“And this is the job of the catechist: constantly to go forth to others out of love to bear witness and to talk about Jesus, to proclaim Jesus. This is important because the Lord does it; it is the Lord who impels us to go forth.” (Pope Francis)
joy
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Hope
Alleluia
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SEEK UNIT Y | EDUC ATE | PROC LAI M | C ELEB RATE | SER V E | RES P O N D P ERSO N ALLY | LOV E EACH OT HER CCD Ne w sl et ter Term 2, 2017 | Vo l 22 Is s u e 2
Daniel ang - Director, Office for Evangelisation
The Catechist: Anointed and Sent The Resurrection of Christ is not merely an event of the past. It is not simply historical but historic, an event whose power stretches into our own time and an event that also gives us a future. As the Cistercian spiritual master Thomas Merton observed, “Now we find in ourselves a strength which is not our own, and which is freely given to us whenever we need it, raising us above the Law, giving us a new law which is hidden in Christ: the law of His merciful love for us. Now we no longer strive to be good because we have to, because it is a duty, but because our joy is to please Him who has given all His love to us!” (Merton, Seasons of Celebration, 145-146). Our mission as catechists, as bearers of the Good News of this Resurrection, is not simply a task but our response to the overwhelming and inexhaustible love which has been shown to us in the life, the Cross and the empty tomb of the Risen Christ. It is a life and a joy that we know from our own meeting of Christ and it is a life that begs to be passed on. What’s more, it is the Spirit of Christ given at Pentecost that provides us with the charisms, gifts and confidence to exercise
this mission in our State schools. It is clear that the Spirit given at Pentecost affects a profound and deep change among the disciples. Their relationship with Jesus acquires a new dynamism, a new vitality ‘in the Spirit’ which empowers the earliest Church to continue to respond to Jesus’ life. For his part, St Paul stresses the power of the Spirit to bring about a new way of living in Romans 8:1-7 (“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death”) as well as in 2 Corinthians 3:2-6 (“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all . . . written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God”). For the Apostle Paul, even the very ability of the disciples to proclaim “Jesus is Lord” was a product of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3) and so our proclamation as catechists is ‘Spirit-filled’ and anointed. Ultimately, it is in the Spirit that we encounter the Risen Jesus as one seeking out all people in all places, and in each and every moment of history, as the ‘law of merciful love’ of which Merton speaks. Christ seeks out all people, and the mission of the catechist, your mission, exemplifies that generosity.
With blessings in the Risen Christ,
Daniel Ang Director, Office for Evangelisation
APPOINMENT OF NEW CCD REGIONAL COORDINATOR CCD is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Regional Coordinator for the Northern Beaches Deanery. Katya Polimeni will commence employment on Monday 15 May 2017 and will work out of the Caroline Chisholm Centre at Pennant Hills. Katya will meet with the Northern Beaches Parish Priests and Coordinators in their parishes as part of her induction into the role. We welcome Katya to the team and look forward to the expertise and joy which she brings to the role. 2
CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 2
CCD Secondary Catechist Conference Tuesday 20 June 2017 9:30am - 4:00pm Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills Catechists who are involved in Secondary Ministry will soon receive a personal invitation and details on how to register for the conference
alison newell - CCD, Diocesan Coordinator
From the Diocesan Coordinator Independent Review of SRE/SEE in NSW Public Schools SRE Providers of all religious faiths have welcomed the findings of the recently released Independent Review into Special Religious Education and Special Education in Ethics in NSW public schools. The Catholic Conference of Religious Educators in State Schools (CCRESS), which represents all eleven Catholic SRE Providers in NSW released the following media statement in response to the release of the review report and recommendations: “As one of the largest providers of Special Religious Education (SRE) in NSW public schools, the Catholic Church welcomes the findings of the Review of Special Religious Education and Special Education in Ethics. The findings continue to affirm the important place of SRE and SEE in public education. The Catholic Church has taught religious education in public schools for over 150 years and currently delivers Special Religious Education to over 90,000 Catholic students in public schools with a volunteer workforce of over 5,000 authorised and trained SRE teachers. We will continue to work in partnership with the Department of Education under the direction of the Minister around the policy and procedures for SRE and SEE. We look forward to working collaboratively with Approved SRE Providers of all faiths, particularly in the areas of training and curriculum to further strengthen SRE and SEE in a multi-cultural and multi-faith environment. The Catholic Church supports the rights of all parents to choose Special Religious Education or Special Education in Ethics, or neither, as part of a holistic approach to the education of their children.” Of particular interest to the Diocese of Broken was the affirmation of the Walking with Jesus curriculum material where the report noted that WWJ teachers’ manuals and student activity books “met all indicators for the (curriculum) category”.
The Minister for Education, Rob Stokes said the review found there was “no widespread or systemic evidence of problems in the present system”. One of the recommendations focused on the importance of “age-appropriate learning experiences and content”. This of course highlights the importance of using authorised curriculum materials and resources. Whilst training programs for SRE teachers were found to be mostly adequate, the need for ongoing training was named as an important element of SRE. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our Parish Coordinators and Catechists for your ongoing commitment and service to the families of your parishes whose children attend public schools. Your contribution was certainly acknowledged in the report and many good things identified about SRE by the Review: how it is valued by schools, parents, students, faith groups and the broader society who acknowledge the contribution SRE makes to our multi-faith and multi-cultural society with approved curricula, trained catechists and quality student and teacher resources and workbooks. For the full text of the SRE-SEE Review Report and Recommendations, go the link at the Department of Education’s website: http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/about-us/statistics-and-research/publicreviews-and-enquiries/special-religious-education-review Wishing you Easter blessings,
Alison
As you return to your classes for Term 2, here’s a few simple tips to create a safe and happy learning space for you and the children: • Always ensure students are adequately supervised • Treat students with consistency • Appropriate procedures should be followed for managing difficult behaviour • Non-confrontational behaviour management and language are important • Seek support from the school for ongoing behaviour management issues • Assess risk - if you see something unsafe in the classroom, let the teacher know • Appropriate language and gestures are affirming for students • Act in accordance with your school’s policies and expectations • Music and songs are engaging for students • Be a happy catechist and spread your Easter joy across the classroom Vol 22 Issue 2 | CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017
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classroom resources - primary
Words for Word Jumble activity: Devout; speak, amazed, fire, language, crowd, house; Spirit, fill, heaven, sound, wind.
S F L D A H C* W S H F S*
* *
* *
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Use the letters marked with * to spell the special day.
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CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 2
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classroom activity
Gifts of the Holy Spirit In the Book of Isaiah 11:2-3, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are described. In the passage the gifts are considered ones that the Messiah would have possessed. At Pentecost when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, the Apostles would have received these gifts. Through Jesus, we also receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Read the account of the descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1 – 13) and and explain that there are seven gifts and how each gift helps us to be like Jesus. 1. Wisdom helps us recognise the importance of others and the importance of keeping God central in our lives. 2. Understanding is the ability to comprehend the meaning of God’s message. 3. Knowledge is the ability to think about and explore God’s revelation, and also to recognise there are mysteries of faith beyond us. 4. Counsel is the ability to see the best way to follow God’s plan when we have choices that relate to him. 5. Fortitude is the courage to do what one knows is right. 6. Piety helps us pray to God in true devotion. 7. Fear of the Lord is the feeling of amazement before God, who is all-present, and whose friendship we do not want to lose. Loyola Press http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/scripture-and-tradition/catholic-basics/catholic-beliefs-and-practices/gifts-of-the-holy-spirit Discuss with the children how the Apostles used these gifts in continuing the work the Jesus had asked them to do. (You might like to copy the chart below and have the students write their ideas first.)
Wisdom Understanding Knowledge Counsel Fortitude Piety Fear of the Lord Here is a flame that can be copied and handed to each student to label with the particular gift of the Holy Spirit that they would especially like to have to help them be a great Christian. Have them write the name of the gift on the flame and a simple prayer, addressed to the Holy Spirit, asking for that gift, If time permits, encourage them to colour the flame. Vol 22 Issue 2 | CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017
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training and formation
Term 2 CCD training and formation opportunities serve those involved in the mission of Special Religious Education (SRE) in our State Schools but are also open to those in catechesis and evangelising outreach in our Diocese. The Office for Evangelisation offers CCD training to all interested people providing formation that enables the Gospel to be taken into the lives of others. Our Level 2 course is open to everyone and we invite and encourage you to bring a friend.
CCD Level 2 CCDL2-01
Catechist Spirituality
CCDL2-02
Vatican II and Renewal in the Church
CCDL2-03
Development of the Child and Adolescent II
CCDL2-04
Sacraments of Initiation
CCDL2-05
Tools for Catechesis – Catechism & General Directory
CCDL2-06
Natural World and Religion
CCDL2-07
The Old Testament: Exodus, Sinai
CCDL2-08
The History of Liturgy
CCDL2-09
The New Testament: Jesus, the New Covenant
CCDL2-10
Catholic Social Teaching
CCDL2-11
Interfaith Dialogue & Ecumenism
CCDL2-12
Australian Perspective on World Religions
Central Coast Region - Course Type: Level 2 Venue:
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch
Date:
Mondays 15, 22, 29 May & 5, 19, 26 June 2017
Time:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Register by:
Friday 8 May 2017
Phone:
4332 9825 or 9847 0448 Email: registrations@dbb.org.au
Northern Beaches Region - Course Type: Level 2 Venue:
Our Lady of Good Counsel, 9 Currie Road, Forestville Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch
Date:
Fridays 12, 19, 26 May & 2, 9, 16 June 2017
Time:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Register by:
Friday 5 May 2017
Phone:
4332 9825 or 9847 0448 Email: registrations@dbb.org.au
Secondary Catechists’ Conference The Catholic Conference of Religious Educators in State Schools (CCRESS) is offering a one day conference in the Diocese of Broken Bay for all those who teach Special Religious Education in high schools. The day will include a quality keynote speaker, a choice of workshops and a panel discussion that will further equip catechists to work with adolescents in the SRE classroom.
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Venue:
Caroline Chisholm Centre, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
Date:
Tuesday 20 June 2017
Time:
9:30am – 4:00pm
Register by:
Tuesday 13 June 2017
Phone:
9847 0492 Email: sharon.daroza@dbb.org.au
CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 2
training and formation Safeguarding Children 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 5 July 2017 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Wednesday 28 June 2017 Phone: 4332 9825 or 9847 0448 Email: registrations@dbb.org.au
North Shore & Hornsby Region Central Coast Region Venue: Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal, Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Monday 3 July 2017 Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm Register by: Monday 26 June 2017 Ph: 4332 9825 or 9847 0448 Email: registrations@dbb.org.au
Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Friday 7 July 2017 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Friday 30 June 2017 Phone: 4332 9825 or 9847 0448 Email: registrations@dbb.org.au
resources
Central Coast CCD Resource Centre Welcome to the Central Coast CCD Resource Centre located in the grounds of Our Lady of the Rosary, Catholic Parish complex at The Entrance. Entry to the complex’s carpark is from Ashton Ave, and the CCD Resource Centre is located directly opposite the back of the Church. The Central Coast CCD Resource Centre supports all nine Parishes in the two Diocesan Deaneries of Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes. The resource centre is staffed by Central Coast CCD Coordinator, Michael Tebbutt and Central Coast CCD Administration Assistant, Colleen Smith. Michael and Colleen have between them 28 years of service with CCD in the Diocese of Broken Bay, so they are only too happy to assist with your enquiries and resource requirements. The CCD Resource Centre is opened for the borrowing of resources, Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm and for times outside of these hours Michael and Colleen welcome you to call them on 4334 3367 to arrange an alternate time to visit. At times Michael and Colleen may be required for CCD training duties elsewhere in
the Diocese, so it is recommended that you phone ahead if you are planning a special trip to the Resource Centre to ensure that there is someone there to assist you. We also offer the service of delivering resources to Central Coast parishes upon request. To place a resource delivery order you are welcome to either Fax (4334 3230), email (ccdcc@dbb.org.au) or phone (4334 3367) by 2pm on Mondays to ensure delivery by the end of the week. There are a variety of resources to borrow including books, posters, puppets, flashcards and other visual aids. We also offer the use of the interactive smartboard to assist with the preparation of lessons for those who have completed training and have their certificate and USB resource. (Bookings are essential to use interactive smartboard.) We look forward to assisting you with your resource needs and enquiries and welcome you to come and visit us at the Resource Centre.
Colleen Smith and Michael Tebbutt 12 Ashton Ave, THE ENTRANCE (Directly behind Our Lady of the Rosary Church) Ph: 4334 3367 Fax: 4334 3230 Email: ccdcc@dbb.org.au Vol 22 Issue 2 | CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017
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CLASSROOM Technology
Technology in the SRE classroom The CCD Ministry Induction Course includes a topic called The Development of the Child and Adolescent 1 which outlines the way children learn and retain knowledge at various stages of growing up. In one particular theory called “Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences”, Howard Gardner explains that children use various ways of thinking and processing to learn about a range of subjects. When they are able to utilise a number of these multiple intelligences, assessments indicated that they are better at remembering and comprehending the material being taught. The scale of remembering and comprehension increases if the students are able to experience the information being taught through audio and visual means and, best of all, if they are able to actively participate in an exercise demonstrating the subject matter. It would be impractical and, in most cases impossible, for the students to experience a trip to the Holy Land to see where Jesus walked and hear him tell the Parable of the Sower during his Ministry on earth. Just imagine the risk assessment forms the SRE teacher would need to fill out for such an excursion. Besides which, the cost of building a time machine to go back 2000 years presents its own difficulties. The next best thing, however, could be a simulated experience of watching an animated video of this parable after the story is read to them from the Scripture segment for that lesson. It is not unusual for students to ask if they can view that again and this presents the teacher with an opportunity to offer another viewing if they complete the exercise in their workbooks before time for the lesson runs out. This is only one example of the many resources available on the SmartBoard USB distributed to Catechists after completing the training for how to use this resource with the Walking with Jesus curriculum. Apart from making learning more fun for the students (and probably for the SRE teacher), this use of technology helps them retain information better because it is linking in with the multiple intelligences mentioned above where students are using the majority of their senses to understand what is being presented to them by the SRE teacher. Why is the use of such technology so popular with students of all ages? Keep in mind that information technology occupies a lot of student’s time in this day and age – including outside of school hours. When not in school, surveys and studies indicate that students are using this type of technology (in all its forms) most of the time and switched on teachers are using this to help their students focus better and remember more of the subject matter than by simply lecturing them about the subject. Just think back to past learning experiences you have had and recall how boring it was if someone just lectured you for an hour or so. Or maybe your experience was a positive and memorable one because of the audio visuals and activities used by the presenter. Which method would you prefer? Another concept we learn when attending The Development of the Child and Adolescent 1 is that not all children learn in the same way 8
CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 2
or at the same pace. The use of technology can level out this particular playing field to some extent by helping, for example, students who may be struggling or who have special needs. Students are more able to adapt to learning at their own speed and using their individual gifts of learning through hearing, seeing or feeling the information being presented. The more stimuli to the senses a teacher is able to provide in a lesson, the more members of the class will benefit. You do not have to use technology in every SRE lesson. It’s a good idea to vary your lesson presentations from one lesson to the other for diversity and to keep your students interested, wondering what you’re about to present today. Before you decide to use technology in your class, make sure you do the following: ● Understand how to use it properly ● How does it support your lessons in the Walking with Jesus curriculum? ● What benefits will this bring to your lesson (is there a better alternative?) ● Start small – don’t try to use everything at once (maybe a single screen image that relates to that lesson) ● Where appropriate, use the activities and videos as a reward for good work and behaviour It’s important that you don’t let technology overtake your lesson – it will never replace the live witness your presence provides in the classroom. The technology is meant to be an enhancement to your lesson so that it keeps students focussed and interested and, in this way, helps them to retain the lesson content. I encourage you to try something new with technology this term. At the same time, I also understand that technology has its pros and cons, and that adopting technology in the classroom is something that teachers are comfortable with on different levels and to different extents. It can be frustrating and it can be time-consuming. But it can also open doors to new experiences, new ways of learning and collaborating, and new discoveries in the classroom. Give it a shot and see what you can learn as well! As always, speak to CCD staff for assistance with age-appropriate material. When it is working well, technology can enhance your lessons and support student learning…focus their attention on the subject with the appropriate illustrations, activities….... however if not working, you could lose the whole class if you’re not prepared with a backup lesson. As good as it is, remember that technology is just another resource to help you teach and is subject to power outages and computer malfunction. The successful teacher is always going to be prepared for such glitches no matter how rare they might be. For more information, contact Joe Pulis at CCD joe.pulis@dbb.org.au 9847 0228
encounter series The Faith We Believe: Breaking Open the Creed The Creed acts as a measure of correct belief, having been developed as a response to conflict concerning doctrine lasting several centuries. What were the controversies, and how were they resolved? This two-session course will explore these questions and the meaning of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, giving participants a sense of the underlying themes that run through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church. Please come along for a deeper appreciation of what it means to state, “I believe…”& Faith Course Duration: 2 x 2 hour sessions Presenters: David Patterson & Pina Bernard, Catholic Life & Faith Formation Date:
Session 1, Thursday 25 May 2017; Session 2, Thursday 2 June 2017
Time:
10:30am – 12:30pm
To evangelise is the essential identity and mission of a parish. This Course, over two sessions, explores what it means to evangelise – to bring Jesus to the world, and to call people into a relationship with Christ and to active discipleship. Terminology will be unpacked, and practical suggestions offered including the formation of evangelising teams, the value of good hospitality, small groups, and life-giving parish faith formation. Successful parish initiatives will also be shared and discussed.
Venue:
St Patrick’s Hall, Victoria Street Primary Campus, East Gosford
RSVP:
By Monday 22 May 2017 to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448
Date:
Session 1, Tuesday 30 May 2017; Session 2, Tuesday 6 June 2017
Time:
7:00pm – 9:00pm
This Course will be ideal for Parish Pastoral Council members, parish ministry leaders and groups, Alpha teams, and anyone committed to parish growth and vitality.
Venue:
Fr Patrick McMaugh Hall, St Patrick’s Church, 1 Royston Parade, Asquith
RSVP:
By Friday 26 May 2017 to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448
Date:
Session 1, Wednesday 31 May 2017; Session 2, Wednesday 7 June 2017
Time:
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Venue:
St Kieran’s Church Hall, 349 Condamine Street, Manly Vale
RSVP:
By Monday 29 May 2017 to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448
Evangelisation & Faith Formation: A What and How-To Guide
Course Duration: 2 x 2 hour sessions Presenters: David Patterson & Pina Bernard, Catholic Life & Faith Formation, Office for Evangelisation Date:
Thursday 27 April 2017 & Thursday 4 May 2017
Time:
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Venue:
Our Lady Star of the Sea, 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal
RSVP:
By Monday 24 April 2017 to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448
Date:
Tuesday 2 May 2017 & Tuesday 9 May 2017
Time:
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Venue:
Our Lady of Good Counsel, 9 Currie Road, Forestville
RSVP:
By Friday 28 April 2017 to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448
Date:
Wednesday 3 May 2017 & Wednesday 10 May 2017
Time:
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Venue:
Holy Family Catholic Church, Corner Pacific Highway & Highfield Road, Lindfield
RSVP:
By Monday 1 May 2017 to registrations@dbb.org.au or 4332 9825 / 9847 0448 Vol 22 Issue 2 | CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017
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the season of easter
The Coming of the Holy Spirit By now, we have completed our forty day Lenten preparation for the Easter event, solemnly celebrated Holy Week, culminating in the death of Jesus on the Cross on Good Friday and of course, joyously celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus on that first Easter Sunday morning. Jesus’ forty days in the desert sets the theme for Lent and in each of the Gospels, we see Jesus coming to John to receive the baptism of repentance before embarking on His ministry. In each instance we read that the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. Jesus’ ministry begins with him being gifted with the Holy Spirit. In each of the Gospels so too does Jesus’ ministry on earth end with Him gifting those who followed him and were his friends with the Holy Spirit. “But wait”, I hear you say, “it is only Luke who writes about the descent of the Holy Spirit and that is in his second volume, the Acts of the Apostles.” And so it is but with a more careful examination and meditation on the Gospels, we can see how each of the evangelists tell his community that Jesus sent His Spirit once he had returned to the Father, in a way that they would best understand. Let us look at the longer ending of Mark’s Gospel and discover how Mark informed his community how the Spirit was given to those who were faithful to the Risen Lord. Jesus commissioned the eleven with the following words: “Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to the whole creation. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15 – 28) To be able to do all those marvellous things, the members of Mark’s community understood that those who believed that Jesus had risen, had given them the Holy Spirit. Mark does not have a dramatic scene
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as does Luke with “the sound of a violent rush of wind” and with “divided tongues, as of fire” resting on the head of each person there and then have each begin speaking in other languages. These two descriptions of the arrival of the Holy Spirit are very different but each has something in common. In both accounts, those who received the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, were able to speak in “new tongues”. Matthew’s commissioning of the Eleven is also very similar to that of Mark. In Matthew, they are told: And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:18 - 20). Those words “And remember I am with you always, to the end of the age” is telling the community of Matthew, and ourselves, that the Spirit has been given to those who faithfully believe in the Risen lord and they will be able to do great things in Jesus’ name. John tells his community that Jesus gave them His Spirit in yet a different manner. Let us go back to the evening of the Last Supper. Jesus tells those at the meal with Him that: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.” (John 14:15 – 17) And further: “Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and
make our dwelling with him. … The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that told you. (John 14:23 – 26) So John has Jesus preparing his disciples to receive the Holy Spirit on the night before he died. But when does he send the Holy Spirit to his faith followers? At the tomb, when the Risen Lord meets Mary Magdalene, Jesus tells her to stop holding on to Him as he has yet to return to the Father. For … “John and many of the New Testament writers, the ascension in the theological sense of going to the Father to be glorified took place with the resurrection as one action. This scene in John dramatises such an understanding, for by Easter night Jesus is glorified and can give the Spirit. Therefore his ascension takes place immediately after he has talked to Mary.” (USCCB Bible http://www.usccb.org/bible/ john/20) Following this, Jesus appears to the disciples who are in the upper room, fearing for their lives. They are uncertain what the authorities will do to them as it was only a few days earlier that they had Jesus killed. In John’s Gospel 20:19 – 23, Jesus appears in their midst and calms them. He blesses them with peace, commissions them and then breathes the Holy Spirit on them, a scene reminiscent of the creation of humanity where God breathes on the first man and gives him life. The Eleven are now commissioned and are made anew by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2016 Celebration of SRE Towards the end of 2016, 500 SRE teachers, Heads of Religious Faiths and Parliamentarians gathered in Parliament House to celebrate the work of Special Religious Education in public schools. Bishop Peter Ingham, Bishop of Wollongong and liaison Bishop with the State body of CCDs, was in attendance as the official representative of the Catholic Church. Members of various faith communities, including Christian, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist received awards for their contribution to SRE. Michael Tebbutt, CCD Regional Coordinator from the Diocese of Broken Bay was one of two Catholic awardees. The other was Helen Ryan from the Diocese of Bathurst. Michael and Helen have devoted their working lives to Religious Education of Catholic students, including over 35 years combined service to CCD in NSW providing training and curriculum resources to their own dioceses and beyond. The Minister for Education and the Shadow Minister spoke about the huge contribution of SRE to school communities across NSW. Both referred to their own participation in SRE in their school days. On behalf of the CCD community in Broken Bay, I offer warmest congratulations to Michael Tebbutt for this fitting acknowledgement of his major contribution to the ministry of Special Religious Education. Alison Newell
So what does each of these descriptions tell us about the Coming of the Holy Spirit? Initially the accounts appear to be very different but on closer inspection there are common elements: the commissioning and then the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Once the Apostles received the Holy Spirit, they do things which before they were unable to do. This might have been the ability to handle serpents or survive drinking poison but the most amazing ability was there in the Good News (lack of fear) and the ability to speak to people in words and ways those people could understand and would come to believe in the Risen Lord. What does that mean for us? Are we as SRE teachers sometimes afraid that we will not be able to teach the children as well as we should? Do we not believe that the Spirit works in and through us? If we truly believe that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in us, we should not fear but be at peace as Jesus told the Apostles and confidently minister to the children to whom we have been sent. Michael Tebbutt CCD Regional Coordinator Central Coast
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 Coordiantor 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 2 | CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017
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Easter Season Sacred Space The unspoken things you do in the SRE classroom can have a lasting impact on the children and help to form them in the ways of being Catholic? One way to do this is to set up a simple sacred space in your learning environment. You can bring the joy of the Easter season to the children by displaying a sacred space that highlights the meaning of the Resurrection. You will need some or all of these items: Small piece of white satin fabric Children’s Bible Small cross made from twigs in the garden Flower or petals Candle – (battery operated for safety) Small bowl Small bottle of water Spray of leaves from the garden A shoe box – to carry the items and to use in the sacred space to make it two dimensional. Place the shoe box on the desk, table or floor; drape the fabric over the box and allow the folds to create another level. Place the yellow flower or petals on the shoe box level of the fabric; place the cross on top of the petals and the candle beside the cross. Pour the water into the bowl and position on the lower level of the sacred space. Sit the spray of leaves beside the water bowl. Display the children’s Bible opened at the Resurrection or one of the post-Resurrection appearances. Lay it down or lean it against the shoe box. Light the candle. Have the children help you set up the sacred space by inviting some of them to place items. Towards the end of the lesson ask the children to hold their hands out towards the sacred space and you can pray a small blessing over the water. Invite the children to bless themselves with the water as they leave the classroom.
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CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2017 | Vol 22 Issue 2
Easter People Catechists are Easter people; they embody their belief in the risen Christ and proclaim it with actions and words. I believe our actions are what the children will most remember of their experience of Special Religious Education. Pope Francis says: “People see the Gospel in our lives: let them read the Gospel. In order to live the Gospel, we must remain with Christ.” This quote of Pope Francis describes the person of the catechist. As you carry the joy of the Easter season into the SRE classroom, you will bring Jesus alive to the children and young people you teach with your faith and your love of the Gospel. I pray that the message of Easter will burn in their hearts so that they will be transformed by the witness you bear. I pray that God will bless you and your families during this Easter season and always. Alison Newell CCD Diocesan Coordinator