2018 Connections Term 4

6 RESOURCES

2018

8-9 TRAINING & FORMATION

TERM 4

11

AROUND THE DIOCESE

12 ANNUAL CCD MASS & AWARDS

CATECHIST SUNDAY 3 MARCH 2019

E VA N G E L I S E + G AT H E R > < S E N D >

“From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us.” Pope Francis

VOL 23 ISSUE 4

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Himself

He Brought All Newness in Bringing Himself As we enter the fourth term of the school year, it is striking how quickly time has passed us by. As it’s been said, the days can be long but the years are short!

Soon enough we will arrive at Advent, a season which invites us into a keen sense of anticipation, of expectant waiting, for the newness of Christ to come upon the world. We as a Church are called by God to work towards the transformation of this world, day by day, so that it reflects more of God’s Kingdom or God’s reign. This Kingdom comes about when people encounter the newness of Jesus, when they surrender their lives to him, and make the decision to follow – in other words, when they become his disciples and ‘go out’ to change the world.

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR, OFE

As catechists we are intimately involved in this Kingdom mission, announcing Jesus as good and unsurpassable news and bringing about a new creation by the hearts and minds that we encounter.

We announce Jesus as good news through both our words and deeds. Our training and curriculum support our Christian proclamation, so that it is faithful and attuned to the age of those we seek to reach. Our witness as teachers of the faith demonstrates what a new life in Christ looks like. If our faith and own participation in the life of the Church makes a tangible and concrete difference in how we live in relationship to others, if we are actively learning a style of life steered by generous and forgiving love, it provokes a response from the young people in our care and opens a path of curiosity, trust and dialogue. So it is that our own ongoing conversion as Christians is fundamental to the growth of God’s Kingdom.

This year our Church has spent some time listening for the ways in which God is calling us to grow together in service of his Kingdom.

Our journey toward Plenary Council 2020 is calling all our people to listen to God by attuning ourselves to the Spirit of God as it is revealed in our life, the lives of others and the ‘signs of the times’.

Blessed John Henry Newman shared that this Spirit of God is indeed not a passive presence but one that moves and prompts us to ongoing conversion, revealing us to ourselves. He observed, ‘[The Spirit] is all-knowing and omnipresent, He is able to search into all our thoughts, and penetrate into every motive of the heart.

Therefore, He pervades us (if it may be so said) as light pervades a building, or as a sweet perfume the folds of some honourable robe; so that, in Scripture language, we are said to be in Him, and He in us’.

It is through our openness to this pervading and at times unsettling Spirit that we as a Church can best discern the path that God seeks us to walk as his people, the path of Jesus which is always new. In this time of change and challenge for faith, when the Church stands humbled and broken in its failings, we need to align ourselves time and again with the way of Jesus. It is my prayer that this Advent is a time of contemplation of the new grace that Jesus brings, CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

this irruption of God in the world which makes faith and holiness possible even in this day. Echoing the words of Pope Francis, do we seek to reform the Church? No, we want to put Christ again at the centre and he will make reform possible.

As a closing word I want to thank each of you as catechists of our Diocese of Broken Bay for your leadership as servants of the Kingdom, for bringing God’s abundant life to those in your care. We should be proud of our catechist network, which numbers over 900 people and remains one of the largest in the country. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Alison Newell, Michael Tebbutt, Joe Pulis, Katya Polimeni, Sharon da Roza and Colleen Smith for their leadership and extraordinary support of our people in this work. We are truly blessed and grateful as ever.

With every good wish,

Daniel Ang Director, Office for Evangelisation TERM 4 Liturgical Calendar 2018 Year B Week 1

14 October

Ordinary Time

15 October

Term 4 commences

21 October

Ordinary Time

22 October

St John Paul II, Pope

28 October

Ordinary Time

1 November

All Saints

2 November

All Souls Day

Week 4

4 November

Ordinary Time

Week 5

11 November

Ordinary Time

Week 6

18 November

Ordinary Time

Week 7

25 November

Feast of Christ the King

Week 8

2 December

1st Sunday of Advent

3 December

St Francis Xavier

6 December

St Nicholas

8 December

Immaculate Conception Solemnity

9 December

2nd Sunday of Advent

12 December

Our Lady of Guadalupe

13 December

St Lucy

16 December

3rd Sunday of Advent

19 December

End of Term 4

Week 2

Week 3

Week 9

Week 10

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Catechists – at the forefront Catechists of evangelisation

I believe that catechists hold a special place in the heart of our Church. Thank you for your dedication to the ministry of SRE. As we come to the end of another year, I pray that you and your families will be abundantly blessed during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Alison

Diocesan Coordinator CCD, Office for Evangelisation

Trust in the Christmas Narratives

The story of Christmas is one of the most familiar narratives in the Gospels. The very word brings a sense of expectation, joy and hope to Christian people around the world as annually they take leave of the busyness of the year to honour this significant Christian feast. The story of God becoming incarnate in the shape of a human baby boy born to a young Jewish girl and her husband forms our identity as Christians.

Indeed, the Christian story, which began with the visit of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, changed the course of human history and has shaped the very way the world has evolved across 2000 years.

Whilst we all know the storyline portrayed so beautifully in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke and brought to life each year in Christmas liturgies, plays, cards, movies and stories, let’s take a closer

Narratives

look at the people, their personalities and characteristics, and the time and place in which they lived. As we reflect on the ordinariness of the people involved in these extraordinary events and time perhaps we might find something extraordinary happening within us.

FROM THE DIOCESAN COORDINATOR

Whilst we realise that most of the children we teach are not regular members of our worshipping communities, there is a seed of faith that inspires parents to choose SRE for their children.

This is our opportunity to evangelise children and to teach them about the love of God as Jesus did before us. Not everyone heard Jesus’ message! Not everyone will hear our message! Sometimes we tend to carry a burden on our shoulders and lament that we

are not having an impact. Please remember though that all we are asked to do is to teach and witness to the students that they have been created in the image of God and are loved beyond comprehension. We may not see the fruit of our labours, but the beautiful stories which catechists continue to relay about their classroom experiences indicate that the Spirit is alive and well in the SRE space. Pray to the Holy Spirit to be with you in your classes because we can’t do this work on our own. Remember, catechists are at the forefront of evangelisation. Catechists and the Holy Spirit together - what a great combination!

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I’d like to thank each and every Parish Coordinator and catechist who is assisting in the distribution of the SRE Information for Families brochures. The purpose of the brochure campaign is to provide families with the facts about SRE so that they can continue to make informed choices for their children in the SRE space. When SRE Providers go into public schools to teach, they are responding to the request of the families of some 430,000 children in public schools to have their children receive religious education at school. The NSW Department of Education’s Wellbeing Framework states: “Spiritual wellbeing relates to our sense of meaning and purpose. It can include our connection to culture, religion or community and includes the beliefs, values and ethics we hold.”

In the Gospel of Matthew, which was written largely for a Jewish audience, we see the story begin with a 42-generation account of the genealogy of Jesus, from Israel’s Patriarchs to the Kings and then to the family of Joseph. What’s this all about? In biblical times, genealogy was a traditional way to portray the true significance of a person, usually a king or priest. Matthew chose this as a way of introducing Jewish readers to Jesus. So, this birth record sets the scene for the birth of Jesus as being one of great meaning.

CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

Interestingly, there are four Gentile women named in the genealogy.

In the Gospel of Luke, which was written largely for a Gentile audience, the Angel Gabriel sets the scene. Angels are used in a biblical sense as a way of describing a divine revelation. The angel appears first to Zechariah to announce that his ageing wife Elizabeth will ‘bear you a [long awaited] son and you will name him John’ (Lk 1:13); and then to Mary, an ordinary young girl from a small village in Nazareth in the district of Galilee to announce that she would ‘bear a son, and you will name him Jesus’ (Lk 1:31). Of course, the main character in this narrative is God. Imagine for a moment the trust that God had to place in an adolescent girl. Mary might not agree to the plan which God sent Gabriel to announce. There’s no record in the Scriptures of God having a Plan B if Mary had said no. But of course, as we know, Mary said ‘Yes’. Talk about trust! Imagine the thoughts running through Mary’s head as she agreed to become the mother of the ‘Son of the Most High’ (Lk 1:32) Here we have a teenage Jewish girl, a virgin, not yet married, in first century Israel being told she will bear a child who will be called ‘Son of God’ (Lk 1:35)

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FROM THE DIOCESAN COORDINATOR

While we’re talking about trust, there’s another significant character in the Christmas narrative. I wonder how Joseph felt when Mary told him she was pregnant. Confused, afraid, humiliated and hurt one would think. Joseph is described in Matthew, as a ‘just man, unwilling to expose her to public disgrace’ and that he ‘planned to dismiss her quietly’ (Mt 1:19). But, along comes that annoying angel again, this time in a dream telling Joseph to marry Mary ‘for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit’ (Mt 1:20). Joseph could have ruined the whole thing too, but what does he do? He trusts God and takes Mary as his wife.

In Luke’s account of the Christmas narrative (remember Luke wrote for a Gentile audience) there is a focus on the marginalised - Joseph and Mary taking shelter in a stable because ‘there was no place for them in the inn’ (Lk 2:7); the angel (here we go again with that divine messenger) appears to the poorest and humblest of all, ‘shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by

AN ADVENT BLESSING You can bring the anticipation, hope and joy of Advent to the children by displaying a sacred space that picks up on the liturgical colours and themes of Advent. Your sacred space might contain some of the following items: • Small piece of mauve satin fabric • Advent wreath with three purple and one pink candle • Children’s Bible • Flower or petals (mauve agapanthus or hydrangea) • Candle – (battery operated for safety) • Small bowl of water • A small box – to carry the items and to use in the sacred space to make it two dimensional.

CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

night’ (Lk 2:8) to announce the birth of Jesus. The shepherds were urged by the angels to ‘not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…” (Lk 2:10). More trust required here! The shepherds could have stayed in their fields and not told anyone about the divine revelation. But what did they do? ‘So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger’ (Lk 2:16). Then they began to spread the good news; ‘and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them’ (Lk 2:17).

In Matthew’s account (written largely for Jews, but there were Gentiles coming into the early Church in large numbers around the time Matthew’s Gospel was written), the focus is more on the foreigners from the East - the Magi who received God’s revelation not through an angel, not through the Jewish Scriptures, but through nature - a star in the East. The Magi were warned in a dream not to disclose the whereabouts of Jesus to Herod. So, they trusted and ‘left for their own country by another road’. (Mt 2:12) The angel appears to Joseph again in another dream to ‘flee to Egypt’ (Mt 2:13) in order to protect Jesus and Mary from Herod, who by the way is the true villain in this story. More trust required. Off they go as refugees, homeless but trusting God ‘and [they] remained there until the death of Herod..’ (Mt 2:14).

What message do we take from these different accounts of this wonderful narrative? Clearly, that Jesus came for all humankind, both as a fulfillment of the Jewish Scriptures and also to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God for all. In both Matthew and Luke all the characters are urged to ‘not be afraid’, which of course calls for the element of trust.

It seems that the basic human and divine quality required by all the characters in the Christmas narrative is ‘trust’. God put all his trust in a young country girl from Nazareth. Mary put all her trust in God. Joseph also trusted the divine messenger. The shepherds and the Magi trusted. All of this so the Son of God could be born. With a bit of trust this Christmas, maybe something new might be born in us.

Alison Newell

This article was first published in Echoing the Word Dec 2016

Place the box on a desk, table or floor; drape the fabric over the box and allow the folds to create another level. Place the sacred space objects on the two levels of the fabric. Invite the children to help you set up the sacred space by placing items on the fabric.

Towards the end of the lesson ask the children to hold their hands out towards the sacred space as you pray the following prayer: Jesus, in this season of Advent we wait and prepare for you at Christmas.

You bring light even in the darkness You bring peace even where there is no love You bring joy even in the saddest times You bring love even when we are frightened Help us to prepare our hearts to receive you this Christmas.

Invite the children to bless themselves with the water as they leave the classroom.

WORD BANK Wreath Advent Purple Myrrh Candles Bethlehem Angels Christmas Pink Shepherds Gold Star Magi Manger Gabriel Elizabeth Jesus Annunciation Herod King John

In the class and at home

The story of the birth of Jesus and the message of Hope remains a constant source of joy for all Christians. We celebrate the coming of Jesus and the Christmas message with our Christian brothers and sisters in other denominations at the combined Christmas Assemblies.

In the WWJ curriculum there are different aspects of the Advent and Christmas seasons which have been developed with sensitivity and appropriate language for the age of the children we teach.

Craft activities can be found in: • Kindy student manual WWJ K.9.4 Jesse Tree • WWJ 1.9.3 Get Ready “Advent Candles” craft activity • WWJ 4.9.1 Joyful preparation Advent Star and Wreaths craft activity.

W S H E P H E R D S T A S C I N

A D V E N T C V U G B Q S H Z U

E W O E G P J O H N E S T R A N

R R I W K I N G K Y T C A I B C

T E U M A N G E R H H E R S E I

Y A Y L H K Z J G O L D V T T A

U T C A N D L E S N E F C M H T

I H T K J F A S I U H B M A G I

O P U R P L E U L J E R X S V O

H E R O D D S S O M M Y R R H N

EASY PAPER CHRISTMAS DECORATION What you will need: • One A4 (green) paper • A pair of scissors

• Glue • A bit of patience

Instructions: 1. Fold the A4 piece of paper along the long side in the middle so that the A4 is now half in width 2. With the open-side up, fold down one finger width to make a foldline 3. With the open-side up, hold the A4 along the fold-line, use the pair of scissors to cut from the bottom all the way to the fold-line 4. Repeat step 3 every 1cm. Your model should have strips of cuts along the length of the A4 5. Cut the first strip out (from the right side) along the fold line 6. Open the A4 up and bend it the other way around so that one of the folded-ends go over the other 7. Glue the 2 folder-ends in place. Your model should now resemble a ‘slotted tube’ 8. Glue the 2 ends of the tube together to form a ‘donut’ 9. The body of the wreath is now finished. Decorate it as you wish!!

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Find-A-Word

Q L P R G A B R I E L S D B L N

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TEAR OUT AND KEEP!

Advent /Christmas

A K J H G F D S A Z X C M N E A

CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

What can we observe?

In the classroom we can observe the following: • Major physical growth spurts lead to increase in both height and weight; • Writing and drawing skills develop and improve; • The students will actively seek approval form respected teachers/authority figures; • Students may feel very strongly about some issues as they develop morally; • Religious and spiritual beliefs and practices develop.

What does this mean for us as SRE teachers?

As a result of the recent review of Special Religious Education in the State Schools, one of the recommendations to have emerged is the need for us, the SRE teachers, to make sure that we are teaching the students in a manner that is sensitive to the students’ needs and is age appropriate. Where do we start?

Let us consider how we develop as human beings. From the moment we are born, we begin to grow physically, intellectually, psychologically and spiritually. Moral and emotional development also begin at this time. This all sounds very complicated but, in this article, I will endeavour to address the question of teaching with sensitivity and in an age appropriate manner by asking (and answering) a series of questions.

Let us look at what some of the developmental theorists say. These people include Jean Piaget, Eric Erikson, John Bowbly, James Fowler and Lev Vygotsky, to name a few. What they have in common is that we all develop at different rates but in an orderly fashion and that we need to successfully master or complete each stage of development before we can successfully move to the next stage.

If there are some questions to be answered in relation to the text, do not have all the students answer all the questions. Give each group a particular question to answer and allow them a few minutes to arrive at an answer. When this is done, have one student from each group give the answer to the class and have the others write that answer into their workbooks.

As competent SRE teachers, we need to be up to date with the learning activities and teaching strategies that are employed in the education of children in the 21st century. We need to offer a variety of these learning methods so as to appeal to as many of our students as often as we can.

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CURRICULUM

What do the theorists say?

As SRE teachers, we need to be aware of the fact that not all students are at the same place with reading and writing. Some students maybe particularly gifted in these areas while others, through no fault of their own, may be less advanced. As teachers, we need to have strategies that will enable all the students to participate. For the students who have some difficulty in reading aloud, divide the class into groups and have each group read a section of the text aloud and together. This way no one student is singled out as a poor reader and all will gain confidence in reading aloud.

Catholic Mission Resources To coincide with Catholic Mission month, Catholic Mission has generously provided age-appropriate resources for use in the SRE classroom. See the link below for teaching notes, student activities and videos. Please ensure these resources are used with sensitivity and are age appropriate to the children you teach. http://wmm2018.cm.org.au/catechists.html CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

TEAR OUT AND KEEP!

Teaching Teaching with sensitivity in an age appropriate manner

To keep the students engaged in the lessons we present, they need to be active learners. No one likes to attend lectures every week and if we lecture the students, telling them everything they need to know, we are not teaching in an age appropriate way. This style of teaching is better suited to adult learners who have longer attention spans and more skills to assist them in understanding and remembering what is being said. When our students are involved in the learning process, e.g. discussion, reflection, drawing and mediating, singing and enacting Scripture passages, they will have better understanding of the concepts being taught and more importantly, will enjoy their SRE classes.

As effective SRE teachers, we must respond to the needs and the giftedness of the students. This will require us to adapt the lesson plans. So long as we strive to achieve the aim of each lesson we teach, we can adapt the lessons to meet the strengths and challenges that are present in the classroom. The active children will find it difficult to sit and write for the major part of the lesson, just as the quieter child would have difficulty in standing in front of the class, performing a mime or some other active task. Teaching with sensitivity demands that we be aware of this so as not to embarrass the students.

Likewise, when teaching about any of the sacraments, it would not be wise to ask the children who has made their First Communion or who has been baptised. Rather, ask them if they have ever been to a baptism or what do they know about this or that sacrament.

Those who are familiar with the sacraments will respond and from their answers, you will know those who are ‘churched’. If no-one

responds, then you will have to assume they all know very little and start at the very beginning.

As enthusiastic Catholic SRE teachers, we need not despair that the children may not know all the things we did at their age, e.g., to be able to recite the Ten Commandments or The Beatitudes.

Rather we should rejoice and be glad when the children have an “Ah Ha Moment” and their relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has another growth spurt because we have taught to their strengths and gifts.

How do we do this in our SRE lessons?

Because we use the authorised curriculum for the Diocese of Broken Bay, Walking With Jesus (Primary) and Pathways of Discipleship (Secondary), the material is already age appropriate. What we do need to be careful of is if we use additional material that is not supplied by the Diocese. Make sure that any additional material which you wish to use in the classroom has been approved for use in the SRE classroom by your regional or diocesan co-ordinator.

Always try to be aware of, and sensitive to, your students’ needs. Develop a warm, friendly and respectful teacher-student relationship. This will help ensure that your students will look forward to their SRE lessons and will make classroom management that much easier. Finally, prepare and present engaging lessons that challenge the students to grow their relationship with Jesus.

Trust that you will be guided by the Holy Spirit, and the Father will be greatly pleased with his beloved daughters and sons.

Michael Tebutt CCD Regional Coordinator, Central Coast

CURRICULUM

Patience for an effective SRE teacher is also a ‘must have’ on the list of qualities. There are those children who try but do not succeed as we might expect. There are also those who can “try the patience of a saint”. We are called to be saints in the classroom and love these children all the more.

CENTRAL COAST CCD OFFICE AND RESOURCE CENTRE

Smartboard: Resource Deliveries: We deliver to all Central Coast We offer the use of the Parishes. Orders to be received by 4pm each Monday interactive smartboard to assist with the preparation to ensure prompt end of week delivery. (Contact of lessons for catechists who Colleen for more information) have been trained in the use Visiting Resource Centre: of the smartboard. (Bookings If you are making a special trip to visit the CCD are essential to use the Resource Centre, we suggest phoning ahead to interactive smartboard)

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12 Ashton Ave, The Entrance (behind OLR Church) confirm that the office is opened, as at Resource Borrowing: Monday to Friday 9am—1pm times the CCD staff are required elsewhere in the diocese.

(Please phone Colleen or Michael to make an alternate time to visit outside of these hours.)

PH: 8379 1642 Email: ccdcc@bbcatholic.org.au

Some of the beautiful Bible stories available for borrowing from The Entrance Resource Centre

CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

CCD Training and Formation Offerings CCD Ministry induction course is compulsory for all new catechists and those catechists returning to teach after an extended break from teaching. The CCDMI is also available to complete online except for Teaching the Authorised Curriculum which is required to be completed ‘face to face’. Please contact registrations for more details.

CCDL1-01MI The Mission and Ministry of the Catechist CCDL1-02MI SRE Teacher in the Parish and the School CCDL1-03MI Safeguarding and Child Protection CCDL1-04MI Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum CCDL1-05MI The Development of the Child and Adolescent I CCDL1-06MI Classroom Management: Positive Discipline CCDL1-07MI Introduction to the Bible CCDL1-08MI Using Interactive Whiteboard Resources

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CCD TRAINING AND FORMATION OFFERINGS

North Shore Hornsby Region Location: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Monday 5,12,19 & 26 November 2018 Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm Register by: Monday 29 October 2018

Exultate

CCDMI Term 4 2018

Compulsory training for new catechists and helpers Northern Beaches Region - Evening Course Location: Our Lady of Good Counsel, 9 Currie Road, Frenchs Forest Date: Thursday 18, 25 October, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November & 6 December 2018 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Register by: Thursday 11 October 2018 Central Coast Region Location: Leo Mahon Room, St John the Baptist Parish, 125 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy Date: Friday 9, 16, 23, 30 November 2018 Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm Register by: Friday 2 November 2018

A P O S T O L I C E X H O R TAT I O N

Gaudete et Exultate Rejoice and Be Glad - Level 3

“Always ask the Spirit what Jesus expects from you at every moment of your life and in every decision you must make, so as to discern its place in the mission you have received.”(GE 23) In Term Three this year, we took an in-depth look at Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, entitled Gaudete et Exultate or, Rejoice and Be Glad! Firstly, what a wonderful exhortation, to be joyful. Too often we can be weighed down by the violence in the world, the poverty and sickness we encounter in our cities and suburbs where we live and work. We are being urged not to ignore these problems but rather to focus on our God and to be guided by the Father through the Holy Spirit to take the words that Jesus spoke and live them joyfully each day.

This year in Level 3, 40 people, catechists and non-catechists, took the time to read and reflect on Gaudete et Exultate at home through the week and then to gather and share their insights and ask questions of one another and of the facilitators concerning the implications for our Christian living this document makes. After sharing thoughts, each “went off to a lonely place” to spend time with God and meditate more deeply on what had been read and on what had been CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

discussed. This was followed by a gathering at which we shared further insights gained and prayers which came form the depths of the hearts of those present.

As one of the facilitators of these events, I found it deeply moving and very humbling that somewhat diverse groups of people were able to be so open with each other and present to the promptings of the Lord. Discussions were lively, and the times of prayer were filled with the Spirit and with the grace of God. If you have not read this apostolic exhortation, here is the link which you can use to find a copy. Download it and take time to read one chapter through the week and to reflect on what each of the chapters says to you. And take time to be still and know that God is with you.

You will hear his voice with ear of your heart. http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/ documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-etexsultate.html “God asks everything of us, yet he also gives everything to us.

He does not want to enter our lives to cripple or diminish them, but to bring them to fulfilment.” (GE 175)

CCDMI

CCDL1-01MI The Mission and Ministry of the Catechist

Term 1 2019

CCDL1-02MI SRE Teacher in the Parish and the School CCDL1-03MI Child Protection

Northern Beaches Region Location: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Compulsory training for new catechists 9 Currie Road, Frenchs Forest and helpers

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Friday 22 February 1, 8, & 15 March 2019 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Friday 15 February 2019

CCDL1-04MI Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum CCDL1-05MI The Development of the Child and Adolescent I CCDL1-06MI Classroom Management: Positive Discipline CCDL1-07MI Introduction to the Bible CCDL1-08MI Teaching Strategies: Using the Interactive SmartBoard

Central Coast Region Location: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Serpentine Road, Terrigal Date: Monday 18, 25 February, 4 & 11 March 2019

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm Register by: Monday 11 February 2019

North Shore Hornsby Region Location: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Monday 25 February, 4, 11 & 18 March 2019 Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm Register by: Monday 18 February 2019

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Registrations has new contact details!

For ALL registrations and training enquiries please phone: 8379 1643 or Email: registrations@bbcatholic.org.au

SAFEGUARDING KIDZ CORNER

DUTY of CARE Creating a Safe Working Environment in the SRE Classroom

language and gestures with students

 Use electronic media as per the

school’s policy, which can be made known to you by school staff

 Discuss any child protection concerns with school staff and/or the CCD Coordinator

 Discuss with your school principal and the Diocesan CCD Coordinator any concerning disclosures initiated by a student

belittling comments

KIDZ SAFEGUARDING

 Do not use derogatory, sarcastic or

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 Use appropriate and affirming

DO NOT

DO

COMMUNICATION

 Do not use inappropriate humour or sexual innuendo

 Do not show inappropriate images  Do not discuss your own or any other person’s personal information

 Do not discuss personal information about a student

 Do not engage in communication with

students by email, phone, text or social networking sites e.g. Facebook CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

>>>>

Spirituality and Humour from the classroom and beyond

Two Yr 3 children wondering in the playground after the SRE lesson: Q: When was medicine first mentioned in the Bible?

A: When God gave Moses two tablets.

During a Yr 7 PE lesson the teacher asked: Who was the fastest runner in the race?

A student put his hand up to say – “Adam, because he was first in the human race.”

Fr James Martin shares jokes from his book – “Heaven and Mirth. Why joy, humor and laughter are at the Heart of the Spiritual life”: A priest starts Mass and he fiddles with his microphone. He asks the congregation: “Can you hear me at the back? Something is wrong with this microphone …” And the congregation replies -: “And also with you !“ From a Year 1 student at Mt Colah Public School One day someone asked me if Noah’s Ark was true.

I just said “Well, I believe it” Satisfied customer.

Who was the 1st surfer in the Bible? Paul. In Acts, he “came ashore on a board”!.

From the class: A Kindy child during the SRE lesson was drawing a picture. When asked what she was drawing, she replied, “God.” The teacher said, “Nobody can draw a picture of God. Nobody knows what God looks like.”

The child replied, “They will once I finish !”

Red Lamp - A little boy was listening to a long homily in church. Suddenly the red sanctuary lamp caught his eye. Tugging his father’s sleeve, he said, “Daddy, when the light turns green can we go?”

Youth and Children’s Ministry Carefully read the questions and circle the answer that you think is correct. When you have completed the quiz, take your Bible and open it at the nativity passages of Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospel. Read both of these sections carefully.

Spend five minutes in silent reflection.

Talk to God about this situation.

Take some time to journal your thoughts and feelings and with the ear of your heart and hear what God has to say to you.

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QUIZ

1. How many wise men were there? a. 3 b. 4 c. The Bible does not say.

2. Did Joseph meet the wise men? a. Yes b. No c. The Bible does not say.

3. What animal did Mary ride to Bethlehem? a. Donkey b. Small horse c. Llama d. The bible does not say.

4. Mary named the child “Jesus” because: a. An angel told Mary to use the name. b. An angel told Joseph to use the name. c. All of the above. d. None of the above.

CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

5. What type of building was Jesus born in? a. Stable b. Cave c. Inn d. The Bible does not say.

8. How did the star compare in brightness with the other stars? a. Brighter b. Equivalent c. A faint glow over the horizon. d. The Bible does not say.

6. What animals were present in the Nativity? a. Cattle b. Sheep c. Doves d. All the above e. The Bible does not say.

9. How soon after Joseph and Mary reached Bethlehem was Jesus born? a. Within minutes b. That night c. The Bible does not say.

7. Who beside the wise men saw the star? a. The shepherds b. King Herod’s astrologers c. The Bible does not say.

What did you discover?

How does this information influence how you feel about the Christmas story?

The Archdiocese of Brisbane www.ycm.org.au

PO Box 340 PENNANT HILLS NSW 1715 ALISON NEWELL CCD Diocesan Coordinator P: 8379 1637 M: 0424 737 911 E: alison.newell@bbcatholic.org.au SHARON DA ROZA Diocesan CCD Admin (NSH & NB Regions) P: 8379 1638 E: sharon.daroza@bbcatholic.org.au

Rejoice and Be Glad!

Here is a wonderful story from the classroom which is a great reason for rejoicing. Emily who attends Catholic SRE classes at a school on the northern end of the Central Coast was baptised in August this year. Her two teachers, Carmen Chetcuti and Connie Camilleri were invited to attend her Baptism at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Toukley. Emily is looking forward to her Confirmation later this year, so she can be “a true follower of Christ”.

JOE PULIS North Shore Hornsby Region P: 8379 1639 M:0438 229 541 E: joe.pulis@bbcatholic.org.au

Her teachers describe Emily as a polite young lady who never misses her SRE classes. She has a loving nature and is always a pleasure to teach.

KATYA POLIMENI Northern Beaches Region P: 8379 1640 M: 0447 901 531 E: katya.polimeni@bbcatholic.org.au

Wishing all our Parish Catechist Coordinators, Catechists and Catechist helpers a very happy and holy Christmas.

Central Coast CCD Resource Centre 12 Ashton Ave THE ENTRANCE NSW 2261 (Behind OLOR Church) PO Box 390 THE ENTRANCE NSW 2261 MICHAEL TEBBUTT Central Coast Region P: 8379 1641 M: 0407 218 677 E: Michael.tebbutt@bbcatholic.org.au COLLEEN SMITH Central Coast Admin P: 8379 1642 E: colleen.smith@bbcatholic.org.au Registrations for CCD Training P: 8379 1643 E: registrations@bbcatholic.org.au WWJ Curriculum Resources P: 8379 1642 E: ccdresources@bbcatholic.org.au

Thank you for your dedication to the children you teach in your SRE classes

Song Phrases When you hear a Christmas carol, pay attention to the words.

And just snatch a phrase or two for your prayer during this morning’s commute or chores around the house. For instance, maybe you’re hearing a version of “Away in a Manger,” a song usually relegated in our minds to the category of children’s songs. But here’s the final verse, or at least my memory of it:

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Caroline Chisholm Centre 423 Pennant Hills Rd PENNANT HILLS NSW 2120

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CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE BROKEN BAY

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

CCD Newsletter Term 4, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 4

To thank you for your contribution to the Ministry of SRE during 2018

CCD warmly invites you

Advent Spirituality Morning to attend an

To be held at the following venues

Caroline Chisholm Centre

St Anthony in the Fields

423 Pennant Hills Road Pennant Hills Friday 30 November 9:30am – 12:30pm

46 Myoora Road Terrey Hills Friday 7 December 9:30am – 12:30pm

St Patrick’s Parish

Our Lady of the Rosary

York Street East Gosford Monday 26 November 9:30am – 12:30pm

The Entrance Road/Ashton Ave The Entrance Monday 3 December 9:30am – 12:30pm

Morning Tea Provided Please join us in some prayer, reflection, morning tea and camaraderie RSVP to Colleen Smith 8379 1642 or Sharon da Roza 8379 1638