2018 Connections Term 3 by bbcatholic

2018 TERM 3

4 RESOURCES

LEVEL 3

FAITH IN MINISTRY APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION, REJOICE AND BE GLAD Gaudete Et Exsultate On the Call to Holiness in today’s world See page 6 for details and registration

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

“This holiness to which the Lord calls you will grow through small gestures.” Pope Francis – Gaudete et Exsultate”

6-7 TRAINING & FORMATION 8-9 SPIRITUALIT Y 11

AROUND THE DIOCESE

VOL 23 ISSUE 3

Living in the Living Heart of Jesus challenge the spirit of times by the way we live that we will enter a new chapter of the Church’s life marked by our conversion and joy. However, this journey is not without effort and resolve. It will involve each of us and all of us as the People of God. It demands of us a commitment to speak boldly but also to listen humbly to the Spirit at work in the Church and the world.

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR, OFE

In the Beatitudes of Matthew’s Gospel the living heart and the mission of Jesus are revealed. These eight blessings reflect the shape of Jesus’ own life, which is to be crowned by his death and resurrection. They also point the way to the Kingdom of heaven, the fullness of God’s life, which is reached by poverty of spirit, by tenderness and meekness, even by our mourning, by our hunger for righteousness and mercy amongst other ways of holy living. In this way the Beatitudes are a spiritual help and gift but also an undeniable challenge as we seek to reflect these graces in our daily life. Ultimately, we are called to hold within us what Pope Francis describes as a “constant and healthy unease” for we have not yet arrived at our perfection (Gaudete et Exsultate 99). Our Christian life on earth remains a continual work in progress as we walk daily in the path of Jesus. If each of us learn to live as a baptised person over time and develop faith according to our openness to grace, so it can be said of the Church as a whole, as a community of Christians. The Second Vatican Council’s description of the Church as a pilgrim was apt as it reminded the Church that it was not a finished product but a project that called for our openness to and reception of the Spirit that dwells within. It is with this sense of Spirit-led development that the Australian bishops have called for a Plenary Council to take place in 2020. As shared in the last edition of Connections, our Plenary Council journey has already commenced and local parishes and communities throughout our Diocese of Broken Bay will soon make available listening and dialogue sessions in their communities, so we might ‘listen to what the Spirit is saying’ (Rev 2:7). Please be in touch with your parish priest, local Catholic school or community leader to take part in a listening and dialogue session near you. Your experience of faith and the Church as a catechist is essential to our collective growth as a Catholic community. In a similar way as opened by the Beatitudes, the Plenary Council trusts that it is by our humble listening before God, our mourning of disappointments, even failure, by our hunger and pursuit of justice, our pouring out of mercy on one another, our cultivation of a pure heart and reconciliation with our neighbour, and by our courage to CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

As you reflect on the Beatitudes and the call to holiness at this critical time for our Church, might you be encouraged and emboldened by the clear heart of Jesus and his mission. Our mission is blessed as we seek daily and weekly to be faithful to God and his word with the young and their families. It is the best of lives and a mission of the heart. In this we can rejoice and be glad. With every blessing, Daniel

Daniel Ang Director, Office for Evangelisation TERM 3 Liturgical Calendar 2018 Year B Week 1

22 July

Ordinary Time

23 July

Term 3 commences

26 July

St Joachim and Anne

29 July

Ordinary Time

31 July

St Ignatius of Loyola

4 August

St John Vianney

5 August

Ordinary Time

6 August

Transfiguration of the Lord

8 August

St Mary of the Cross

12 August

Ordinary Time

14 August

St Maximilian Kolbe

15 August

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Week 5

19 August

Ordinary Time

Week 6

26 August

Ordinary Time

27 August

St Monica

28 August

St Augustine

2 September

Ordinary Time

8 September

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

9 September

Ordinary Time

14 September

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

15 September

Our Lady of Sorrows

Week 9

16 September

Ordinary Time

Week 10

23 September

Ordinary Time

27 September Friday 28 September

St Vincent de Paul

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 7 Week 8

End of Term 3

in the SRE JoyJoyClassroom

St Paul writes about Christian joy in many of his letters. Our Church leaders today constantly speak of joy – a joy that brings hope to the people of the world. Teaching SRE can have its challenges and I often hear catechists’ concerns that the children know little or nothing about their faith, that they don’t go to Mass and that their parents don’t pray with them. Some catechists question whether they are making a difference at all in the lives of the children and their families. So, what can we as catechists (and not all of us young in years) learn from this Year of Youth and how can we open new horizons for spreading joy?

Bring your SRE lessons to life ‘with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit’ In his recent Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate, on the call to holiness in today’s world, Pope Francis tells us: “Having received the beautiful gift of God’s word, we embrace it ‘in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit’ (1 Thess 1:6). If we allow the Lord to draw us out of our shell and change our lives, then we can do as

A short reflection

Learning not Teaching The Second Vatican Council document Gaudium et Spes – Joy and Hope - (7 November 1965), had this to say about responding to the religious needs of each generation: The Church has always had the duty of scrutinising the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. Thus, in language intelligible to each generation, she can respond to the perennial questions which people ask about this present life and the life to come, and about the relationship of the one to the other. We must therefore recognise and understand the world in which we live, its explanations, its longings and its often dramatic characteristics. (GS 3,4)

Children and young people need joy in their hearts, the joy that only God can give. Spread joy in the classroom with abundance, so that children and young people will witness to your joy in Christ. Even during those difficult classes dig deep to spread joy! If we rely solely on ourselves to spread joy, we risk failing - so pray that the Holy Spirit will work through you to spread your joy in the Lord. In the opening lines of the Year of Youth prayer, we pray: Come Holy Spirit of this Great Southland Inspire our entire faith community, as we prayerfully discern new horizons for spreading joy In the lives and communities of the People of God. In our Ministry of SRE, our communities of the People of God are the children in our classes and their families. Every year when we meet new children in our classrooms we encounter new horizons for spreading joy. As we teach year in and year out, we need to ensure that our joy stays alive in Christ and trust that the Spirit will inspire our entire faith community through our joyful witness. In his Spiritual Letter to Christ’s Faithful in the Year of Youth, Bishop Peter Comensoli reflects on what it means to be “young in Christ”. Bishop Peter says: “It has always been the young in grace who have been the most open to saying ‘yes’ to God. Trust in the Lord is the greatest witness to a youthful heart beating to the rhythm of grace in the life of the Church. The young in Spirit are true guides to discipleship in the Lord.” As we head into the third term of 2018, I invite you to ask yourself if you are “young in Spirit” and “full of joy”. Let us welcome the opportunity that we have been given to bring that youthful joy to the children and young people we teach. Perhaps they will grow in faith more if your lessons are taught in a spirit of joy!! God bless you and thank you for your joyful dedication!!

Alison

Diocesan Coordinator, Office for Evangelisation

This is particularly relevant to the Ministry of SRE. It is vital that we as catechists understand the world in which we live and use language intelligible to the generation of children in our classrooms. In recent years, the focus in education has shifted from teaching to learning: “Teaching without learning is just presenting” (Kanold 2009). When reflecting on what this might mean for you as a catechist, the words of Pope Francis may be helpful:

MESSAGE FROM THE DIOCESAN COORDINATOR

Authentic joy in biblical terms goes far beyond happiness. Happiness is more an external quality and is found in people, places and things. Joy is a deep seeded gift from God, a gift that is embodied and radiated to others. Joy gives peace, the type of peace that only God can bring. Joy can exist even in hardship and sad times and gives us hope. Joy is infectious!

Saint Paul tells us: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; I say it again, rejoice!’ (Phil 4:4)”. Gaudete et Exsultate

You are probably aware that the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference declared 2018 to be a Year of Youth in the Catholic Church in Australia. The theme of the year is Open New Horizons for Spreading Joy. As one way of celebrating the Year of Youth, our colleagues in the Catholic Youth Broken Bay (CYBB) team have been exploring the question – “What gives people joy?” Often the response to the question includes children and young people who exude a joyful energy that is inspiring to their families and to the Church.

Catechists are creative; they seek to use different means and forms to proclaim Christ. The means may be different but what is important is to keep in mind the style of Jesus who adapted to the people he had before him in order to bring them closer to the love of God. One must know how to “change”, to adapt in order to bring the message closer. (Pope Francis, Vatican City 12 July 2017) CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

The Beatitudes Are The attitudes that Jesus said we must practice all the time if we want to be true followers of Him. Often, we have “Me-attitudes” which focus on ourselves and what we want, not on others and their needs. “Be-Attitudes” are what we should be. “Me-attitudes” are what we must change. To help you understand what each Beatitude means, find the explanation in the column on the right and draw a line to the Beatitude which it explains.

A “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” B “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” C “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

RESOURCES

D “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

1 When we are sorry for our sins God will forgive us and we will feel better. 2 If you care for those who are suffering, you too will be loved when you face difficulties. 3 Whenever we are made fun of because of our love for God, God’s kingdom is for us. 4 When we trust that God will lead us and take care of us we are poor in spirit

E “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.”

5 By sharing this gift, we are showing we are God’s children.

F “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

6 People who show this gift are said to have great self-control.

G “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”

7 This is best described as genuine love and care for each person that we know.

H “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Answers: A – 4; B – 1; C – 6; D – 7; E – 8; F – 2; G – 5; H – 3; CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

8 We are most like God when we are not selfish in anyway. This will bring great happiness.

TEAR OUT AND KEEP!

Be-Attitudes Versus Beatitudes Me Attitudes

Beatitudes

The Emoji Beatitudes

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Give the students a copy of the Beatitudes. Together, read the Beatitudes prayerfully. Ask the students what they understand each Beatitude to mean. (This step is not to check up on their theology of Matthew’s Gospel but rather to have all the children gain some understanding of the meaning of The Beatitudes and what it means for the way they live. Draw the discussion to a close after a few minutes. On the hand out of The Beatitudes, direct the children to draw an emoji to illustrate each Beatitude and this will help them to remember all eight Beatitudes

RESOURCES

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

N.B. For background reading of the catechist, google “Gaudete et Exsultate” and read Chapter 3 , “In the Light of the Master”. In this chapter Pope Francis focuses on The Beatitudes. (Mt 5:3-12) http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_ gaudete-et-exsultate.html Michael Tebutt CCD Regional Coordinator, Central Coast CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

CCD Training and Formation Offerings Northern Beaches Region

Central Coast Region

Location: Our Lady of Good Counsel, 9 Currie Road, Frenchs Forest

Location: Parish Centre, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish,

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Date:

Friday 10 August 2018

Time:

9:30am – 2:30pm

A one day workshop

 Miracles and Parables  Music in the Classroom

Location: Lecture Room, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, The Entrance

(Parking entry via Ashton Avenue)

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Date:

Monday 20 August 2018

Time:

9:30am – 2:30pm

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

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

Date:

Friday 24 August 2018

Time:

9:30am – 2:30pm

CCD TRAINING AND FORMATION OFFERINGS

Central Coast Region

(Parking entry via Ashton Avenue)

Date:

Friday 7 September 2018

Time:

1:00pm – 2:30pm

The Entrance

(Parking entry via Ashton Avenue)

Date:

Wednesday 3 October 2018

Time:

9:30am – 12:00pm

Short Course Using Interactive Whiteboard Resources

Northern Beaches and Northern Shore & Hornsby Regions Location: The Sun Room, Holy Name Church, 35 Billyard Avenue, Wahroonga

Level 3 Faith in Ministry

Morning Tea Provided (BYO Lunch 10 Aug & 28 Sept)

Date:

Friday 10, 17, 24, 31 August & 7, 14, 21, 28 September 2018

Time:

9:30am – 12:00pm

(10 Aug and 28 Sept are 9:30am - 2:30pm)

Central Coast Region Location: Our Lady Star of the Sea, 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal

Morning Tea Provided (BYO Lunch 6 Aug & 24 Sept)

Date:

Monday 6, 13, 20, 27 August & 3, 10, 17, 24 September 2018

Time:

9:30am – 12:00pm

(6 Aug and 24 Sept are 9:30am - 2:30pm)

CENTRAL COAST CCD OFFICE AND RESOURCE CENTRE 12 Ashton Ave, The Entrance (behind OLR Church) Resource Borrowing: Monday to Friday 9am—1pm

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.

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

Smartboard: We offer the use of the interactive smartboard Resource Deliveries: We deliver to all Central to assist with the preparation of lessons for Coast Parishes. Orders to be received by 4pm catechists who have been trained in the use of each Monday to ensure prompt end of week the smartboard. (Bookings are essential to use the delivery. (Contact Colleen for more information) interactive smartboard)

PH: 8379 1642 Email: ccdcc@bbcatholic.org.au CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

Teaching the Authorised Curriculum

Location: CCD Central Coast Resource Centre, The Entrance

Lesson Planning

Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete Et Exsultate – Rejoice and be glad The Office for Evangelisation offers CCD training to all interested people providing formation for personal growth and for ministry. Join us during August and September for a reflective study of Pope Francis’ new Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate – Rejoice and be glad.

In Service

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

CCDMI

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. 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 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

Northern Beaches Region 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

Compulsory training for new catechists and helpers

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

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Registrations has new contact details! For ALL registration and training enquiries please phone: 8379 1643 or Email: registrations@bbcatholic.org.au

Almost 40 people attended sessions on how to use the interactive whiteboard material and I hope the sessions provided catechists with the confidence to use the digital curriculum resources that complement each lesson and invite students to engage with the topics. Teaching methodologies are constantly evolving; we often hear of multiple intelligences, project-based learning and evidence-based learning. It is so fascinating to learn about these and be able to apply these strategies during the class. My suggestion is to regularly attend training and workshops that are available to your ministry and have the courage to try out fresh approaches that invite the children to share their in-class experience with their families. We, the CCD team, keep abreast of relevant professional development opportunities ourselves in order to support you in

your classes. Our aim is to assist in the further development of your teaching skills so you can guide & teach with confidence. This term I would like to invite you to pay particular attention to your students’ responses, get to know their different learning styles and to try out different teaching and behaviour management strategies. Adapt the habit of evaluating each lesson and adjusting to the evolving needs of your students.

In term 2 this year, we ran a one-day workshop on two topics: Prayer in the Classroom and Listening and Questioning Strategies. These workshops were well attended and provided ideas for catechists to pray in a variety of ways in the classroom and gave strategies on how to use questioning and listening skills with the children in the classroom. Throughout this year’s training program, I have witnessed great enthusiasm from catechists as they discover new ways to present the curriculum to the children.

At our Term 1 CCD Ministry Induction training almost 80 catechists attended the first seven units of training. Some were new catechists, while others joined to refresh and update their existing skills. During one of the breaks, I learnt that people were attending training to learn how to be “an instrument of God to the children”. In other words: to learn how to prepare lessons; how to teach the curriculum with the hope of inviting the children into a loving relationship with Jesus and to learn how to manage the class and explore the developmental stages of the students.

TRAINING & RESOURCES

Training Training – Ongoing Catechist Formation

I will leave you with a quote from a senior catechist who once shared with me: “It is not so much what children hear in class, it’s what they get to do that they take away with them”. Training both increases our competencies and nurtures our faith, so that the Holy Spirit might shine through you to the students. Katya Polimeni, Regional Coordinator, Northern Beaches CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

“Open the Window of Your Heart to The World”

World

The Importance of the Beatitudes in the 21st century When I think of the Sermon on the Mount and The Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 5:1-12), I cannot imagine the audience nodding at Jesus, understanding how he was asking them to change, both their thinking and their way of living. It is not easy for us today either. Ever since I was a young adult I have been told to read the Beatitudes as if they were the identity card for Christians. The message of Jesus on the Mount has always been presented to us as a lifestyle choice, choosing to live as Jesus lived. I invite you to read this reflection on living the Beatitudes today.

SPIRITUALITY

Jesus gave The Beatitudes as a compass to guide our way. They are a guide for us to live in hope, pursue happiness and finally rejoice in the Kingdom of God. Each Beatitude asks us to step out of our comfort zone and to live our lives looking at the world through the eyes of Jesus. Today, we may hesitate to say we are Catholic or avoid mentioning we belong to the local parish. In doing so we enclose ourselves, our family and our parish within a wall, almost fearing the world around us. I understand why we act like this. We may be tempted to live a lifestyle, conforming to a reality that gives us only a temporary happiness. What Jesus presents in The Beatitudes is controversial. Jesus took behaviours that were considered signs of weakness and poverty and named these as blessings when those living them rely on God. The blessings of the Beatitudes are a constant reminder that we are not alone. A reminder that God is always ready to hold us in His arms when we share with Him our successes as well as our hunger, our sorrows and our limitations. God looks at us with tenderness. Pope Francis, Bishop Barron, the mystic German Dominican philosopher Eckhart, just to name a few, portray The Beatitudes in one message: – Let go of the “clutter” to make space for God. Is this possible? What are the cultural challenges that we face? Pope Francis, in “Gaudete et Exsultate”, invites us to use The Beatitudes

CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

as an examination of how our day has gone in relating with God. He refers to The Beatitudes as a journey to “Holiness”. During the homily for the beatification of a homeless man who lived in Rome, Pope Francis said that this man was always kind to others. For many rich and busy people, this homeless man became the person to go to for advice or to cry with. He was the living example of the poor in spirit, the meek, the peacemakers, the pure in heart, the merciful. As Pope Francis said to the Youth in 2014: “God knows us, loves us and will never abandons us! Is it possible to live as this man did? What are the challenges we face when we walk in the light of The Beatitudes? Bishop Barron talks about The Beatitudes as a “Joy”. He refers to Jesus’ life as the culmination of joy through suffering. What changes do we need to make to embrace The Beatitudes? The mystic philosopher Johanne Eckhart tells us to get rid of our “false identity” separating us from the capacity of joy and happiness. By emptying ourselves of false needs and false identity, and forming ourselves by studying The Beatitudes, we create more space within us for the GOD of The Beatitudes. How does Sermon on the Mount influence our Christian lives? We are made from God’s Love. It is by choosing to walk in the light of The Beatitudes that we will rejoice and be glad, for our reward will be great in Heaven. The Sermon on the Mount is not just a two-thousand-yearold scripture passage. Every time we read it or listen to it, every time we stop and reflect on it, the message becomes relevant to our daily living, giving us the hope to pursue the Kingdom of God. It challenges us. Are we prepared to take the challenge or are we going to keep comfortable in our “comfortable” world? I find comfort in the quote from St Mary of the Cross MacKillop: “We are but travellers here” Katya Polimeni, Regional Coordinator, Northern Beaches Bibliography Pope Francis https://www.catholic.org/news/international/europe/story.php?id=56461 http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/it/apost_exhortations/documents/papafrancesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html By Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM Self-Emptying https://cac.org/letting-go-false-self-2017-12-12/

50 years of Religious Education

A Tribute to our Catechists The volunteer catechist is a gift to the Church. The gentle and often unnoticed ministry of the catechist is God’s assurance that the Good News is preached to the poor, that new members are welcomed, that children are formed in the faith, and from birth through death the sacred treasures of the faith are handed on. The family of faith supports you and celebrates your catechetical spirit. You are called to a life centered in Jesus Christ. You read and live the Gospel. You are faithful to God and to the Church. You are a gracious and Eucharistic person. You are a person who forms community. You are generous, open, and welcoming. You are a person of prayer. You are forgiving and patient.

FROM THE CATECHIST

Amanda Hickey – Former Parish Catechist Coordinator, current catechist at the Lakes Parish Northern Beaches Last year I received an award in recognition of 35 years as a catechist. I felt very happy to receive this award and I hope I will be able to continue as a catechist for some time longer! I had just returned from my class when I received a phone call asking me to write some of my feelings and thoughts about being a catechist. Each time I go to my class I remember the words “Go forth and spread the Good News.” I feel we are privileged to be able to go into our State Schools to do this. I am always surprised by the number of children who come to Catholic Scripture. I have been extremely fortunate this year as the teacher in my class room has usually been present at her desk. It has been a blessing for me and although she has never once had to speak I have felt very comfortable that she is present. I would like to thank all our catechists for the great work they all do and may this continue for many years to come. I hope that all the children remember that God loves them and is always present for them. For much of my time as a catechist I have been a coordinator in the Lakes Parish and have always felt the support of all the catechists in the Parish and their support and dedication in taking the Scripture into our State Schools. Someone I would like to remember with love and friendship is Sister Mary Hugh who was an inspiration and guiding light to all catechists in the Northern Beaches. For some time, I served with her on the Bishop’s CCD Advisory Board. It was a privilege in my life to know her. She was so gentle and kind and outgoing and a true friend. I would pick her up and take her to meetings and gatherings usually involving catechists. My times with Sister Mary Hugh were always happy times. So, I pray that I will continue to be able to go each week to some class and tell them God knows them and loves them. My greatest wish and hope is that we will always have this privilege.

Toni Walsh with colleagues from Catholic Schools

Congratulations to Toni Walsh for celebrating fifty years of teaching religious education in various Catholic schools in the Northern Beaches Deanery of Broken Bay. Toni is still relief teaching in Catholic schools and since retiring from full-time teaching several years ago, has also joined the Ministry of SRE as Parish Coordinator and an SRE teacher in the Manly Freshwater Parish. Toni now continues to share her faith and her wonderful teaching skills with Catholic students in public schools. At the Annual CSO Mass and Awards ceremony held earlier this year, Toni received a “Fifty Years in Catholic Education” plaque. When asked what it meant to her, Toni said: “It was so overwhelming, there were so many people that I’ve taught there, I’ve taught their children, right across the Diocese and now I am privileged to teach SRE to children in the state schools. It’s something I am proud of. I still have not come down to earth!” Warmest congratulations to Toni from the CCD team and the Coordinators and Catechists from across the Diocese.

You are a peaceful and just person. You are a person of joy! We thank you for all you have done to hand on the faith to others. May you know the blessings of answering God’s call. May God give you growth —for all enduring time. Copyright © 2012 CATECHIST Magazine / Peter Li Education Group • 2621 Dryden Rd., Dayton, OH 45439 • 800-558-2292 Permission is granted to reproduce this page for use in parish and school programs

CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

>>>>

SAFEGUARDING KIDZ CORNER PHYSICAL CONTACT

DUTY of CARE

Creating a Safe Working Environment in the SRE Classroom

DO NOT

 Do not use physical contact to force

 Use appropriate procedures for

compliance

managing difficult behaviour

 Use non- physical intervention

 Do not confiscate articles, by grabbing

 Use physical restraint in an appropriate

 Do not use an intimidating or over-

or pulling from a student

strategies first to de-escalate situation

bearing physical stance or language

way only when a student’s safety is at risk

 Do not use physical touch to

 Report and document incidents of

demonstrate an action without warning or being given permission eg. when demonstrating a drama activity

physical restraint/contact

 It is OK to use a non-intrusive gesture

 Do not use displays of physical

that is age appropriate to comfort a student

 Model a hands off policy

affection to affirm positive behaviour

Catechists

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Beatitudes for Catechists Blessed are the catechists who listen to their students, especially the ones with repeated questions. For they possess the ears of Christ.

Blessed are the catechists who think prayerfully of their students, especially those who don’t know God, For they possess the mind of Christ.

Blessed are the catechists who see the needs of their students, especially the ones unrecognised by others, For they possess the eyes of Christ.

Blessed are the catechists who show love to their students, especially the ones with unlovable traits, For they possess the love of Christ.

Blessed are the catechists who speak kindly to their students, especially to the ones without positive motivations, For they possess the mouth of Christ.

Blessed are the catechists who walk patiently with their students, especially the ones lacking spiritual guidance, For they possess the feet of Christ.

Blessed are the catechists who gently touch the hearts of their students, especially the ones who feel the stings of home violence. For they possess the heart of Christ.

Blessed are the catechists who persevere in their faith-sharing ministry, especially when their efforts seem in vain. For they possess the healing presence of Christ And theirs is the kingdom of heaven. © Sister Marie Roccapriore, M.P.F. Equal Access Ministries, Diocese of Toledo USA

CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

Christian Christian Heritage

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE BROKEN BAY Caroline Chisholm Centre 423 Pennant Hills Rd PENNANT HILLS NSW 2120

Shapes How We Teach Children

PO Box 340 PENNANT HILLS NSW 1715

JOE PULIS North Shore Hornsby Region P: 8379 1639 M:0438 229 541 E: joe.pulis@bbcatholic.org.au KATYA POLIMENI Northern Beaches Region P: 8379 1640 M: 0447 901 531 E: katya.polimeni@bbcatholic.org.au 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

99%

of people believe that it is important to teach values to Australian school students

84%

believe that Christian heritage has been influential in shaping the values that we teach children, with almost 60% believing this was “very” or “somewhat” influential

16%

of those surveyed are opposed to parents having the choice of faith-based values education in schools

71%

of parents in NSW primary schools opted in to SRE for their children and it enjoys the overwhelming support of parents, principals and school communities*

METHODOLOGY A national survey of Australians n=1,013. The nationally representative survey was conducted by McCrindle in April 2018. METHODOLOGY *The ‘2015 Special Religious Education and Special in Ethics in NSW Government Schools’, by Department of A national survey ofReview Australians of n=1,013. The nationally representative survey was conducted by McCrindle Education in April 2018. *The ‘2015 Review&of ARTD Special Religious Education and Special in Ethics NSW Government Schools’,school by Department of Educationattend & ARTD Consultants, Education Consultants, 2016Education found thatin 71% of primary students SRE. 2016 found that 71% of primary school students attend SRE.

Newly released independent research conducted by McCrindle Research and entitled Survey of Values, education and faith in Australia has found that 99% of people believe it is important to teach values to Australian school students. Many of those surveyed fall into the No Religion category, however 84% believe that Christian heritage has been influential in shaping the values that we teach children. Only 16% of people surveyed are opposed to giving parents a choice of faith-based values education in schools. Murray Norman, spokesperson for the Inter Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools (ICCOREIS) says: “The overwhelming majority of parents want the choice of faith-based values to be taught to children, which is exactly what SRE does”. Indeed, 71% of parents in NSW public primary schools are currently opting in to SRE for their children and it enjoys the overwhelming support of parents, principals and school communities. Norman says the survey outcomes “endorse the importance of spirituality and programs like SRE within education”. This is good news for catechists, and SRE teachers of other faiths, and affirms the worth of Special Religious Education in NSW public schools. SRE supports the Australian Government’s values for Australian schooling and the NSW Department of Education’s Wellbeing Framework for Schools which states: “The NSW Department of Education is committed to creating quality learning opportunities for children and young people. This includes strengthening their cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development.” The framework says: “Spiritual wellbeing relates to our sense of meaning and purpose”. There is a minority voice in the community which is opposed to SRE in public schools, but the McCrindle Research challenges that position. Around 430,000 students in NSW public schools regularly attend SRE classes at the choice of their parents.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

SHARON DA ROZA Diocesan CCD Admin (NSH & NB Regions) P: 8379 1638 E: sharon.daroza@bbcatholic.org.au

Survey of Values, Education and Faith in Australia

ALISON NEWELL CCD Diocesan Coordinator P: 8379 1637 M: 0424 737 911 E: alison.newell@bbcatholic.org.au

Let’s take a moment to celebrate this wonderful Ministry of SRE and in so doing congratulate the 1,000 volunteer catechists who witness to the love of Jesus as they teach SRE to Catholic students in the public schools of our parishes in the Diocese of Broken Bay. Alison Newell CCD Diocesan Coordinator CCD Newsletter Term 2, 2018 | Vol 23 Issue 3

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK RENEWALS RENEWAL REMINDER: NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian will send you a reminder email 3 months before your WWCC expires

SOME NUMBERS WILL START TO EXPIRE FROM 15 JUNE 2018, FOR THOSE WHO FIRST APPLIED IN 2013

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CATECHISTS  Like a driver’s licence, a Working with Children Check (WWCC) is renewed every five years.  Check your contact details are up-to-date with the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian online at https://www.kidsguardian.nsw. gov.au/  A reminder notice will be emailed to you from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian, three months prior to the expiry date of your WWCC.

RENEW ONLINE: WWCC numbers can be renewed any time from three months before expiry up to the expiry date. Go to www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/ and select Renew Your Number. You will be emailed a reference number. Do not apply for a new number

 Renew online and a reference number will be emailed to you (you cannot do this until you receive the reminder from the Children’s Guardian).  Take this reference number to the nearest Service NSW or RMS office for the renewal to be processed. A confirmation email will then be sent to you.  Give the details to the CCD Parish Coordinator or Parish Office. They will verify your renewed WWCC and new expiry date.

CONFIRMATION:

 Ensure all your details are correct and up-to-date in the Parish records.

Go to NSW Service Centre or RMS Office with the reference number along with your proof of identity. A confirmation email will then be sent to you

 Amend any incorrect details - spelling of name, date of birth, WWCC number, email address and phone number. Your Parish Coordinator has a form for this purpose.

CONTACT DETAILS: VERIFICATION: Give these details to your Parish Coordinator or Parish Office. They will verify your renewed WWCC and record new expiry date

Update WWCC details It is the responsibility of an individual to ensure their contact details are kept up-to-date in the NSW Office of the Children’s’ Guardian system. Do this by going to www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/ Select ‘update my details’.

IF YOUR NUMBER HAS EXPIRED AND HAS NOT BEEN RENEWED YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENTER A CLASSROOM IN ANY SRE CAPACITY.

SAVE THE DATE Annual CCD Mass and Awards Ceremony

Saturday 3 November 2018 11:30 am Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara