2013 Connections Term 4

CCD Newsletter

CONNECTIONS

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Diocese of Broken Bay

Volume 18 Issue 4 Term Four 2013

Vale

Sr Mary Hugh Smith sgs 2 March 1922 - 24 July 2013 Mention the name Sr. Mary Hugh Smith to any catechist in the Peninsula Deanery of the Diocese of Broken Bay and you will get the same response - “Sr. Hugh is a legend”.

On 24 July 2013 Sr. Mary Hugh Smith sgs went to God at the age of 91.

Sister Hugh commenced work on the Motor Mission in the Archdiocese of Sydney in February 1970 from an office in the Convent of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan at Warriewood.

The mission included 13 parishes extending from Balgowlah in the south to Palm Beach in the north, and up to Belrose and Terrey Hills in the Frenchs’ Forest part of the Deanery. In 1986 these parishes formed the Manly Warringah Deanery of the Diocese of Broken Bay. Sister Mary Hugh continued in her role as Regional Coordinator for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in this deanery until her retirement in December 2001.

Sr. Hugh’s service to Catholic education spans a total of sixty-one years: thirty years in Catholic Schools and thirty-one years leading the Regional CCD Ministry and supporting the parish-based catechists of the ManlyWarringah region in the Diocese.

She reached thousands of families during that time with her gentle manner and steely reserve as she witnessed to her faith. (continued on page 2)

in this issue…

Invitations to the Annual Diocesan Catechist Mass and to the Combined Regions Reflection Day WHAT’S NEW IN SRE TRAINING AND FORMATION pages 4 & 5

Catechist Spirituality ~ Common sense Spirituality

page 6

Ideas for the Classroom - The Season of Advent including resources available from the Bishop David L. Walker Library. pages 9 & 10

in this issue (continued from front cover) In 2012, the Catholic Conference of Religious Educators in State Schools (CCRESS) recognised the significant service which Sr. Mary Hugh had given to the CCD ministry in the Diocese of Broken Bay. Sr. Hugh was awarded a medal for her services to training of catechists. Bishop David Walker presented Sr. Hugh with her CCRESS award at the Annual CCD Diocesan Mass held in November 2012. It was noted on that occasion that: “We are fortunate to have Sr. Mary Hugh with us today to receive her award.

Anyone who has been involved with CCD in the Diocese of Broken Bay as long as many of you here today would know Sr. Hugh and the significant contribution she made to CCD in the Diocese during her time as a Regional Coordinator for the Susan Daily Manly Warringah/Peninsula Deanery. Sr. Hugh was responsible for growing and developing the ministry across the Deanery, and indeed the Diocese, during the early years of CCD in Broken Bay and well before Broken Bay was a Diocese in its own right. She is still much loved and respected by anyone involved with CCD in Broken Bay and the influence she had on the establishment of a strong CCD Ministry in the Diocese is still evident today, as we enjoy the fruits of her labours.

The large number of years of service awards presented to people today is evidence of the strong foundation which CCD enjoyed in the early years.”

At recent meetings of the CCRESS Executive and of the Inter Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools (ICCOREIS), tribute was paid to a woman of faith who had a deep love of God and of her vocation to spread the Word of God amongst the young. The contribution by Sr. Hugh to SRE across the State was applauded by all members of other Christian Churches who are representative on ICCOREIS. Sr. Hugh’s requiem was held at St. Scholastica’s at Glebe. Tribute was paid to a woman of faith who had a deep love of God, and of her vocation to spread the Word of God amongst the young. Sr Hugh will be remembered with great fondness and much gratitude for her contribution to Religious Education, Special Religious Education and the work of St. Vincent de Paul. May she rest in peace.

Alison Newell Diocesan Coordinator, CCD TOP LEFT: Sr Mary Hugh Smith at the 2012 CCD Diocesan Mass after receiving her CCRESS award for Service. MIDDLE: The CCRESS Award. LEFT: Sr Mary Hugh Smith with students from Mona Vale and Newport Public Schools & Fr John Keenan. 1st Holy Communion, 1977.

From the Director/ Events From the Diocesan CCD Coordinator ~Training opportunities for Catechists Catechist Formation: Common Sense Spirituality Secondary Ministry Technology in the Classroom For the Classroom From the Classroom Noticeboard, Training Dates & CCD Directory

3 4 5 6 7&9 8 9 & 10 11 12

CONTENTS 2

Term Four 2013

Please remember and pray for catechists who have recently died:    

 

Dick Blattman ~ The Entrance Pauline Crass ~ Wyong Ray Laurendet ~ North Harbour Eileen Shannon ~ Epping & Carlingford Margaret Johnstone ~ Pennant Hills Sr Mary Hugh Smith

from the director

Term Four 2013 Week 1 (6 Oct) Ordinary Time Week 2 (13 Oct) Ordinary Time Week 3 (20 Oct) Ordinary Time Week 4 (27 Oct) Ordinary Time

1 Nov—All Saints 2 Nov—All Souls Week 5 (3 Nov) Ordinary Time

4 Nov– St Charles Borromeo (Patron Saint of Catechists) Week 6 (10 Nov) Ordinary Time Week 7 (17 Nov) Ordinary Time Week 8 (24 Nov) Christ the King Week 9 (1 Dec) First Sunday of Advent

New Liturgical year begins: Sunday cycle A, weekday cycle 2 Week 10 (8 Dec) Second Sunday of Advent Week 11 (15 Dec) Third Sunday of Advent

Welcome back to Term 4! I hope you have had a chance to take a bit of a break as we start on the home stretch. As always, Term 4 will be a busy and exciting time for the CCD ministry.

Sadly, in Term 3 we bade farewell to Sr Mary Hugh at her Requiem Mass at St Scholastica’s Glebe. The warmth with which those who have had contact with Sr Mary remember the little stories of her is testament to the number of lives she has touched. The CCD ministry in the Diocese of Broken Bay, and the Peninsula in particular, is where it is today because of people such as Sr Mary Hugh.

I hope you were able to attend one of the CCD Regional Masses that took place during Term 3. A number of catechists were recognised for the years that they have given of themselves in service of the CCD ministry and/or on their completion of the various levels of the Training and Formation program. This term, we congratulate and will be celebrating, especially with those who have given of themselves in this ministry for 20 years and over, at the Annual Diocesan Mass. Please keep 3 November free in your diary.

The Interactive Whiteboard resources have been a hit with a number of catechists and I encourage those who have not yet attended a workshop to do so. Those who have attended but have not yet swapped their USB for the latest version (version 2) should contact Joe Pulis or their local Regional CCD Support Coordinator as soon as possible.

In addition to the CCD Training and Formation program, we are offering a

number of other adult faith formation opportunities that would enhance the CCD ministry. It was great to see so many catechists at the recent inaugural Diocese of Broken Bay Bible Conference and the “Where the Hell is God” talks by Fr Richard Leonard SJ. For a list of what is coming up, visit the News & Events page on our Diocesan website www.dbb.org.au There are also a couple of new bibles on offer at a discounted rate through the estate of Fr. Harry Davis. The first is based on the Contemporary English Version which is suitable for primary school aged children and the second is the Little Rock Study Bible which is more suited to adults. We are also awaiting a shipment of decorative bibles suitable for primary to early high school aged children in time for Christmas. Call 9847 0474 for further information and/or to purchase.

The Year of Faith declared by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for the Universal Church comes to a close in November and parishes around Australia may be having special events to cap the year off. The Diocese also celebrates Laity Sunday on the 2nd Sunday of November in recognition of the participation of the laity in the Mission of the Church – you! How does your parish celebrate the contribution of the laity?

Thank you again for the important work you so tirelessly continue to do. Wishing you the blessings of the Advent and Christmas seasons that will descend on us soon.

God Bless Carole Gan Director, Parish Support Unit

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

TERM 4 2013

October 8 10,17 & 24 11 14 14 14,21,28 18

TERM 4 COMMENCES MWP: CCDMI NSH: Parish Coordinators Meeting MWP: Parish Coordinators Meeting MWP: Secondary Catechists Meeting NSH: Level 3 (cont) CC: Parish Coordinators Meeting

7:00pm - 9:00pm 10:00 - 12:00pm 9:45am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 2:30pm 12:30pm -2:30pm 10:00am - 1:00pm

TBA CCC TBA TBA Wahroonga TBA

November 3 11,18 & 25 19 25

CCD Annual Diocesan Mass CC: CCDMI CCD Advisory Committee Meeting DIO: Combined Regions Reflection Day

2:00pm 6:45pm - 9:00pm 5:00pm - 7:00pm 10:00am - 2:30pm

Waitara East Gosford CCC Somersby

December 6 Deadline for submitting articles for Connections 20 TERM 4 CONCLUDES CCC – Caroline Chisholm Centre (Pennant Hills); CC – Central Coast; MWP – Peninsula; NSH – North Shore & Hornsby

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay

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from the Diocesan Coordinator, CCD

Greetings to all catechists as we begin the fourth term of 2013! We have much to celebrate as we reflect upon another year of teaching SRE to our children in State schools. Let me take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of Bishop David Walker for the contribution you have made to the faith formation of the children this year. We hope to see many of you at our Diocesan Mass on Sunday 3 November.

Recently, we held our annual Regional CCD Masses in the Central Coast, Peninsula and North Shore and Hornsby Deaneries. Seventy nine catechists received awards at these Masses for either Level 1 or Level 2 accreditation or 5, 10 or 15 years of service. Additionally, 90 senior Catholic high school students were acknowledged as catechist helpers in schools across the Diocese. Warmest congratulations to all.

Please let me take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Spirit filled fourth term with the children and a very happy and holy Christmas. May God bless you and your families.

Blessings,

Alison

WHAT’S NEW IN SRE TRAINING AND FORMATION A New Era in Catechist Training 2014 will see a new era of training for catechists as the Catholic Conference of Religious Educators in State Schools (CCRESS) launches its online basic training units for new and existing catechists.

CCRESS is the State body of CCDs which represents the catechists of New South Wales and is made up of CCD leadership from the eleven dioceses in the NSW / ACT Province, including of course the Diocese of Broken Bay. The project to develop online training was funded by the NSW / ACT Bishops, who greatly value the work of catechists across the State. The online mode will provide an option both for catechists who live in remote areas and travel long distances to training, and for catechists who are time poor and would prefer to train at a time and place more convenient to them.

In the Diocese of Broken Bay, online training and / or face-to-face training will be available. Catechists will have a choice of online, face-to-face or a blend of the two. Of course, one of the key benefits of face-toface training has always been the development of small faith learning communities, as catechists journey together in developing classroom skills and forming their faith whilst working in a vibrant and key ministry.

Significantly too, the networking 4

Term Four 2013

opportunities that are provided in the face-to-face mode can not be underestimated. Initially, the online mode will provide basic training only with seven online sessions being made available and further training can be accessed by joining our faceto-face formation and training opportunities for Levels 1, 2 and 3.

More information will be provided at the beginning of 2014.

Inter Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools (ICCOREIS) Basic Training Standard In June 2013, the joint Heads of Member Churches which make up the membership of ICCORIES approved a basic training standard for all Christian SRE teachers across the State.

The Joint Heads of Christian Churches include the Catholic Bishops of the NSW / ACT Province. Of course, training is no stranger to Catholic SRE teachers.

The first catechist training program was held in the Archdiocese of Sydney in April 1961 and the eleven Dioceses across NSW / ACT have been developing their catechist training packages ever since. What the basic standard has done though is to lift the bar for training of SRE teachers across the State. In the Diocese of Broken Bay, training has been offered since 1987 and mandatory training has been in place since 2003. New catechists have been asked to attend three sessions

of training so that they can be fully authorised to teach or assist in the SRE classroom. Most choose to attend further training as time allows.

Approval of the basic standard has raised the level of training required for new catechists to seven sessions. The seven topics to be covered include: Mission & Ministry of the Catechist; Child Protection; The SRE Teacher in the Parish and the School; Using the Authorised Curriculum; The Bible and the Catholic Tradition; Classroom Management and Childhood Development.

From 2014, new catechists will be required to complete these seven units to be fully accredited to teach or assist with SRE. More time will be made available to catechists to enable them to complete their basic training.

Catechists will be able to undertake the training either online or in the face-to-face mode, or a blend of both. The seven units of work in the basic training will cover half of the Level 1 training program. Catechists who wish to continue with further training in teaching strategies and beyond will be able to do so in the face-to-face mode offered in Level 1.

Of course, catechists will still be issued with a provisional (yellow) card until they undergo their basic training and, as previously, mentioned will be given more time to complete it.

Quality Training = Happy Catechists Alison Newell

training for catechists

Did you know that Catechists can receive credits for training if you attend workshops, reflections days, courses or retreats outside of the CCD Training & Formation Program?

Just let us know when you attend another advertised workshop or event and we will give you credits which will go towards the attainment of your CCD Level 1, Level 2 and/or Level 3 certificates. The training needs to be an approved program, e.g. a Parish Lenten or Advent program or an advertised reflection day, workshop or retreat.

Would you like to be kept informed about upcoming adult faith and formation OPPORTUNITIES within the Diocese of Broken Bay? Please contact

David Patterson Email:

david.patterson@dbb.org.au Phone:

Have you considered Ongoing Professional Development in your ministry as a Catechist?

One area of training that we would like to encourage is the ongoing professional development of catechists who have been in the ministry for many years. Whilst not compulsory, it is highly recommended that all catechists attend some training and/or formation opportunities that are made available by the Diocese at some stage during the year. Some examples outside the usual CCD Training & Formation Program include the E-Conferences which are offered twice per year.

These are an excellent example of an ongoing professional development opportunity for catechists. The next E-Conference on 16 October is on the Gospel of St. John and I commend it to you for your consideration.

All past E-Conferences are available on DVD and can be borrowed from your CCD Regional Office at any time. These could be used one session at a time at your Parish Catechist meetings Another way to further your skills would be to visit our online training when it is launched in 2014. Additionally, training is offered in lay ministries; there are mothers’ spirituality sessions, advertised book clubs, reflection days, etc. If you would like to be added to the mailing list of offerings from the Parish Support Unit in the Diocese, please email david.patterson@dbb.org.au . Please contact your CCD Support Coordinator if you would like more information on ongoing professional development opportunities and how simple it is to make them available to catechists at a local level. Trust me - you’ll be amazed at how much a little formation and/or training will assist you in the SRE classroom.

Alison Newell

02 9847 0514 Additionally you may like to have Broken Bay eNews delivered directly to your inbox. Go to:

http://www.dbb.org.au choose the

NEWS & EVENTS tab and select eNews to subscribe.

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay

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catechist spirituality

Catechist Spirituality ~ Common sense Spirituality.

As catechists, one of the gifts we share with the children we teach is our very presence.

To those we guide, it is our spiritual presence that tills the soil for the Holy Spirit to call these children in faith. Cultivating one’s spiritual presence requires us as catechists to look for everyday ways to be open to the spirit, to be embraced by everyday moments, to integrate the spirit into our lives in everyday activities; for only then will we authentically serve it.

In a recent presentation, Professor Richard DeLillio, OSFS, from the Catholic University of America explained how the spirituality of St. Francis De Sales, as a common sense spirituality, fits into our everyday lives.

His presentation revealed how imperative “present moment consciousness” is in our lives and he wrapped his presentation around two sayings….

1. Think only of today, for when tomorrow comes it too will be called today and then we will think about it.

2. How do you live in the present moment? How do you do it with passion? how do you do it with purpose?

How do you do it with pizazz?

I urge each of you if you can, to give yourself a Christmas present, to create a one hour space to watch Professor DeLillio’s presentation online. It can be viewed at http://livetodaywell.org/?author=1. If you don’t have access to a computer, perhaps your catechist coordinator will organise a group and you can share it together at your parish or in one of your homes.

Prof DeLillio puts spirituality into context as spirituality “of each moment, the now, talking to Jesus, walking with Jesus, being with Jesus” and how this happens. He spoke of seeing ourselves “being made in the image of God, as we journey into our hearts, we try to find the image of God within us”. In the words of Francis De Sales: Be who you are and be that well to the testament of the divine being who made you.

Prof DeLillio sees spirituality as “the sound of our living and the response to our Lord”. Helping in our union with God, our closeness to Jesus, we reach into ourselves to become divined, like hugging back to God….spirituality as responding to the call of friendship.

Great opportunities to praise God happen so infrequently but turning small acts into great acts of praise happen all the time.

In the words of St Francis de Sales…. Do not worry about tomorrow, the same everlasting God who cares for you today, will do so today and every day, either he will take away your pain or He will give you the grace to endure it. Prof DeLillio reassures us that simply being gentle with ourselves, develops a gentleness of spirit. To approach the present moment, and not be crucified to the past and to the future; to start somewhere, to be a doer and not a worrier, to keep trusting as the Lord trusts in you and to be grateful and say thank you; for Great opportunities to praise God happen so infrequently but turning small acts into great acts of praise, happen all the time (Francis De Sales) So as this Christmas season approaches, if we are faithful over the little things, the Lord will place great things in our path. Mt 25:23.

Blessings to each of you, Jennifer Skelly CCD Support Coordinator North Shore & Hornsby Region

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Term Four 2013

secondary ministry

Term One 2014

SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY On 4 September 2013, 15 high school students from Tumbi Umbi High school piled onto a bus with St Peter’s Tuggerah to attend the Year 10 Social Justice Day at Treacey Centre, Oxford Falls. The students’ enthusiasm was palpable.

The premise for the day was ‘Together for Humanity’, with the objective of the day to provide the opportunity for Year 10 students from schools across the Broken Bay Diocese to gather, learn and be challenged to live out their Catholic faith by contributing to a more just and sustainable society.

Representatives from the ‘Together for Humanity’ Foundation came together for plenary sessions and emphasised the Foundation’s mission to teach children and adults to replace prejudice, largely religious and cultural, with mutual respect and cooperation. The plenary sessions provided learning experiences that promoted careful thinking about people of different backgrounds and challenged students to reassess the simplistic and divisive assumptions sometimes made about people of difference, especially of faiths and backgrounds, in the light of the common values that all people share.

The outcomes of the day stayed with the students on the trip home, with much positive analysis of the day.

Rebecca Bishop CCD Regional Support Coordinator Central Coast Region The Hall with the combined Catholic students from across the Diocese of Broken Bay

Week 1 (26 Jan) Ordinary Time Week 2 (2 Feb) Ordinary Time Week 3 (9 Feb) Ordinary Time Week 4 (16 Feb) Ordinary Time Week 5 (25 Feb) Ordinary Time Week 6 (2 March) Ordinary Time

Ash Wednesday

Week 7 (9 March) First Sunday of Lent Week 8 (16 March) Second Sunday of Lent

18 March—St Patrick 19 March—St Joseph Week 9 (23 March) Third Sunday of Lent

Week 10 (30 March) Fourth Sunday of Lent Week 11 (6 April) Fifth Sunday of Lent

Students from Tumbi High And Cromer High

Please accept our invitation to attend the CCD ANNUAL DIOCESAN MASS All catechists are warmly invited to the CCD Annual Diocesan Mass. A personal invitation is enclosed in this Term’s Connections. Although travel to the Cathedral can be quite a journey for some catechists we encourage you all to consider attending. Each year the Mass is concelebrated by a number of priests around the Diocese and is always a prayerful and uplifting celebration of the achievements and the many years of service of a number of catechists, as well as an opportunity for renewal of commitment for all who attend.

Please consider travelling to the Mass with your family or a group from your parish. You may also like to bring a plate to share for afternoon tea or consider joining the Diocesan choir for the event. A choir rehearsal will be held on Sunday 20 October from 2 – 3pm at the Cathedral, you are also welcome to arrive an hour early for Mass to join the rehearsal then.

Please RSVP, with number attending, to the Diocesan office as soon as possible to assist us in planning the liturgy and afternoon tea to follow.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay

7

technology in the classroom

Interactive Whiteboards

&

SRE

Several catechists have stated that the most significant benefit of using an interactive white board (IWB) in their SRE classrooms is the improved engagement of students.

IWBs provide an extraordinary opportunity to create classroom environments where students with different learning styles can engage and learn from each other. This easy -to-learn technology ensures that both students and catechists are developing 21st century skills. Other experiences related by catechists using this new technology include participation in activities as a reward for well-behaved students who compete with each other to be “hands on “at the invitation of the catechist.

Research has repeatedly demonstrated that students learn better when they are fully engaged and that multisensory, hands-on learning is the best way to engage them. IWBs facilitate multisensory learning whether it is an exercise in solving a mathematics problem or a virtual tour of the Amazon rainforest.

Pennant Hills Parish

Term Four 2013

students can interact with, respond to verbally or even write comments on the board itself. Activities can be completed by the students with a simple touch to the screen. This technology makes the classroom a workable instructional model.

SmartBoard is the predominant brand of IWB installed in NSW Public Schools and the easy to learn technology assists both students and catechists to develop up to date teaching skills. Training in the use of IWBs as a complementary aid to the Walking with Jesus teaching manuals is being provided in all regions by CCD Support Coordinators as quickly as can be arranged and anyone interested in information about this training can enquire through their own parish CCD Coordinator or by contacting Joe Pulis at joe.pulis@dbb.org.au Phone: 98470228.

A Marriage, two Babies and a Farewell for Pennant Hills

Pennant Hills catechists have been busy these past few months - and not just in the classroom!

Congratulations to Rod Higgins (relief catechist) and Tina Muglia (catechist at John Purchase School) on their marriage. The wedding was celebrated at St Agatha’s Church on Saturday 29 June, 2013. We wish them all the best as they build their life together.

8

The basic function of an IWB combines a whiteboard with a data projector and is usually mounted on a wall at the front of a classroom. Powered by easy-to-use software, the whiteboard becomes a computer screen viewable by the entire classroom. The projector displays the content from a computer onto the surface of the board while the catechist controls the content either with a pointer (stylus) or a touch of the hand on the whiteboard instead of a keyboard and mouse.

The combination of software with the projector results in much more than simply a projected image.

Anything that can be done on a computer monitor can be replicated on the IWB. The catechist can use engaging resources that focus on one task such as a matching activity where students use either their fingers or a pointer to match items.

Other prepared resources might integrate multiple items into a lesson plan such as images and music that

Congratulations also go to Marie Fernando (catechist at Pennant Hills Primary) on the birth of a son, Peter; and Jennifer Hicks (catechist at John Purchase Primary) on the birth of a son, Lachlan.

program on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We wish you a happy retirement Sr Pat when you move to Ryde.

Sister Patricia McGrath or “Sister Pat” as she is known and loved by the many families at St.Agatha’s Parish is about to retire.

Sr. Pat taught as a catechist for the past seventeen years at Beecroft Primary School sharing year 1 with Lucia Kumar who would collect her from the convent each Wednesday.

What a wonderful relationship they developed over the years.

Sister Pat also assisted at St. Agatha’s Primary School with their Literacy

I am saddened at the thought of having to give up this ministry, but hope that my efforts will bear fruit in the lives of the children I’ve had the pleasure to know and love. I must give thanks too to the many teachers I have met in the three government school where I have taught. They have always been most welcoming and helpful.

Sr Pat says:

ideas for the

classroom

The Season of Advent “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, as we have seen His glory, the glory as of a Father’s only son; full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14 NRSV Catholic Edit.

Advent begins the new calendar for the church’s liturgical year. It is a four week experience of communal preparation, prayerful waiting and joyful hope. A time of expectation and revelation of the mystery of Christ’s birth. This is the mystery of the Incarnation as eloquently described in John’s verse above.

This year the first Sunday of Advent occurs on the 1 st December.

In our SRE classes we have the opportunity to focus on the Advent lessons provided in the “Walking with Jesus’ programme. We can also complement these lessons with other resources. See page 10 for examples of some of the resources available from the Bishop David L. Walker Library.

Secondary Ministry What is the season of Advent all about and how can we help our secondary students deepen their understanding of this season?

Firstly it is a season of anticipating the arrival of the birth of Jesus, his first coming and a to me to look forward to his second coming, as Christ the King. This is reflected in the liturgical calendar by Advent being the beginning of the Liturgical Year and The Feast of Christ the King, concluding the liturgical year.

The Scripture readings for Advent reflect an emphasis on the Second Advent, including the themes of: accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life. In this way, it blends together both a joyful and penitential spirit. Its penitential spirit makes it, to some degree, a little like Lent while the anticipation of the coming of Jesus, both at Bethlehem and at the end of time, gives us cause to rejoice.

Advent challenges us to bring about the Kingdom here and now through our words and actions. How do we do this in our lessons and seminars?

In each of the lessons or seminars that are presented to the secondary students, they are challenged to review how they relate to one another, to family and friends and to God. Through this review process it is hoped that they will identify areas which need to be given attention – make straight the road, level the mountains and fill the valleys. In other words, taking Jesus’ words from Matthew’s Gospel, “Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to the least of these who are members of my family; you did it to me.” (Mt25:40 – 41) The liturgical traditions of the Church are also examined to uncover the religious meaning behind the use of the Advent wreath, the colours of purple and pink as well as the Old Testament readings concerning the Prophets. For example, in the lesson “An Invitation to Believed’ The students are asked to read and reflect on Isaiah 40:3-11, which begins with Isaiah being told

by God…

A voice is shouting: Clear a path in the desert for the Lord.

Build a straight road there for our God. Fill in the valleys and flatten the mountains and hills.

Level the rough and rugged ground.

Then the glory of the Lord will appear for all to see.

As the students reflect on this, they are challenged to become like the prophet Isaiah and do for God, in their own circle of influence, what Isaiah was asked to do for the people of Israel. They are being challenged to joyfully proclaim the coming of the Lord, not so much in words, but by their actions, the way they treat one another, and by keeping God present in their daily lives, rather than remembering God on Sundays when they attend Mass and when the SRE classes are timetabled.

Michael Tebbutt CCD Senior Regional Support Coordinator Central Coast Region

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay

9

for the classroom

The Bishop David L. Walker Library: CCD Collection

Advent & Christmas

The CCD Collection has a large number of resources available for you to borrow. This page lists only a few of those related to Advent and Christmas.

The librarians are currently preparing pamphlets, according to topic, with a full list of resources for the classroom.

These will be available at the library or you can request them to be mailed to you. We expect the Advent & Christmas pamphlet to be ready for distribution at the Term 4 Parish Coordinators’ meetings.

If you have not yet joined the library an application form is available to download from the CCD website.

Teaching Resources CRAFT ~Praise God with a paper plate:over 50 crafts and activities. [745.5 STO] ~Praise God with paper cups : 45 easy Bible crafts.[745.5 STO 2005] ~Celebrating the liturgical year: special seasons, special feasts.

[CCD 263.9 PFL]

~The big book of Catholic customs and traditions for children's Faith Formation. [CCD

Picture Books ~The Jesse tree by Geraldine McCaughrean. Oxford : Lion, 2003. [CCD 220.9505 MCC]

Woven into a contemporary story, this is a fresh retelling of familiar Bible events from the Garden of Eden to the Nativity ~Jacob's gift by Max Lucado. Nashville : Tommy Nelson, c1998.[CCD 232.92 LUC] A young carpenter's apprentice works very hard on his woodworking project, only to give it away to a special baby. ~The journey to Bethlehem by Chris Molan.

Oxford : Lion Children's, 2000.[CCD 232.92 MOL] A vibrant and sympathetic portrait of everyday life in Roman Palenstine, as the reader travels with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. ~The light of the world : the life of Jesus for children by Katherine Paterson. 1st ed. New York : Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008. [CCD 232.901 PAT 2008] Katherine Paterson retells the life of Jesus in simple, beautiful language for all ages, making the story new again through her trademark generosity and compassion. Iconic images from Jesus's life light the text with the same warmth and directness.

~Mary, mother of Jesus by Mary Joslin. 1st ed. Oxford : Lion Children's Books, 1999. [CCD 232.91 JOS 1999] In Mary, Mother of Jesus, the story of Mary is creatively retold through the eyes of a wise, old woman sitting under a shady tree, with neighbourhood children gathered around. The woman is Mary herself, recounting her lifechanging experiences with Jesus.

10

Term Four 2013

268.432 MCN 2003]

DRAMA ~Acting out the Gospels : 40 five-minute plays for education and worship. [CCD 246.72 GLA] ~Skits from Scripture : 10 plays from the New Testament. [CCD 268.432 ZYR]

DVDs ~Three Christmas classics [DVD CHRI 2002] Three Christmas classics on one DVD (Christmas Is / The City that Forgot about Christmas / The Stableboys Christmas) ~Greatest heroes and legends of the Bible.

[DVD GREA NATI 2004].

The miracle of the Nativity is explored in this animated religious video. ~The nativity story [DVD NATI 2006] The Nativity Story chronicles the journey of two people, Mary and Joseph, a miraculous pregnancy, and the history-defining birth of Jesus. (note - movie length)

~My own story of Jesus by Heinz Giebler, Adelaide, S. Aust.: Openbook Publishers, 1998.[CCD 232.901 GIE] Closely based on the words of the four Gospels, the book covers Jesus’ life from the angel’s message for Mary to Jesus’ farewell to his disciples on the Mount of Olives. Suitable for ages 5-10

from the classroom

Come Holy Spirit Last Saturday my parish, Pymble Catholic Parish of Sacred Heart took part in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

We had over 100 candidates. I am currently teaching 2nd class, so we have all been talking about the Holy Spirit and their saints. As I began my lesson this week, we congratulated the 9 children who received the Holy Spirit. They proudly stood up and spoke of their feelings and thoughts about the great event.

Later we proceeded to discuss the week’s lesson; I encouraged each child to respond and contribute their ideas.

Pymble Parish

The lesson was more than great; it was an experience to remember.

Children’s workbook page 41 -2.5.4 Receive the Spirit I altered the lesson so the students could write some reflections for each heading.

Here are their responses: Fire and Light:   

To show the way Keep Jesus in your heart Light the path for the future

Gentleness and Peace:   

Praying to Jesus Looking after each other Soft Hands be gentle with your friends

Power and Strength:   

Control your anger Tell the truth Help others believe in God

We were amazed with their responses. We have 28, year 2 students and it can be busy for those 30 minutes, so when you stop to listen to their reflections it’s comforting that the little souls are truly listening and have the Holy Spirit within.

Suzanne Nash & Eda Prince, catechists Pymble Parish North Shore & Hornsby Region

Jesus Speaks to Me , a classroom experience Jesus Speaks to Me : making a connection, using a Mandala Lesson 5.5.3 Teachers of Year 5 will know the lesson “Jesus Speaks to me through the Eucharist”. This lesson incorporates, through Mandala design, the connection students make with Jesus through the Eucharist.

My previous approaches to Mandala have been : read a bible passage, discuss key points with the class then the standard, “ Begin your design” had not been fruitful.

For this lesson I took another approach – an active meditation, of sorts. I talked the students through their design with lock-step, meditate then colour prompts. For each of us this was inspiring.

Step 1 Set the stage: workbooks, 6 strong colours, explanation that the Mandala design shows bursts of colour, repetitive geometric or symbolic features.

Step 2 Quietness in the room.

Step 3 Students were asked to close their eyes and hold in their mind an encounter of being with Jesus after having received the Eucharist. Silence for about 8 seconds. Students were then prompted to select a colour and represent that connection as a burst of colour. The response was instantaneous, focused and busy.

This sequence of “eyes closed”, “in your mind see” was repeated for:

Picture the physical shape of Jesus. What is his body shape? See how tall he is. Look at the tilt of his head. Look to his eyes. What do his eyes tell you? Pause for meditation; then direct students to choose a colour, and show what they see as a burst of colour.

See Jesus walking towards you.

Go to Him, walk towards Him. Pause; direct students to select then colour to show their connection with Jesus.

(Give a brief time for colouring).

Close your eyes: reach out to touch Jesus, perhaps his arm, his body, his face or hair. Pause for meditation: direct students to choose a colour which represents that touch, that connection.

Allow time now for students to finish the Mandala.

Step 4 Students are encouraged to display work at their desks while the class walks around, in line, to observe.

The room remained in quietness, a truly active meditation. The mood was of inner peace and reflection every work showed a wonderful Mandala design. The lesson theme had come to life: Jesus certainly did, for each of us “Speak to me” – a humbling experience.

Mary Sardelic, catechist Killarney Heights Public School Manly Warringah Peninsula Region Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay

11

notices and directory

Training & Formation Courses Term 4, 2013 Course Type

Location

CCDMI

MWP

(formerly BAC)

(venue TBA)

CCDMI

East Gosford

(formerly BAC)

Level 3 (cont)

NSH Wahroonga

Date

Time

Register by

Phone

10, 17 & 24 Oct (Thursdays)

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Mon 7 Oct

9847 0516

11, 18 & 25 November (Mondays)

6:45pm – 9:00pm

Wed 6 Nov

4323 7090 or 4334 3367

22 & 29 July; 5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug; 2, 9 & 16 Sept; 14, 21 & 28 Oct (Mondays)

12:30pm - 2:30pm

Wed 17 July

9847 0482

CCDMI = CCD Ministry Induction (formerly BAC /Basic Accreditation Course) Phone your local PSU Regional Office for a full program. See below for further contact details.

Please assist us in our planning for events and courses by replying by the advertised closing date.

Annual Diocesan Catechist Mass

Facilitated by

Sunday 3 November 2013

David Patterson

2:00pm

Monday 25 November 2013 9:30am - 2:30pm

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral

St Francis of Assisi Centre Lutana Rd, SOMERSBY

WAITARA All welcome

CCD DIRECTORY Current as of September 2013

Diocesan Office Caroline Chisholm Centre (CCC) Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd Pennant Hills (Enter off City View Rd) Postal Address PO Box 340, Pennant Hills NSW 1715 Phone: (02) 9847 0492 Fax: (02) 9847 0481 Director - PSU Carole Gan Phone: (02) 9847 0560 Diocesan CCD Coordinator Alison Newell Phone: (02) 4334 3367 E-mail: alison.newell@dbb.org.au Diocesan Admin Assistant Phone: (02) 9847 0492 E-mail: sharon.daroza@dbb.org.au CCD Authorisations Contact your PSU Regional Centre

Curriculum Orders Dina Leverett Phone: 9847 0442 Fax: (02) 9847 0481 E-mail: ccdresources@dbb.org.au North Shore & Hornsby Office (NSH) Caroline Chisholm Centre Postal Address PO Box 340, Pennant Hills NSW 1715 Phone: (02) 9847 0482 Fax: (02) 9847 0481 E-mail: psunorth@dbb.org.au Joe Pulis - (02) 9847 0228 E: joe.pulis@dbb.org.au Jennifer Skelly - (02) 9847 0488 E-mail: jennifer.skelly@dbb.org.au Central Coast (Gosford) Office (CCG) PSU Regional Centre 58 Victoria St, East Gosford NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4323 7090 Fax: (02) 4323 7097 E-mail: psucc@dbb.org.au Michael Tebbutt - (02) 4323 7090 E-mail: michael.tebbutt@dbb.org.au

Central Coast (Wyong) Office (CCW) PSU Regional Centre Catholic Formation and Education Centre 12 Ashton Avenue, The Entrance Postal Address PO Box 390, The Entrance NSW 2261 Phone: (02) 4334 3367 Fax: (02) 4334 3230 E-mail: psucc@dbb.org.au Rebecca Bishop - (02) 4334 3367 E-mail: rebecca.bishop@dbb.org.au Manly Warringah Peninsula Office (MWP) Caroline Chisholm Centre Postal Address PO Box 340, Pennant Hills NSW 1715 Phone: (02) 9847 0516 Fax: (02) 9847 0481 E-mail: psumanly@dbb.org.au Yvonne van den Berg - (02) 9847 0494 E-mail: yvonne.vandenberg@dbb.org.au CCD WEBSITE www.dbb.org.au Select Parish Support Unit then Faith Formation

To submit an article or to make a suggestion for Connections please write to: ccdinfo@dbb.org.au or CCD, PO Box 340, Pennant Hills 1715 Closing date for the Term 1, 2014 issue is 6 December 2013 12

Term Four 2013