2017 Connections Term 3

“The heart of the catechist receives the gift of the kerygma, and in turn offers it to others as a gift. What a little word: “gift”! The catechist is conscious of having received a gift, the gift of faith, and he or she then gives that gift in turn to others. This is something beautiful” (Pope Francis)

Page 5 Classroom Resources Pg 8-9 Julian Tenison Woods Page 10 Sacramental Life Page 11 Story by Katya

SEEK UNIT Y | EDUC ATE | PROC L A I M | C ELEB R ATE | SER V E | RES P O N D P ERSO N A LLY | LOV E E ACH OT HER CCD Ne w sl et ter Term 3, 2017 | Vo l 22 Is s u e 3

Daniel ang - Director, Office for Evangelisation

A Graced and Generous Way of Life It is fitting that this issue of Connections should focus on the sacramental life for there is an intimate relationship between the work of Special Religious Education (SRE) and initiation into the life of Christ and the Church. As an evangelising ministry, the work of catechesis involves opening the lives of the young people in our State schools to the Gospel in the hope that this might lead to deeper involvement and integration in the life of grace, offered by the sacraments and the community of the local parish. In hearing the Word borne by the Church and by the witness of the catechist as parishioner, young people (and we also hope their parents!) receive a powerful invitation to a Christian life that is communal and ongoing, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and that leads to and flows from the Eucharist that we celebrate, Christ among us.

It is this same hope of deeper and ongoing integration into the life of Christ and his Church that the Australian Church anticipates a ‘Year of Youth’ in 2018. In looking forward to this church year as a wonderful opportunity, the work of our CCD team is excitedly focused on the recruitment of young adults to the ministry of SRE and the support of your parish for this outreach.

alongside them. The future is bright in the Diocese of Broken Bay! You can play a part in this vision of intergenerational proclamation, gathering and sending by considering which young adults in your life and parish could well be invited to become a catechist. As shared at our recent conference for secondary catechists, young people are called to know more than simply how to earn a living. As Christians we are called to offer the witness and wisdom of what it means to live a life, an authentic life that can make our society and culture a little more transcendent and, by that way, a little more human. The ministry of the catechist exemplifies the courage to take up such a graced and generous way of life, serving and accompanying others in the Gospel which we believe to be Good News for a hungry and restless world.

Catechesis is a mission that forms others but also forms us in the process!

This invitation to mission will begin at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival later this year (7-9 December, 2017) but then carry on well beyond through a fresh message and new look to reach this audience of potential young catechists. It is hoped a new generation of catechists will be greatly enriched by the experience and wisdom of those already serving, while our present catechists will be inspired and further encouraged by newcomers serving

As we enter the second half of the year, I thank you for your dedication and passion for the work of SRE and pray for your ministry, growth and generous outreach throughout the term ahead.

With every good wish,

Daniel Ang Director, Office for Evangelisation

Sacramental images on page 2 & 3 belong to CDA

Every Story has a Family: Telling the Christian Story of Family Life A presentation on Marriage and Family Life by Most Rev Peter A Comensoli, Bishop of Broken Bay

“The Bible is full of families, births, love stories and family crises.

This is true from its very first page…” (Amoris Laetitia #8) Date: Tuesday 8 August 2017 Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm Venue: The Light of Christ Centre, end of Yardley Avenue, Waitara RSVP: By Friday 4 August 2017 to registrations@dbb.org.au or 9847 0448 / 4332 9825 Date: Thursday 12 October 2017 Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm Venue: The Parish Centre, The Entrance Parish, 239 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance RSVP: By Tuesday 10 October 2017 to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

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CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 3

alison newell - CCD, Diocesan Coordinator

From the Diocesan Coordinator Calling young adults to join the Ministry of SRE For many years, we at CCD have been listening to Parish Priests, Coordinators and Catechists say that ‘we need younger people to join the Ministry of SRE to carry on the wonderful work that has been happening for generations in our Church’.

The Church in Australia is engaging with our youth and young adult ministry over the next couple of years through the Australian Catholic Youth Festival being held in Sydney in December 2017, the Year of Youth being held in 2018 and World Youth Day in Panama early in 2019. We at CCD thought it very timely to expose our wonderful ministry to this younger generation of adults in the hope of calling more young adults to discern their role in the evangelising mission of the Church.

CCD is working closely with Catholic Youth Broken Bay (CYBB) to ensure that we are reaching young adults to encourage them to be involved. We are inviting them to make a difference and Be the Change in the lives of children and young people in our SRE classes.

Please pray for the success of this project and pray that the hearts and minds of young adults will be opened to the invitation to spread the Good News to the children and youth in our public schools.

The Seven Sacraments of the Church In this issue of Connections, you will find a classroom resource which looks at the Seven Sacraments. This resource can be used to revise the previous learnings of the students before starting a new unit of work on a particular sacrament, or as a tool to reinforce what the students have learnt in the current unit. There are Sacramental units across all stages of our curriculum for infants, primary and secondary students.

It would be timely to teach or review the Sacramental units when the Parish is running its Sacramental preparation program for Confirmation, Penance or First Eucharist. Sacramental time provides an opportunity to invite and welcome Catholic families whose children attend public schools into the parish community. Parish Catechist and Sacramental Coordinators work together to ensure that Catholic children from public schools have the opportunity to be included in Parish Sacramental programs by ensuring that adequate time is provided to connect with their families. My experience is that public school principals are happy to approve the distribution of parish notes about Sacramental preparation to the Catholic students (a reminder to be sure to always seek the approval of your school before distributing anything through

your class). The reception of Sacraments provides a major point for God to intersect in the lives of the young, so please be proactive in ensuring that children from public schools are included in the invitation to the parish to prepare for the reception of the Sacraments.

Classroom Management and Safeguarding Children Training During the school holiday break, Classroom Management and Safeguarding Children & Integrity in the Service of the Church workshops were held in all three regions of the Diocese.

Attendance at these sessions was encouraging with around 130 catechists from across the Diocese accepting their responsibility to undertake ongoing training in these two important areas.

The Classroom Management Training that Michael Tebbutt presented emphasised preventative discipline as a way to manage behaviour. Michael’s training focused on using techniques and putting strategies in place which reduce the opportunity for children to be distracted and off-task. Whilst there is no magic wand which can be waved over the children to ensure they are totally focused on their lessons, the use of preventative techniques hopefully is another addition to the toolkit of classroom management skills which catechists have in their possession.

The focus for the Safeguarding Children Workshops presented by Joe Pulis was on creating a safe working space for children and catechists alike, through the exercise of professional boundaries and practices, which align with current Catholic Church and Department of Education policies and practices. Joe also emphasised the importance of reporting to the appropriate authorities in the event of a child disclosing an abuse. The mantra REPORT, RECORD, RING is a good way to remember your reporting responsibility.

Report to the Principal immediately; record the information; and ring the CCD Diocesan Coordinator. The safeguarding of children, youth and vulnerable people must be at the forefront of our work in parish ministry and we must practice what we preach in this regard in the SRE classroom.

Both of these workshops will be offered again in the second half of the year (see page 7 for details of training in specific regions). Please register if you have not undertaken any training in these two areas in the past three years.

Wishing you every blessing for your SRE class during Term 3.

Alison Vol 22 Issue 3 | CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017

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classroom activity

Sacramental Grid INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE GRID:

Here is a simple grid of the Seven Sacraments, Key Words, Actions and illustrations, symbolising each sacrament. This can be used as a game to revise the previous learnings of the students before starting a new unit of work on a particular sacrament or as a tool to reinforce what the students have learnt in the current unit.

Using a photocopier, enlarge the grid so that each segment is approximately the size of a playing card. These should be laminated or printed on stiff card. The List of the Sacraments can be laid out vertically, while the words ‘Action’, Key Words’ and ‘Symbol’ can be placed along the top of the grid. Once this is laid out, have the students come and place the card or cards they have in the correct place on the grid.

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Sacrament

Action

Key Words

Baptism

Pouring water

Receive the Light of Christ

Confirmation

Anointing with Chrism

Be sealed with the Holy Spirit

Eucharist

Eating and drinking

Receive the Body and Blood

Penance

Blessing and Absolving

Your sins are forgiven

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing with oil to strengthen

Be healed and made whole

Matrimony

Exchanging rings

May the two become one

Holy Orders

Receiving the stole

Preach what you believe and teach what you preach

CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 3

Symbol

classroom resource

As you return to your classes for Term 3, you might like to pray this with the children

2 back school “Dear Lord, use my eyes to

see new friends.

Open my ears to Open my mind to Let my heart

prayer

hear my teacher. learn new things.

remember YOU are near

Help me to I want to

when I’m afraid.

love others like you do.

shine your light

so bright in my school.”

~Courtney DeFeo

Amen.

For more of Courtney De Feo’s resources visit: http://courtneydefeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/back-2-school-prayer1.pdf Vol 22 Issue 3 | CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017

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training and formation CCD Ministry Induction Compulsory Training For New Catechists And Helpers & for those wanting a refresher course CCDL1-01MI CCDL1-02MI CCDL1-03MI CCDL1-04MI CCDL1-05MI CCDL1-06MI CCDL1-07MI

The Mission and Ministry of the Catechist SRE Teacher in the Parish and the School Child Protection Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum The Development of the Child and Adolescent I Classroom Management: Positive Discipline Introduction to the Bible

Central Coast Region - Course Type: CCDMI Venue:

Lecture Room, OLR Parish, 12 Ashton Ave, The Entrance Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Dates:

Monday 23, 30 October, 6, 13 November 2017

Time:

9:30am - 2:30pm (13 November 9:30am – 12:00pm)

RSVP:

By Monday 16 October to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

Safeguarding Children and Integrity in the Service of the Church Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

North Shore & Hornsby Region - Course Type: CCDMI Venue:

Date: Time: RSVP:

Caroline Chisholm Centre, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Friday 20, 27 October, 3 10 November 2017 9:30am - 2:30pm (10 November 2017 9:30am – 12:00pm)

By Friday 13 October to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

Diocese of Broken Bay CCD Ministry of Special Religious Education

Northern Beaches Region - Course Type: CCDMI Venue:

The Lakes Parish Hall, 21 Lagoon Street, Narrabeen (Only Street Parking available) Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Date:

Tuesday 17, 24, 31 October, 14 November 2017

Time:

9:30am – 2:30pm (14 November 9:30am – 12:00pm)

RSVP:

By Tuesday 10 October to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

FAITH FORMATION

Christians in the Middle East & Interreligious Dialogue: Past & Present Situations A Presentation by Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald There has been much reporting on the difficult situation concerning Christians in the Middle East. In this presentation Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald will consider the present situation and the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right. Archbishop Fitzgerald will also consider the plight of other faiths, emphasising the importance of interreligious dialogue for the promotion of peace and understanding.

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CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 3

Date: Saturday 19 August 2017 Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (Vehicular entry via City View Road) RSVP: By Thursday 17 August 2017 to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448

training and formation Safeguarding Children & Integrity in the Service of the Church and Classroom Management The Department of Education requires all SRE teachers (catechists) and helpers to undertake initial and ongoing training in the areas of Child Protection and Classroom Management. It is mandatory for catechists and helpers to update this training every three years. Workshops are being made available in three separate venues across the diocese to allow all catechists easy access to this important training.

Northern Beaches Region Venue: St Kieran’s Parish Centre, North Harbour,

2 King Street, Manly Vale

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Wednesday 4 October 2017 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Wednesday 27 September 2017 Phone: 4332 9825 or 9847 0448 Email: registrations@dbb.org.au

Central Coast Region Venue: Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Centre,

429 The Entrance Road, The Entrance

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Monday 20 November 2017 Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm Register by: Monday 13 November 2017 Ph: 4332 9825 or 9847 0448 Email: registrations@dbb.org.au

North Shore & Hornsby Region Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre,

423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Thursday 5 October 2017 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Friday 29 September 2017 Phone: 4332 9825 or 9847 0448 Email: registrations@dbb.org.au

encounter series

Meeting Christ in the Scriptures

The Eucharist: Nourished + Sent

Presented by: Pina Bernard and David Patterson, Catholic Life & Faith Formation Team

Presented by: Professor Clare Johnson, Director ACU Centre for Liturgy

Dates: Thursdays 20 July & 27 July 2017 Chatswood 10.30am Dates: Tuesdays 25 July & 1 August 2017 The Entrance 10.30am Dates: Wednesdays 26 July & 2 August 2017 Dee Why 7.00pm

Date: Thursday 24 August 2017 Date: Wednesday 6 September 2017

Living Faith: Catholic Social Teaching

Prayer: Affirming the Relationship Presented by Very Rev. Dr David Ranson, VG Date: Tuesday 12 September 2017

Presented by: Dr Sandie Cornish, Private Secretary to Bishop Peter and Dr Cristina Gomez, Life, Charity, and Social Development Coordinator Date: Tuesday 19 September 2017 Date: Wednesday 20 September 2017 Date: Thursday 21 September 2017

Naremburn 7.00pm Terrigal 10.00am

Wyong

7.00pm

Presented by Bishop David Walker, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Broken Bay Waitara 7.00pm Forestville 7.00pm Warnervale 10.00am

Date: Thursday 28 September 2017 Date: Thursday 5 October 2017

Epping Mona Vale

7.00pm 7.00pm

For further details, please visit www.dbb.org.au/News & Events/Calendar of Events or contact registrations@dbb.org.au 4332 9825 / 9847 0448 Vol 22 Issue 3 | CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017

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catechist spirituality

Julian Tenison Woods Cofounder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart the Cross is noted for his sense of mission for evangelisation through a radical following of the counsel of the Gospel. This congregation aimed to minister pastorally among the local communities ‘in their need for spiritual renewal and a deeply contemplative spirituality, with a strong ascetic emphasis.’ (Rosa McGinley) Julian was to be later involved in this type of ministry during his later years. It can also be seen reflected in the ministry of the Sisters.

Julian entered the Passionist novitiate and in February 1852 took his vows. Unfortunately, due to his poor health, he was released from his vows and returned to London, however, it can be seen that Julian’s time with the Passionist priests added to his understanding of his ministry and his spiritual growth.

Fr Julian Tenison Woods As the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop draws near, it is fitting that we consider the contribution Julian Tenison Woods, co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, had on the spiritual development of this congregation and on the individual sisters.

Julian has been described as ‘a man of education, science and an imparter of faith’ (Basil Morrow) and as ‘an enigma, a sign of contradiction, a nonconformist, never a force to be ignored.’ (Margaret Press).

Julian Tenison Woods (1832 – 89) was born to James Dominic Woods, an Irish Catholic and Henrietta Tenison, the daughter of a minister of the Church of Ireland. His father was well connected and the family was close knit and lived a comfortable lifestyle. There were ten sons, 3 of whom died in childhood, and one daughter. Julian was the middle son.

Henrietta suffered from poor health, something which Julian appears to have inherited.

While in southern France seeking to improve his health, Julian was introduced to the French Marist Fathers and was permitted to join their community as a postulant. Once again, his poor health let him down and he was advised to leave the community but on leaving the community, he took up a teaching positon at a boarding college, with students of families with naval backgrounds. This was to prove an invaluable experience for Julian, later in Adelaide, South Australia.

Whilst with the Marist Fathers, Julian met Fr Peter Julian Eymard who was to found the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and became Julian’s spiritual director. It was at this time in his life that Julian’s Eucharistic spiritualty deepened. This was to find expression in the foundation of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Brisbane, Queensland. This religious community was founded in 1874 in the heart of the city of Brisbane. In 2009, the Sisters of St Joseph and the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration were united, each maintaining its own charism and continuing its ministry. This was a truly historical moment.

Another influence on Julian’s spirituality that was to find expression through the Josephites, was his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. For him, it was a powerful image that enabled him to develop a deep friendship with the Father, through Jesus. This devotion is

It was also in Julian’s early childhood that his religious awareness grew and deepened. As a child, while baptised a Catholic, he was more exposed to the Anglican Church, due to the political and religious climate of Ireland. It was in his mid-teens that he experienced a definite conversion to Catholicism. After he and his sister made their First Communion during Christmas, 1848, Julian became interested in a tertiary or lay Franciscan group of young men.

He was fully engaged with their religious formation programme and became an active member of this lay Franciscan community.

This experience would later find expression in the lives of the Sisters of St Joseph.

It was around this time another influence came to play in Julian’s life and spiritual search. It was the Passionist Congregation, newly arrived to England, whose founder was canonised St Paul of the Cross. St Paul of 8

CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 3

Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods

catechist/spirituality formation reflected in the name of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and in their spirituality.

Another French influence which shaped the way the Josephite Sisters carried out their ministry was the Sisters of St Joseph of Puy. These women were not highly educated, lived in poverty and simplicity and this was in great contrast to Julian’s prior experience of communities of nuns. This model of French religious life was to be foundational in the way Mary MacKillop and her sisters would live as exemplified by the Sisters of St Joseph of Puy – living in small communities, living a simple lifestyle and going to where the need was greatest.

All this time, Julian was still seeking ordination.

It was not until he met Bishop Robert Wilson, visiting England from Van Diemen’s Land that Julian had the opportunity to travel to Australia, where two of his brothers had already established themselves, and to fulfil his desire to be ordained. In 1857, he entered the Jesuit College at Sevenhill near Clare, and was ordained as a diocesan priest. Julian then took charge of the large parish of Penola, in south-eastern South Australia. It was here at Penola that Julian continually visited the parishioners in his parish of over 25,000 square kilometres.

This was the time Julian became aware of the plight of the Indigenous people and the educational needs, both secular and religious, of the impoverished bush children. With Mary MacKillop, he co-founded the

Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart at Penola in 1866.

In the first rule written for the sisters were the words “(The sisters) do all the good they can and never see an evil without trying to see how they may remedy it … (They) must do any good that they can, and make their charity all embracing.” (First Rule XIII) The symbol of the Josephite sisters reflects the devotion that both Mary and Julian had for the Holy Family and the Blessed Trinity. Both of these devotions can be traced to Julian’s contact with the priests of the Congregation of the Passion and the Marist Fathers.

Julian’ love of the natural world showed him great spiritual truths.

In one instance he wrote that he marvelled at the regeneration of the Australian bush after being ravaged by fire. Through prayer and reflection, he came to understand how God’s love and mercy would prevail despite the destruction.

On reflection, Julian Tenison Woods was able to see how God had directed his life, in paths he himself would not have chosen, but nevertheless in ways that were to bring him much peace and understanding of God’s great providence. He called it ‘the transformation of the heart which can only be achieved when we open ourselves to the heart of God.’ Michael Tebbutt CCD Regional Coordinator Central Coast

Save the date

Annual CCD Diocesan Mass and Presentation of Awards Saturday 11 November 11:30am Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara

Central Coast CCD Office and resource Centre Open Monday - Friday 9am to 1pm Phone Colleen or Michael to arrange an alternate time to visit outside of these hours 12 Ashton Ave, The Entrance (behind OLR Church) Resource Borrowing: Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm Resource Deliveries: We deliver to all Central Coast Parishes.

Orders to be received by 4pm each Monday to ensure prompt end of week delivery.

Visiting Resource Centre: If you are making a special trip to visit the CCD Resource Centre, we suggest phoning ahead to confirm that the office is opened, as at times the CCD staff are required elsewhere in the diocese.

Smartboard: We offer the use of the interactive smartboard to assist with the preparation of lessons for catechists who have been trained in the use of the smartboard.

(Bookings are essential to use the interactive smartboard)

Contact Colleen for more information PH: 4334 3367 Email: ccdcc@dbb.org.au Vol 22 Issue 3 | CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017

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around the diocese

Sacramental Life in Woy Woy Parish Throughout Eastertide and then again on 9 June, the cooperative efforts of St John the Baptist SRE teachers (catechists) and the Sacramental team were evident as 77 children received their First Holy Communion and 68 children were Confirmed by Bishop Peter Comensoli.

Children from St John the Baptist Primary School were joined by youngsters from Woy Woy, Ettalong, Woy Woy South and Umina Primary schools. They shared classes and their sacramental initiations in a spirit of joy and cooperation. Their preparations reflected the

depth of their understanding of the Last Supper, Christ’s death and God’s promise of redemption and their remarkable appreciation of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It illustrated the impact the SRE Program has in the State Schools through the level of comprehension the children demonstrated during both Sacramental training programs.

A number of SRE catechists also facilitated the Sacramental preparation and attended the numerous ceremonies and celebrations.

It was another example of the solidarity these men and women share in bringing the Word of Jesus Christ to our young Catholics.

These were most clearly “Happy Days”.

Susan Simmons Parish Catechist Coordinator, Woy Woy Peninsula Parish

Fr Paul Roberts keynote speaker

2017 CCD Secondary Catechists’ Conference On Tuesday 20 June 2017, CCDs from the Archdiocese of Sydney, the Diocese of Broken Bay and the Diocese of Parramatta came together at a Conference for high school catechists.

Approximately 170 catechists are the presence of God in our public schools across the three Dioceses. Over 75 of these catechists gathered at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills for a day of learning, sharing and fun.

The day began with a keynote address by Fr Paul Roberts, Director of the Institute for Mission at Blacktown in the Diocese of Parramatta.

Fr Paul both formed and entertained the conference participants, by combining his deep spirituality with his lively wit, as he addressed the catechists on Creating Intentional Disciples within the context of the secondary SRE classroom.

Fr Paul took us through a journey of accompanying students towards intentional discipleship. He spoke about the five thresholds of conversion – initial trust; spiritual curiosity; spiritual openness; spiritual seeking and intentional discipleship. As his presentation unfolded, it became obvious that ‘intentional’ was the trigger word. ‘Intentionally’ we have responded to God’s call. ‘Intentionally’ we responded to the calling to be a catechist. ‘Intentionally’ we are called to be Jesus’ disciples. Fr Paul described what he sees as the difference between a ‘disciple’ and an ‘apostle’. Disciples are friends of Jesus who are 10

CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 3

Catechists provide feedback at the evaluation forum responding to Jesus’ invitation to be part of his mission. Apostles are sent to proclaim the mission. Both disciples and apostles are not responsible for God’s plan. They are simply responding to God’s mission. We, as catechists, are responding to God’s call for help. Father Paul also focused on the importance of building trust through good relationships with students and to meet them where they are on their journey of faith as we joyfully spread the Good News with both our actions and words.

Following the keynote address, a choice of six workshops was offered at the conference - Understand Gen Zs; Classroom Management; Dealing with Difficult Ethical Questions; Prayer in the Classroom; Breaking Open the Word with Teenagers and Creative Use of the Curriculum.

The day provided ample time for networking, sharing and gathering of ideas. Catechists left for home enthused to continue their wonderful work. Feedback indicated that catechists felt affirmed that they are responding to God’s call to plant the seed of God’s love in the hearts and minds of our young people as they live what they proclaim in the SRE classroom.

Katya Polimeni and Alison Newell

around the diocese

A few words from the New CCD Regional Coordinator Northern Beaches It is with a smile that I hope a ray of my enthusiasm can reach you and stay with you. It is quite a big change for me having moved from the front-line to the front-line support. As you may know, I have been working as the Chatswood Parish Catechist Coordinator for the past five years and only this April, I applied for the full time position of the Northern Beaches Regional Coordinator.

On my first day with the Diocese, when I walked into the chapel here at Caroline Chisholm Centre, I heard a voice whispering: “Do you love me? Be who I meant for you to be”, and so with the whispering of God’s presence in my heart, my day begins.

To the team here at the Diocese - you have been extremely warm and patient with me in learning the ropes of my new role in the past month; thank you!

To all the front-line catechists - I have to admit when I was working as a Parish Coordinator, whenever I needed support, calling the CCD team was sometimes my last resort. Most of the time, I would speak with senior catechists and the Parish Priest searching for answers.

Most of the time I would have used up all my available resources before I would call CCD in the Diocese for support. The reason I had acted this way was because I felt that my questions were not John Donnelly workshop presenter

important or urgent enough to disturb the CCD. I kept thinking that they would be far too busy.

Please, please, please, do not make your new Regional Northern Beaches Coordinator the last person on your list of people to call for help. Please use and allow me to be your well of resources. Let’s work together. Always remember my job is to serve you to serve the little ones in the public schools. If you allow me to support you, together we will pass on what God meant for YOU and for ME to BE with HIS Children - “welcoming, inviting, accompanying” (the words of Bishop Peter Comensoli) each other in the journey to love and be loved by our God. Let me be, with you, the hands of our God. Always grateful, Katya Polimeni, CCD Regional Coordinator, Northern Beaches.

Katya Polimeni

A story by Katya from Chatswood

Last Sunday, I visited a retired catechist - 90 years old ‘Young at Heart’ (and in mind) Maria Fernandez.

As I was leaving Maria’s house a young lady was passing by and waved at Maria. Maria and I were puzzled as to who this young lady was so I asked her how she came to know Mrs Fernandez. To our surprise, she came towards us and started singing (with action) a children’s song she learned during “scripture classes”, which Maria recognised immediately with a loud laugh of appreciation.

The girl introduced herself as Emily who was studying for her HSC, and was taught Catholic SRE by Mrs Fernandez in Kindergarten at Mowbray Public School.

God is constantly present in our life. My dearest friends and catechists, whenever we think the children are not responding, just remember Emily, who after 12 years stopped by to say thank you for teaching her about God. Please let us pray for never doubting what we have been called to be - the voices and hands of God. Go and evangelise!!

Catechists buzz during the Classroom Management Workshop

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

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

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

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

Central Coast Region P: 02 4334 3367 / 02 4334 2622 M: 0407 218 677

Vol 22 Issue 3 | CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017

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7 – 9 DECEMBER 2017 SYDNEY STUDENTs REGISTER at YOUR SCHOOL

over 18s R E G I S T E R at try b oo k i n g

r e g i s t r a t i o ns o p e n www.trybooking.com/PQKW S Y D N E Y 2 0 1 7

F or m or e i n f or m atio n visit w w w .db b.o rg.au/y o uth

Rev Dr Chris Monaghan CP Lecturer in Biblical Studies and President, Yarra Theological Union

Dr Debra Snoddy Lecturer in Biblical Studies Catholic Institute of Sydney

Most Rev David L Walker Bishop Emeritus of Broken Bay, ACBC Representative to the Catholic Biblical Federation

The Gospel of Matthew: Journey into Discipleship Friday – Saturday 6 – 7 October 2017 12

CCD Newsletter Term 3, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 3

Registrations open www.trybooking.com/QDGZ Contact: faith.formation@dbb.org.au or 9847 0474