She images God as a champion of the poor and the lowly, those who have no power of their own. She plants God’s mercy

from the beginning of her people’s history, “to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Mary has announced the beginning of the Reign of God and God has chosen sides, that of the powerless.

Let us put this into the context of the Chosen People’s history. From the earliest days, they were living with people who were foreign to them. They had been enslaved, exiled from Israel and had been occupied and ruled by other nations. At the time of Mary’s prophetic announcement, the Roman Imperial Forces were occupying the land. This news that God had chosen the poor and the lowly to raise them up and throw the powerful from their seat of power would have been a radical announcement.That Mary made this proclamation, gives us another insight into her character. She appears to be less meek and mild and more brave and outspoken.

So, what does this prayer mean for us today? Do we recite it by heart, as a formula which makes us feel good because Mary said it? Or do we really hear the words we are praying, taking to heart the meaning of this Hebrew psalm, repeating and contrasting various images in order to stress a point.

He has scattered the proud hearted and cast the mighty from their thrones But has lifted up the lowly and has filled the starving with good things.

It is easy to look back to the New Testament times and identify the powerful and the powerless. The challenge for us is to identify the poor and lowly today and to respond as a disciple of Jesus, just as Mary did. This Advent, as we prepare joyfully for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, let us also prepare, and indeed make the Reign of God a reality in our families and in our communities.

Michael Tebbutt CCD Regional Coordinator Central Coast Region

11 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

ACROSS THE YEAR A Catechist's Journey

Passing the Baton Onto the Next Generation Catechists

New Catechist recruit Jarret Maple (left) with his mentor David Hamilton (right), long time Catechist, finally retiring from the ministry at the age of 90.

O

n Monday 30 August at their Term 3 Meeting the Secondary Catechists of the Northern Beaches celebrated a milestone for one of their group. David Hamilton of Frenchs Forest Parish turned 90 years of age and heralded the end to nearly two decades in the Catechist ministry.

David who describes himself as a ‘Pius XII Catholic’ retired around 1990. At that time he was asked, "What do you plan to do?" He surprised questioners when he expressed wanting to teach religion in public schools. God had more immediate plans for David who was called to care for his sick wife until her death in 1996. This was followed by some travel and involvement in a Probus Club.

In 2002 David responded to a recruitment campaign and joined the Pymble Parish catechists. He remembers fondly being trained by legendary CCD Coordinator, Kath Ryan among others and considers that this was when he developed into a ‘Vatican II Catholic’. David’s first role was as a helper in Turramurra High School. After moving to Belrose he started solo teaching at Kambora Primary as well as presenting seminars in a team at Davidson and The Forest High schools. David prides himself on adapting to the needs of the ministry and changing as the parish and its schools required it.

With the publication of Pathways of Discipleship, David enjoyed the support and flexibility of this ‘marvellous’ program. In recent years David has singlehandedly presented lessons to Years 7 to 10 at Davidson High School. From the many available he has selected one lesson each fortnight and adapted it to the particular needs of all four year groups. Under the guidance of Joe Pulis (CCD Coordinator) David even incorporated digital resources into these lessons.

Earlier this year David wrote an open letter in the newsletter of Our Lady of Good Counsel, appealing for someone to assist him in the SRE classes with the view to continuing in his place next year. A new recruit, Jarret Maple responded to this letter and made contact with David. After the usual authorisation and training the two men began working together to the delight of their students. The wise veteran and tech savvy apprentice complemented each other as they engaged with the fortunate students in Catholic SRE classes.

As David Hamilton reminisced about the ministry of SRE with teenagers he reflected that it has actually become easier and more enjoyable in recent years. We took the opportunity to bless David and thank him for his years of faithful service, inviting him to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that hundreds of students and their families have benefited from and appreciated his work as a Catechist. Go well - good and faithful servant.

John Donnelly CCD Regional Coordinator Northern Beaches

12 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

ACROSS THE YEAR Kindness Reigns on the Lower North Shore

P

atrick Carmody, a parishioner of St Thomas' Willoughby and a long time Catechist has always been a favourite amongst the students he teaches at Willoughby Public School. His enthusiasm for the Gospel message of kindness and compassion permeates every lesson.

Every Wednesday at the beginning of his SRE classes the kids make a lot of noise shouting out Pat's favourite mantra: 1. Be Kind 2. Be Kind 3. Be Kind All Day, every day, till you drop dead.

Pat Carmody, Catechist

Pat explains, "It may sound silly, but including 'till you drop-dead' is the main reason the kids remember the rules and hopefully will do so for life. I'm regularly stopped by older kids when I'm out and about in the area, who come up to me telling me they still remember the rules."

"At the end of class, I will always tell a different kindness story and show a short 2-3 minute video on kindness."

Pat's students have often said to him that they need to share the kindness stories with more people, so Pat told them "Ok, why don't you do it at Mass on Sunday." That is how The Kindness Project was conceived.

Hannah Muir ,Year 4 student of Willoughby Public School, with her family at St Thomas’ Church, Willoughby

Students from Pat's classes volunteered to speak at Masses across the three churches in the parish of Lower North Shore.

At each of the Masses, students shared a kindness story and distributed cards with the 'kindness rules' printed on them to parishioners. Pat said, "The kids who spoke at Mass did practice their speeches, and all seem to have a real sense of achievement. As we all know, it can be nerve-wracking speaking in front of a large crowd, and Rose Pickles, Year 4 student from Willoughby Public they all did really well. " School, giving her Kindness speech at St Thomas’ Church, Willoughby

Pat and Parish Coordinator Aida Moore received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, children and the wider community. The kindness message even made it to Facebook with Willoughby Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney posting a photo of herself displaying the card to all her followers. CCD's own Sharon da Roza was spotted on our Facebook page doing the same.

There are plans to repeat the project next year as it was deemed a wonderful success. Apart from the message of kindness being spread far and wide, it was a unique and positive way to bring more families to Mass and to promote the Catechist ministry to the wider community.

Gail Giles-Gidney, Mayor of Willoughby, showing her Facebook followers the kindness card.

Service Awards

In 2020 we were unable to celebrate with our usual end of year Mass due to COVID restrictions. One of the highlights of this occasion is the opportunity to acknowledge those people who have achieved milestone years as Catechists.

Not wanting to miss out on celebrating these important achievements, we asked Parish Priests and Parish Coordinators to present awards at local Masses within their parishes. CCD Broken Bay congratulates all the Catechists who received awards in 2020 and we thank you for your years of service and dedication to this ministry.

This year due to circumstances around COVID, we wanted to ensure that the Annual Catechist's Mass and Awards could go ahead unimpeded by restrictions.

The Mass and Awards will be held at the later date, 26th February at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral. Details can be found on the back page of Connections.

We are excited to be back together with you all and are looking forward to the opportunity to acknowledge this years award recipients.

Catechist Mary Lee from Epping & Carlingford receiving her 10 year service award.

13 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

ACROSS THE YEAR

2021: The Year of Zoom COVID-19 may have kept catechists out of the classroom for half of the year, but it couldn't stop them from completing training modules and attending Reflection days with the help of modern-day connectivity.

From Vietnam to Hornsby A Journey to become a Catechist My name is Hong Van Nguyen. I‘d like to share my family story with the miracle blessing from God. It stared from the time when God answered my grandpa's prayer after the death of his three newborn babies. As promised, he became a Catholic after the survival of his fourth baby and was blessed to have six more children after that.

My father is the third child and baptised from young age but he didn't really attend church . Since I was ten years old, my dad had the call to come back to the church family. So my family became Catholic parishioners of a small church in my village called Long Duc in the South East of Vietnam. He served in ministries of the church for a while before he had a heart attack and passed away.

Zoom participants in the Miracles and Parables Training

We still love being together with you in person but what this year has shown us is that Zoom is a useful tool to reach people who ordinarily might find getting to training a challenge due to work commitments, care of children or travel limitations.

At one point of my life I had the intention of become a nun, but it wasn't to be.

I believe God's calling for me was to be a good Catholic and to share my faith with people around me.

Many Catechists took the opportunity complete training that was outstanding, or simply for their own enrichment and formation.

Our Patris Corde Reflection Morning and Safeguarding training flyers.

We received a lot of positive feedback about our Zoom sessions such as this one.

Then God encouraged meCatechist to become a catechist 2019 after my daughter since 2019, Hong VaninNguyen received her sacrament of Confirmation. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to share the Gospel with the children in Hornsby South Public School, where my daughter is a student. It is certainly a wonderful experience to share my faith in God with children who have a pure mind to experience God's presence in their life. They have brought peace, love and joy in my life by drawing me closer to God. One unexpected benefit was spending time studying the scriptures to prepare to teach the kids about God and his unconditional love for his children.

It' s a rewarding vocation to see the impact SRE has on the children. I wish more people would respond to God's call to share their faith and step forward to become a catechist, helping children who are so keen to learn about God, but miss out on scripture lessons due to a lack of volunteers in our church community.

I hope my story inspires people to say yes to God's call and share their time and experience. We inspire love and joy within children who are impacted by their faith in God. God's love and his glory surround me, my students and their families.

14 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4

RECRUITMENT Fr Shaju and Fr Joy kindly agreed to:

It's Recruitment Season Ho, Ho, Ho! Just before Christmas decorations and just after Halloween decorations – we all know is Catechist Recruitment Season – and we are in the thick of it, planning for 2022 Scripture classes.

Our wonderful Parish Priests are an imperative and almost the most important part of our Catechist Recruitment Campaigns. Their enthusiastic support, their ‘yes attitude’, their willingness to allow as much recruitment and help with announcements and tapping on shoulders - makes such a difference.

Keeping prolonged visibility of Catechist Recruitment and how many Catechists you’re still looking for is key and using as many different tactics to touch God’s called people, is the plan. I’ve been involved with the wonderful Fr Shaju & Fr Joy at Ku-ring-gai Chase and Fr Peter at Hornsby recently.

Well done to all our Co-ordinators who work tirelessly with their team of Catechists in their dedication to filling every classroom.

This picture is the Recruitment Strategy gathering of keen Catechists, generously hosted by Cynthia Gilbertson and her husband and enthusiastically supported by their priests at Ku-ring-gai Chase.

TIPS FOR RECRUITMENT together Get a recruitment team Set goals n Have an extended campaig faithful to Devote one prayer of the reached recruitment until goal is d social Utilise parish bulletins an media pages

3 weekends this year for recruitment at all Masses to show videos/ Catechist talks with Recruitment tables with pamphlets and posters give a quarter of a page in the printed bulletin for Catechist adverts going forward until they’ve found 10 Catechists (they signed up one already on their first weekend ) make space on half the outdoors notice board for Catechist adverts and posters keep a circulating Catechist Recruitment Prayer of the Faithful going until they’ve found their 10 Catechists ask for Catechists during end of Mass bulletin announcements at all Masses including morning masses pay for bibles to still be delivered to Yr 6 students this year come up with names of parishioners to personally ask to be Catechists approve an email to Sacramental families with an example of a Scripture lesson asking if anyone is being called to teach Scripture after their wonderful Sacramental experience attend Catechist meetings Fr Shaju offered to teach a class They have set up a Recruitment Team: Two people in addition to Co-ordinator to help organise the recruitment campaign A Catechist who will send the bulletin advert every week to the parish secretary (15 samples provided by the Diocesan Team to draw ideas from) Timetable of recruitment weekends with speakers, USB video organised, Catechists to hand out fliers and asking for prayers or tapping people on the shoulder to recruit, table set up people If you are planning a Recruitment Campaign and would like help, please contact your Regional Co-ordinator for ideas for pamphlets, posters, videos and recruitments talk suggestions.

Know our prayers are always with you. You are beautiful humans, all of you!

Thank you for all you do!

Sue-Anne Sherwood Hornsby Region

15 | CCD NEWSLETTER TERM 4 2021 | VOL 26, ISSUE 4