VOLUME 19 ISSUE 1 MARCH 2021 - COVID-19 Information Campbelltown Resource Centre Re-open! Child Protection Legislation Update Resources for ...
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VO L U M E 19 • I S S U E 1 • M A R C H 2 0 21 COVID-19 Information Campbelltown Resource Centre Re-open! Child Protection Legislation Update Resources for your classroom & more
Message
from the
Director
Written by Mr Jude Hennessy
Director
Confraternity of Office of Renewal & Evangelisation
Diocese of Wollongong
Christian Doctrine
Diocesan Leadership Team
and Support Personnel
Returning to
schools in 2021
Director of the Office of Renewal
& Evangelisation I remember this time last year, writing words
Mr Jude Hennessy of encouragement as we prepared for another
Catholic Church Offices, Xavier Centre year of formation of young people via our
38 Harbour St, Wollongong NSW 2500 teaching of SRE in schools. In doing so, I was
PO Box 1239, Wollongong NSW 2500 completely oblivious to the many and varied
Ph: (02) 4222 2407 Fax: (02) 4222 2417 impacts that the COVID19 pandemic would
Email: jude.hennessy@dow.org.au have right around the world. It has been a year
Website: ccdwollongong.com like no other, impacting all facets of our lives
CCD & Evangelisation Coordinator and certainly the way we have been able to
come together in worship of our God, and in
Illawarra–Shoalhaven
Mr Peter Gilmore
the impact on our role as Catechists. While,
Xavier Centre I doubt, we will ever return to ‘normal’, we
38 Harbour St, Wollongong NSW 2500 are hopefully now beginning to return to a
Ph: (02) 4222 2464 ‘new normal’, able to go about living our lives,
Email: peter.gilmore@dow.org.au indeed our mission as disciples, with greater
certainty.
CCD Faith Education Officer
Macarthur–Highlands It is with a great sense of joy and enthusiasm
Mrs Frances Fairs therefore that I note that most of our Catechists
CCD Regional Centre, Micah House have, or in coming weeks will be returning to
35A Cordeaux St, Campbelltown NSW 2560 classrooms to evangelise and catechise children.
Ph: (02) 4640 8550 Fax: (02) 4628 8866 It is a great joy to be able to again form our solid
Email: frances.fairs@dow.org.au cohort of new Catechists, and do so ‘face to face’,
as they join our ranks via the completion of Level
CCD Support Officer
1 training. We need more just like them, as a
Ms Lisa Metcalfe
Xavier Centre significant number of Catechists validly withdrew
38 Harbour St, Wollongong NSW 2500 from teaching given the pandemic. A such, it
Ph: (02) 4222 2416 is important for Parishes with the support of
Email: lisa.metcalfe@dow.org.au the CCD Team, to even more strongly focus on
recruitment and training to ensure all parishes
Resource Centre Manager & can continue this pivotal work of outreach,
Assistant to the FEO/CCD&EC evangelisation, and formation via SRE in the
Mrs Cindy Oliver Diocese of Wollongong. This work has already
CCD Regional Centre, Micah House begun in earnest in 2021.
Open Monday-Thursday, 9am-3pm
Ph: (02) 4640 8550 Welcome to Frances Fairs
Email: cindy.oliver@dow.org.au
It is wonderful to be able to welcome Frances
Fairs to the CCD Team as the Faith Education
Officer for the Macarthur- Highlands region.
A woman of deep faith, Frances has been a
long-term Coordinator of SRE in Nowra Parish,
and comes to serve in this ministry with great
experience of what it means to be a Catechist
and coordinator. Formerly an Officer with the
Australian Air Force, Frances has qualifications
2 • T HE CatechistNE T
in Engineering and Teaching and which has all the elements of a to encounter the risen Jesus
has a passion and enthusiasm Catechesis in an era of urgent, through the inherent power of
for Evangelisation and renewal new evangelisation where the the basic Gospel – the life, death
of the Church for mission. She profoundness of the simple Gospel and resurrection of Jesus, his love,
joins the CCD Team that is must be bought to the fore. mercy and promise of eternal life.
being coordinated by Mr Peter It is this message that must be
Gilmore, who will bring his solid No Room for Presumption repeated often and vibrantly, and
understanding and vast experience in that will bring young people
In days past, Catechesis, the
in this ministry to ensure it to encounter the joy of the Holy
teaching about the faith, was
continues to thrive and serve the Spirit in the initial embracing of
to come after conversion to
mission of the Church to make the gift of faith. Without wanting
faith. Initial
disciples. Together, they are eagerly to oversimplify
evangelisation
meeting with parish coordinators, included “This new ‘how to’ this document
visiting parishes, recruiting, a clear document, however, here, it will be
and training as we negotiate in introduction recognises that we important for us
as Catechists to
partnership with schools the
recommencement of SRE for 2021.
to the basic must no longer not letting the
Gospel presume that ‘what’ and ‘how’
Directory for Catechesis message
through word
children receiving of our faith, take
This year, we will, via this and deed, with
catechetical precedence or
publication and also in our retreat a focus on instruction have overshadow the
and formation courses, necessarily receiving the already received the more foundational
‘who’ and ‘why’ of
make reference to what is our gift of faith. gift of faith.” our faith – namely
instruction manual as Catechists, Catechesis
Jesus Christ and
namely, the new Directory for was regarded
his deep love for each one of us,
Catechesis. The new directory was as the deepening of the grasp
and for each one of those children
released on 25 June 2020 by the of the mysteries of the faith.
who you teach. The new Directory
Vatican amid all of the turmoil last This new ‘how to’ document,
for Catechesis compels us to bring
year. It is truly a new approach to however, recognises that we must
them to an encounter with this
Catechesis, with an emphasis on no longer presume that children
risen Jesus and accompanying
ensuring that our Catechesis in receiving catechetical instruction
them on their journey to being
this modern context is urgently, have already received the gift of
missionary disciples themselves.
and deliberately evangelising and faith. To account for this, Pope
kerygmatic in Francis speaks Call to Prayer
of our faith
nature. The
building blocks
“..the proclamation formation as As always, I remind you in the
of this new style
of the basic Gospel – needing to midst of all of you do, be prayerful.
of Catechesis the Good News – that evangelise. It is in our prayerfulness that we
looks to bring must be repeated By this, he come to receive the power of the
young people often because it stresses that Holy Spirit that prepares us to be
witnesses to the love of God for
to an encounter seems too good to be the Gospel the children we teach. Pray for
message
with the Spirit true.” should each other, and as we ‘reboot’
of God in prayer
and ritual and be easily SRE for 2021, that the Lord will
in the proclamation of the basic perceived and be ‘in your face’, to bless parishes with many new
Gospel – the Good News – that put it in the language of our young Catechists eager to contribute to
must be repeated often because it people. To help bring this about this wonderful work of outreach
seems too good to be true. I am our teaching must deliberately and evangelisation.
excited by its tone and urgency focus on bringing young people
More support
for Catechists
support@ccdwollongong.com
VO L 1 9 I S S UE 1 | M A RC H 2 0 2 1 • 3
Making Jesus
Known and
Loved
A Message from Frances Fairs
This year marks 13 years since transferring I want every
I started as a Catechist in the information student moving
Diocese of Wollongong. from us to on to High
I know that for many of you, them - it is School to take
that 13 years of service is much more with them from
not very impressive. Some meaningful their Catholic
Catechists that I have come than that! SRE lessons
to know have been teachers Sharing the about God and
in our ministry for 30+, even Good News, our Church.
40+ years! These faithful our Catholic
and dedicated Catechists are Faith and our My hope for
inspirational, and I look to love of God CCD is that
them as what I hope to be in brings life and other people,
the future! hope to our outside of our
students. ministry, come
The work that we do in CCD, to a better
as Catechists, helpers, and It is deeply understanding
coordinators, is extraordinary. fulfilling work that we do in of the valuable work that we
I understand that not every CCD, and I know that I’m not do and support us practically,
lesson goes well, and I alone when describing the joy and of course, spiritually. We
understand what it is like to that I receive when teaching, are supported, in part, by the
have to persevere with that leading and guiding our government, by schools, and
“tough” young people by other parishioners but let’s
group or into a deeper not become complacent with
difficult relationship any support that we do receive.
school, with God Making our work in CCD
but our and a better visible by sharing stories with
work is too understanding fellow parishioners, celebrating
important to of our Catholic successes, asking for prayer and
throw in the Faith. support, and attending/hosting
towel when training and events, will all
things get Knowing that help to strengthen our ministry
hard. they are never for the great task before us:
alone, that making Jesus known and loved.
Teaching they are loved,
children in and that they
Catholic SRE are always
class is more welcome, is a
than just message that
4 • T HE CATECHISTNE T
An Important update about
Child Protection
Written by Peter Gilmore
CCD Wollongong (Catholic SRE who work with children are now boundaries in the pursuit of
in the Diocese of Wollongong) considered Mandatory Reporters a more intimate and abusive
takes Child Protection incredibly for Child Protection purposes. relationship with a child.
seriously. As stated in our Where previously we embraced
training course, “as Catholics, a moral responsibility to report, What does the mean for you?
we have a moral responsibility we now have a legal obligation as We must be vigilant in keeping
to keep kids safe”. More than someone who works with children. our relationships with individual
a culture of safety though, we children professional and
aim to promote a culture of life What does this mean for you? transparent. This does not mean
- one where children are free to If you suspect, on reasonable we need to be cold and callous to
flourish and learn the ways of grounds, that a child is individual children but, rather, to
God. experiencing physical, emotional focus our attention on building
or sexual abuse or neglect, you a relationship with the whole
Because of this, we have sought must report this to the principal class. It would be inappropriate
to empower you with the of the school you are teaching at. to contact or relate to a child
knowledge and tools you need to Please then contact the Diocesan outside of the class environment.
act appropriately with children Professional Standards and It is acceptable to invite families
and, when necessary, to take steps Safeguarding Office (4222 2428 to be involved in Parish activities
to ensure they are kept safe. We or safeguarding@dow.org.au) and and Sacramental programs. If
have been incredibly encouraged they will assist you in making a you have concerns about the
to see Catechists embrace this Mandatory Report if necessary. behaviour of another volunteer in
responsibility. the ministry, please contact the
Grooming reclassified as a Diocesan Professional Standards
In 2020, significant changes were criminal offence and Safeguarding Office (4222
made to the Children’s Guardian 2428 or safeguarding@dow.org.au)
Act of 2019 in NSW that will The offence of grooming has been to discuss your concerns.
impact our involvement in Special reclassified as a criminal sexual
Religious Education going forward. offence. Grooming is befriending If you have questions or concerns
and establishing an emotional regarding the changes or you would
Volunteers are now connection with a child, and like to discuss matters further,
Mandatory Reporters sometimes their family, to lower please don’t hesitate to get in touch
the child’s inhibitions, usually with us by emailing support@
Under NSW legislation, there is with the objective of sexual abuse. ccdwollongong.com OR visiting
no longer a distinction between Grooming is a clear progression ccdwollongong.com
paid and volunteer people who of actions that indicate a person’s
work with children. All people desire to break professional
VO L 1 9 I S S UE 1 | M A RC H 2 0 2 1 • 5
Department of Education
COVID-19
Policy Directives
Written by Frances Fairs
The Department of Education • Singing and/or chanting Mountains), Central Coast and
reviewed the COVID-19 activities should be avoided. Wollongong. Please visit the NSW
restrictions in January this year Health advice regarding masks.
• Only one SRE/SEE teacher per
and has implemented further
class of 30 students. No observers/ • Approved providers of SRE/
precautionary measures to helpers are permitted at this time. SEE are not required to have a
ensure all schools are safe for COVID-19 safety plan to enter
students and SRE teachers. • All teachers, support staff, and schools. SRE/SEE teachers should
parents must maintain physical deliver SRE/SEE as efficiently and
• SRE/SEE classes are to be held distance from each other (1.5m) safely as possible.
for no longer than one hour and and maintain hygiene practices
classes should take place in a while on site. Please note, that it is up to the
suitably sized room or outdoors. School Principal to implement
• Staff and students are not these policy directives. In
There is currently no limit on class
required to wear a face mask while some schools, Principals are
sizes. at school. Anyone who wishes to allowing Classroom Helpers
wear their own masks in schools (Catechist Helpers) to continue
• Where possible, students
will not be prevented from doing in the classroom with the
participating in these activities
so. Catechist Teacher as it is the best
should remain within their
arrangement for their particular
relevant cohort (i.e. class, year • Masks are mandatory when
learning environment/situation.
group or stage) to limit the mixing travelling on public transport in
of students between cohort groups. Greater Sydney (including the Blue
Level II training is a chance for all Catechists
to take their knowledge of Teaching & the
Catholic Faith deeper. Over six weeks, Level II
focuses on a variety of topics to help you grow
as a Catechist and Catholic.
TOPICS INCLUDE
• Storytelling • The Creed • Living our Faith
• The Gospel Narratives • Catechesis & Religious
Education • Christian Initiation of Children
• Moral Development • Ecumenism
• Teaching children the Liturgical Year
See Calendar on last page for course
details. Bookings essential.
6 • T HE CATECHISTNE T
K/Stage 1 Resource Noah’s Ark
Visual Resource Pentecost
Stage 2/3 Resource
Name: St Therese of Lisieux
(Also known as St Therese of the
Child Jesus, the Little Flower of Jesus)
Status: Saint & Doctor
Lived: 1873–1897, France
Canonised: May 17, 1925
Saint Therese of Lisieux is Doctor
of the Catholic church, which
means that her life and writings are
considered particularly important for
Catholics. She is also called the Little
Flower of Jesus. She lived in France
as a nun, and passed away at 24 from
tuberculosis. Mother Teresa chose her
name in honour of her.
“Remember Therese of Lisieux is one of the patron
saints of the missions, not because
that nothing she ever went anywhere, but because
of her special love of the missions,
is small in the and the prayers and letters she gave
in support of missionaries. This is a
eyes of God. Do reminder to all of us who feel we can
do nothing, that it is the little things
all that you do that keep God’s kingdom growing.
with love.”
– St Therese of Lisieux
St Therese of the Child Jesus,
Pray for us!
Stage 3 Resource
How to Pray the Rosary
The Rosary is a Catholic prayer based upon the Bible that focuses on the events in
the life of Jesus and that of Mary the Mother of Jesus. Saint John Ogilvie threw his
rosary beads into the crowd before he was martyred.
Glory Be
Glory Be Hail Mary
7
Glory be to the Father, (ten times)
and to the Son, and to 6
the Holy Spirit, as it was
in the beginning, is now, Our Father
and ever shall be, world The Our Father is said at
without end. Amen. 5 the start of each decade
and each decade is finished
4
with the Glory Be.
The Sign of the Cross 3
and the Apostles’ Creed
In the name of the Father, and of the 2 Hail Mary (three times)
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is
I believe in God, with thee. Blessed art thou among
the Father almighty, women, and blessed is the fruit of
Creator of heaven and earth, 1 thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, of God, pray for us sinners, now and
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, at the hour of our death. Amen.
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried; Our Father
he descended into hell; Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
on the third day he rose again from the dead; hallowed be Thy name; Thy
he ascended into heaven, kingdom come; Thy will be done
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; on earth as it is in Heaven. Give
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. us this day our daily bread; and
I believe in the Holy Spirit, forgive us our trespasses as we
the holy Catholic Church, forgive those who trespass against
the communion of saints, us; and lead us not into temptation,
the forgiveness of sins, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
visit twinkl.scot
Amen.SAVE THE DATE
Illawarra-Shoalhaven Retreat
Monday, September 13th
10:00am-2:00pm
Macarthur-Highlands Retreat
Friday, September 17th
COME,
10:00am-2:00pm
HOLY
Morning Tea provided, BYO Lunch
Bookings essential.
SPIRIT!
GO
IN DEE
Catechist Training Level III FA
ITH PER
Level III training is a chance for all Catechists
to take their knowledge of the Catholic Faith
deeper. Over six weeks, Level III focuses entirely
on Theology and Church teaching, with the
aim of providing space to explore and reflect
on the profound truths of our Catholic Faith.
TOPICS INCLUDE
• Creation: Work of the Trinity
• Communion: Eucharist - Source & Summit
• Reconciliation: Forgiveness of Sins, Healing
• Christ: Heart of Catechesis
• Morality: Life in the Spirit
• Church: Mission of the Holy Spirit
See Calendar on last page for course
details. Bookings essential.
VO L 19 I S S UE 1 | M A RC H 20 2 1 • 11Written by Peter Gilmore
In the new edition of the places on the field and they hand 2. Liturgical Formation
General Directory for Catechesis, you a long piece of wood. Now,
we are told, “at the centre of if you know what cricket is, you As Catholics, our liturgy is
every process of catechesis is the probably could give it a go but if enchanting, it’s mystical and
living encounter with Christ.” almost other-worldly. When the
you don’t, you’re going to be really
(75, Directory for Catechesis, liturgy is celebrated with beauty
confused! When the ball is hurled
2020). Quoting Saint John Paul and reverence, not only is it literally
at you at 160km/h, you might even
II, it continues, “Accordingly, heaven touching earth, but it also
get angry.
the definitive aim of catechesis is feels like heaven touching earth.
to put people not only in touch The General Directory for That’s because Jesus is “always
but in communion, in intimacy, Catechesis says, “knowledge of the present in his Church, especially in
with Jesus Christ: only he can faith is required by adherence to ‘liturgical celebrations’”. But let’s
lead us to the love of the Father the faith ”. You’ll probably struggle face it – when to stand, when to
in the Spirit and make us share to live the Christian life if you don’t kneel, what the gold thing is with
in the life of the Holy Trinity” understand it, just like an alien the angels on top and why is he
(CT 5). This is what we hope to trying to play cricket. Our first task swinging that smokey metal cage
achieve in our lessons. around?.. This is all very confusing.
is to teach the students what it is to
Now imagine being a child trying
be a Catholic. That means we need
We do this systematically – after to understand.
to be age-appropriate – that’s why
all, we use a curriculum – by
having an approved curriculum is so The Constitution on the Sacred
focusing on 6 tasks. These tasks
important – For example, a primary Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concillium,
are written into your lesson plans
school aged student isn’t going to tells us that all the faithful should
and will be achieved by following
need to understand the problem of be led to “fully conscious, and
your curriculum, so there is no
need to fret about whether or not adultery, but they can understand active participation in liturgical
they are being included. (Note: All what it means to forgive. celebrations” . The fully conscious
quotes in this article, unless noted part is particularly important.
Whenever possible we read Active participation really matters:
otherwise, are from the General stories from the Bible, we hear
Directory for Catechesis.) Being involved, knowing the
the words of Jesus and we follow mechanics, learning the prayers –
1. Promoting the Knowledge along with the great heroes and these are all important things but
of the Faith heroines of our faith. But we understanding “why” is equally,
should also incorporate our own if not more, important. This
Imagine you’re an alien arriving on experience in an age-appropriate understanding always begins in
earth. Someone invites you to an way. For example, when you’re a basic way and should develop
oval shaped field and in the centre talking about “being loving”, give throughout life. So, following the
is long strip of hard finely cut grass. personal examples of what you’ve curriculum and explaining the
At each end of the strip are three experienced or what you’ve done. Sacraments and the liturgy of the
wooden poles with two smaller That makes it more real. Church is vital.
poles balanced on them. There
are 11 people standing in various
12 • THE CATECHIST NE T3. Moral Formation That’s why teaching students how We were told of God’s great love,
to pray is of great importance. so too we should tell the world.
One of the most important calls People often say about their SRE The General Directory tells us
in our life is to discipleship and lessons, if the lesson goes awry, that the missionary dimension
discipleship is a constant process students are misbehaving or you are of Catechesis “seeks to equip the
of conversion. As we walk in the running out of time, always make disciples of Jesus to be present as
footsteps of Jesus, we become like time to pray and teach the students Christians in society through their
him. For adults being initiated that prayer is a top priority in the professional, cultural and social
into the faith, through grace and Christian life. There are many ways lives” Put simply? Be a missionary
formation, we often see breaking of to pray – wrote prayers (like the in the world by being the best you.
bad habits, we see change in outlook Rosary), hymns and songs, prayers We are all called to mission.
and morals and sometimes even, as of intercession, contemplation,
Jesus warned, a change or “cutting praying with the Scriptures and so If you take the analogy of the cross
off” of unhealthy relationships. on. It is good to change it up and – the vertical beam represents our
In children however, thanks be to include many ways of praying. relationship with God and the
God, the threat of many of the bad Some students will resonate with horizontal is our relationship with
habits or sinful vices, by their very one type of prayer more than others. The vertical beam grounds
nature, are years away. others. A good curriculum will us and keeps us firm – God’s love
include many forms and styles is our strength – and from there,
We have an opportunity and a duty the horizontal beam, we can love
of prayer. It is good to offer this
to teach them the ways of God – others. This is through works of
variety to students.
the way of a Jesus follower. This mercy and actions of social justice.
is not simply a list of no-no’s. It’s 5. Preparation for
a list of yes-yes’s too! Virtue is not Community Life Conclusion
simply the absence of some vice.
We hear stories of great saints like So they are our six tasks! Promoting
By that definition, a pile of rocks
St Francis who preached in the Knowledge of the Faith, Liturgical
is virtuous. Virtue is habitually
streets or modern-day missionaries Formation, Moral Formation,
choosing the Good, the True and
like St Teresa of Calcutta and we Teaching to Pray, Preparation for
the Beautiful and it draws out of us
think, wow, they’re incredible – I Community Life and Missionary
who God created us to be. We do all
could never do that! But we neglect Initiation. Ok, wait, before you
this with grace in the power of the
to mention that Francis had a freak out and become overwhelmed
Holy Spirit. But we cannot choose
community of brother monks by all that – Remember, we go into
the good, the true and the beautiful
with him and Mother Teresa was classes with pre-written lesson
if we do not know what it is. The
the abbess of an order of sisters. In plans. You don’t need figure out
example of Jesus as well as the
Christianity, we aren’t meant to be how to include these things. They
lives of Saints, combined with the
lone wolves. We have Jesus living in are included already! We share
teaching of the Church will help
and through us but we were made these tasks with you so that you
equip our students to make good
to live in community – a common get an idea of the thinking behind
decisions in their lives.
unity – with a group of believers the formation of the lessons in the
4. Teaching to Pray who pray, learn, eat and live their curriculum you will receive. And
lives together with a common now that you have heard about
“To learn to pray with Jesus is to vision and purpose. Our faith is them, you won’t be able to not
pray with the same sentiments both personal and communal. notice the fact they are included!
with which he turned to the Father:
adoration, praise, thanksgiving, It’s important in our lessons to
filial confidence (praying to God emphasise the powerful place that
as a son or daughter), supplication the Church has as not only the
(asking for what we need) and awe body of Christ but as a community
for his glory” . of believers, traveling this road
together. These are the people
As Christians, we have a direct line who are meant to encourage us,
connection to God the Father in challenge us and help us on the
the name of Jesus – it’s like a high- journey. We are called out of our
speed internet connection, always ordinary life into a radical life of
on, always available. But we can belonging and responsibility for
sometimes make the mistake of one another. We each have a place
thinking we should only use it to and a purpose in the body. We all
“check-in” or in times of crisis, but belong.
it’s meant to be used all the time,
every day and in all situations. We 6. Missionary Initiation
have a direct connection to the
One who desires to know us and Everything we receive from God
who waits for the opportunity to is meant to be given away. We
speak with us, not just to us. are forgiven, so we must forgive.
VO L 19 I S S UE 1 | M A RC H 20 2 1 • 13Thank you,
Campbelltown
Catholic Club
Written by Frances Fairs
The Campbelltown Catholic and Department of Education due sets of teacher manuals and
Club supports CCD Wollongong to the Covid-19 Pandemic. workbooks.
each year by donating funds to
supply parishes in the Macarthur To help with the recommencement We are very grateful to the
region of our diocese with of Catholic SRE in 2021, the Campbelltown Catholic Club for
resources, such as books and Campbelltown Catholic Club has their continued and generous
teaching manuals. Considering generously donated $5,500, in support of CCD Wollongong.
that the region is made up of addition to their substantial grant
250 Catechists and 4000 young to Parishes in the Macarthur, to We were very fortunate to be able
people in nearly 50 schools, sponsor sets of the new COLAL to hold the Macarthur Catechist
this donation is very much (4th Edition) teacher manuals and Coordinator meeting and the first
appreciated and gives us a great workbooks for each parish in the session of the CCD Level 1 Course
boost in sustaining Catholic SRE diocese. in one of their many beautiful
in the region. event rooms, at a discounted
This will mean that parishes will
Last year was the first time in receive at least one set of teacher rate. If you have not visited the
more than 100 years that SRE was manuals and workbooks, with Campbelltown Catholic Club in a
paused by the NSW Government larger parishes receiving several while, it is time to do so!
Resources to inspire!
Written by Lisa Metcalfe
With Easter fast approaching it is time to get in touch with the
amazing Resource Centre Managers Cindy and Anne to work out what
helpful additional resources will assist you to break open the scriptures
for the Easter season in your classrooms.
There are Big Books, puppets, props, music and pictures available to
help to focus student’s attention and highlight the powerful Gospel
message that Jesus came to provide an example for us to follow, died
for our sins and because of the wonder and awe of the resurrection we
are able to be fully reunited with God. Such good news to share!
Illawarra–Shoalhaven Catechists can access the Resource Centre by
contacting Anne Russell on 0427 072 363 Resources will be selected by
Anne and then can be picked up and dropped off to the Marian Centre,
Catholic Education Office at 86-88 Market Street Wollongong.
Macarthur–Southern Highlands • Micah House has reopened
Monday to Thursday 9am until 3pm (35a Cordeaux St, Campbelltown).
Contact Cindy Oliver on (02) 4640 8550 or
email cindy.oliver@dow.org.au
14 • THE CATECHIST NE TCatechist Profile
Patricia & Russell Williams
Catechists
Milton–Ulladulla Parish
What inspired you to Do you have a particular talent or
become a Catechist? skill that you make use of in the
classroom?
My inspiration was a
beautiful Nun, Sister What I find is a useful tool in
Mary Clement (OAM), reaching out to Kindies is for me to
who peddled her push become animated in my approach.
bike to classes each I use actions, facial expressions,
week carrying her music and mime even in teaching
books and teaching prayer. It does encourage them to
aids all in her carry join in and serves to enliven each
basket. She tackled lesson with joy and fun.
two schools on the
one day. Truly a Saint What warms your heart when you are
in my eyes. a in the classroom?
When there was a One experience that stays with me,
call at our Milton is when, after hearing the story of
Ulladulla Parish Noah and the Great Flood a little
to fill a depleted boy brought me in a “Big Gift “it
Catechist Ministry, was a wooden replica of Noahs Ark
I thought that must complete with animals. He said
be the Holy Spirit it was for me to keep, so I could
once again tapping show all the other children instead
How long have you been a Catechist? me on the shoulder. The of just pictures. I was so touched.
support that I received here He donated a loved toy. Indeed,
My first urge to become a Jesus himself would have shed a
Catechist was when my children when I recommenced was truly
remarkable. I was gently eased tear.
enthusiastically embraced their
Religious Instruction. So, when my back into the Catechist Fold What is your future direction as a
youngest started School, I decided surrounded by so much love. A Catechist?
I would give it a go. bonus for me and the students
was that my husband Russell, has I envisage that I will continue to
Many Courses followed - so now become my helper in the respond to this ministry as my
different from the way they are Classroom. We both prepare the circumstances permit. My words of
now presented. As there were lessons and have many strategies encouragement would be to trust
several moves and disruptions due down pat as we can take our tasks in the abundance of help on offer.
to my husband’s Naval Career, home and plan lessons together. All one needs is that “Yes” and the
my Catechist teaching had many Holy Spirit will do the rest. Your
starts and stops. When those times What do you enjoy about teaching presence each week, demonstrates
were over, I once again heard the SRE? to these little ones, that God
Catechist call at Mudgee. A very The thing that I enjoy most about indeed is with us and knows us by
different approach all together, as being a Catechist, especially Name.
it involved teaching Ecumenically teaching Kindy is witnessing the
– Christian Religion across the Thank you so much, Patricia
absolute awe and wonder as they and Russell, for sharing about
board and no references to experience their first encounter
anything specifically Catholic (eg. your journey in the ministry and
with their Heavenly Father. For congratulations on receiving your
Mary or the Eucharist). It was quite most students it is their first
challenging as it involved large 20–year Papal Blessing Award in
knowledge of how they were loved 2020!
classes, no Catechist helper and no into existence and that God knows
Class Teacher in the room and was, each of them individually. I feel so
at times, very daunting. privileged that God has asked us to
play a part in that.
VO L 19 I S S UE 1 | M A RC H 20 2 1 • 15Calendar 2021
Coordinator Meetings (10:00-11:30am)
Illawarra-Shoalhaven Jun 25
Xavier Centre Nov 19
Macarthur-Highlands Jun 28
Micah House Nov 22
Level II (9:30am-1:30pm)
Illawarra-Shoalhaven May 7, 14, 21
Xavier Centre 28, Jun 4, 11
Macarthur-Highlands May 3, 10, 17
Micah House 24, 31, Jun 7
Level III (9:30am-1:30pm)
Illawarra-Shoalhaven Jul 23, 30
Xavier Centre Aug 6, 13, 20, 27
Macarthur-Highlands Jul 19, 26
Micah House Aug 2, 9, 16, 23
Craft Day/Morning Tea (10:30-12:00pm)
Macarthur-Highlands Mar 15
Micah House Oct 25
Catechist Retreat (10:00am-2:00pm)
Illawarra-Shoalhaven Sep 13
Macarthur-Highlands Sep 17
Annual Catechist Mass (10:30am)
St Francis Xavier Cathedral Nov 13
*Dates are correct at time of printing
Please note: This calendar was correct at the
time of printing. Please ensure that you contact
Cindy Oliver when booking to confirm any In our diocese, more than 500 Catechists
changes to dates and availability of courses and
events due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Some reach 9,000 Catholic students each week
events have been rescheduled or changed to in government schools. All training and
online only in response to the current situation
we are in. Thank you for your understanding.
lesson materials are provided.
Online training options available.
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
Find out more at:
CONTACT CINDY OLIVER ON 4640 8550
OR support@ccdwollongong.com www.ccdwollongong.com
CatechistNET © 2021 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine - Diocese of Wollongong This magazine is a publication of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine.
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