Spreading the Good News newsletter term2

No 91 Term 2 2014

Spreading Good News

As successors of the Apostles, Bishops, Priests and Laity have been given the mission to teach all nations and to preach the Gospel to every creature.

Christ the Lord promised the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, and on Pentecost Day sent the Spirit from Heaven.

Dear SRE Teachers, Assistants and Members of the Clergy, Now that Easter has passed the Church continues in the Season to the Ascension and Pentecost. This is a time for us to reflect on our ministry as Teachers and Assistants to the students in the Public schools.

In the Church there is diversity of service but unity of purpose. As SRE Teachers and Assistants, we share in this mission given to the Apostles, passed to the Bishops, Priests and Deacons and to us the Laity. It is through Baptism, Confirmation and the reception of the Eucharist that we as SRE Teachers and Assistants are continually reminded we are witnesses to Christ.

“The salvation which God offers us is the work of his mercy. No human efforts, however good they may be, can enable us to merit so great a gift. God, by his sheer grace, draws us to himself and makes us one with him. He sends his Spirit into our hearts to make us his children, transforming us and enabling us to respond to his love by our lives. The Church is sent by Jesus Christ as the sacrament of the salvation offered by God.” (Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel. Pope Francis)

The Holy Spirit is ever present to us as we prepare lessons for the students, and with us as we present the lesson.

This is a time to say thank you for all you do. You are witnesses, for the students, as you stand before them each week. May you be blessed.

To all the new SRE Teachers and Helpers who have started this year, you are very welcome.

Vicki and I know that your Coordinators have worked with you to give you a placement in the schools and support you.

Centre for Reflective Living. The program was organised and facilitated through the Diocese of Parramatta CCD. The reflection day was led by Sr Patty Andrew, the theme - Australia – Unity in Diversity. As the theme indicates we reflected on God’s unconditional love and acceptance for us as who we are! We bring a variety of gifts – our histories, personalities, talents, faults…. Make us who we are in our uniqueness.

“Now there are a varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1Cor 12:4-7) The rest of the Conference was spent working on the NCCD Constitution which we succeeded in completing. The Constitution will be presented to the Australia Catholic Bishops Conference.

The Conference Mass was led by Bishop Anthony Fisher after which we attended the Conference Dinner.

CCRESS The CCRESS Conference followed on from the NCCD Conference. Vicki was able to join us, as were some Coordinators from the other Dioceses.

The Review of Special Education Ethics (SEE) and the implication for Special Religious Education (SRE) was discussed. An Independent review of SRE will be overseen by the Department of Education and Communities (DEC). The Review may take place over the second half of this year and carry over to 2015.

CATECHIST SUNDAY

NATIONAL CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (NCCD) I had the good fortune to attend the National conference held at St Joseph’s Baulkham Hills

To all the Priests in your parishes and the SRE Teachers and Assistants who spoke at the Parish Masses, I say ‘thank you’ for your support for Catechist Sunday. It is a significant weekend in the mission of your parish, keeping in mind the growing number of Catholic families who choose to send their children to the public schools.

LA SALLE ACADEMY LITHGOW A Student has chosen to contribute to the ministry by being a Catechist Helper.

Vicki and I will be giving her training and support as she prepares to attend the Lithgow Public schools.

TERM TWO OVERVIEW OF CURRICULUMS CHRIST OUR LIGHT AND LIFE (COLAL SEPTEMBER 2011) The program starts with refreshing of the Easter Story.

The main focus for this term will be on the Holy Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit, the Holy Trinity: One God. The program continues with Jesus beginning his Ministry and the first Christians.

SUNDAY SCRIPTURES ALIVE (CEO CHRISTCHURCH NZ)

WORKING WITH CHILDERN CHECK The Working With Children Check can be obtained by visiting http://www.kids.nsw.gov.au/Workingwith-Children-Check and completing the online form. If you need assistant phone 02 9286 7219.

We are aware that Volunteers have been given a until March 2015, but it would be appreciated if you could register for the check before the end of June and have your forms to Mr Tony Eviston, Chancery Office, P O Box 246, Bathurst NSW 2795.

The readings for the Sundays after Easter are from John’s Gospel, except the third Sunday that is from Luke’s Gospel. The Ascension of the Lord is from Matthew 28:16-20. The readings for Pentecost Sunday are from John 7:37-39, 20:19-23.The last couple of Sundays for the term the readings are from John’s Gospel.

SAFE CHURCH AWARENESS WORKSHOP Two Workshops coming up to equip our Church communities to be safe places through growing awareness and understanding of safety and protection.

DUBBO: Saturday 3rd May 2014, 9.30am – 3.30pm.

VENUE: Wesley House (DUBBO UNITING CHURCH) 64 Church St, Dubbo.

COST: $20.00 per person. Please BYO Lunch.

Morning Tea provided.

REGISTER: Online: www.ume.nsw.uca.org.au; Email: safechurch@nsw.uca.org.au; PHONE: 02 8838 8912.

FORBES: Sunday 4th May 2014, 11am – 4.30pm.

VENUE: Forbes Uniting Church, Browne St, Forbes.

REGISTER: Trevor Drury- Phone: 02 6851 1801 or mobile: 0438 205 519, COST: $20.00 per person, Please BYO Lunch, Afternoon Tea provided.

CONNECT (CEP CONNECT WORKS CYCLE A1 2011)

The focus for this term is on Trusting God as has been shown through the Old Testament. Stories about people who wrestled with their belief in God. “Like Abraham, who at times questioned God, those who trusted in God also displayed human weaknesses and doubts. But it was their response in faith, however weak or faltering, that pleased God.” (CONNECT Lower Primary A1 page 104)

GODSPACE (Burst Christian Resources 2011)

Unit 3 – Main Theme – Followers of Jesus How Jesus Changes Lives using John 4:3-30, 39-42, Luke 19:1-10, Luke 10:38-42, John 21:1-19, and 2 Peter 3:18.

Unit 4 – Main Theme – God’s People Leaders for God using 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 1 Samuel 24:1-22, 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1-17, Proverbs9:10, 1 Kings 4:29-34, 2 Chronicles 2-4,9.

Jesus, a Challenging Leader.

TERM DATES 2014 Term 2

28th April – 27th June

Term 3

14th July – 9th September

Term 4

7th October – 19th December

CATHOLIC RESOURCE CENTRE

‘Sampler’ Jesus used parables to teach his disciples and followers. Jesus’s parables are timeless teaching tools. Catechists share the stories of the parables in many ways and there are a range of aids to assist available from the Centre’s lending collection like those named below.

‘Bob the Wandering Lamb’ (based on the Parable of the Lost Sheep) and ‘Busy Bees’ (the Vineyard Workers) are two VHS videos from set of twelve in the ‘Parables for Children’ series. The video, ‘Parables for Kids, Volume 1’ is an animated presentation of the stories ‘The Sower’, ‘Good Samaritan’, ‘Lost Sheep’, ‘Prodigal Son’ and ‘Pharisee and the Tax Collector’.

‘The Stray’ on DVD is a modern parable based on the story of the Lost Sheep.

Large size storybooks receive very positive feedback from teachers and catechists who use them. Two of the books held that relate to parables are “Parables Jesus Told’ and ‘Parables of the Kingdom’.

The flipchart picture set ‘Jesus: Teacher & Healer’ is a spiral bound flipchart format of 24 pictures on 12 large pages. Many of the parables and miracles are depicted colourfully with unique details.

‘More stories and songs of Jesus’ has a great selection of New Testament stories to teach about Jesus with songs written by Paule Freeburg and Christopher Walker.

Use either the cassette or CD in the kit.

There is a song related to each story narrated.

Other music is available such as the ‘Mischief and Miracles’ kit by Jennie Flack with the song ‘Parable of the Two Sons’

Information, resources and services to support SRE are available from the Catholic Resource Centre.

Telephone: (02) 6338 3022 Fax: (02) 6338 3001 Email: recentre@bth.catholic.edu.au CHURCH CALENDAR DATES MAY 24th

JUNE 1st 8th 15th 22nd 27th 29th

Our Lady Help of Christians Patron of Australia

Ascension of the lord Pentecost Holy Trinity Body and Blood of Christ The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Sts Peter and Paul

DIRECTORY HELEN C RYAN P O BOX 720 DUBBO NSW 2830

HOME: 02 6884 5848 MOBILE: 0407001196 EMAIL: hcryan@nsw.chariot.net.au

VICKI MAIR 73 FREEMAN CIRCUIT BATHURST NSW 2795 HOME: 02 63322835