Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
In the four State Primary schools within the parish there are presently
about 850 children whose parents have indicated they wish them to
receive instruction in the Catholic Religion.
This parental desire for their children, namely that they gain basic
knowledge of God, realise how deeply He loves them and how they might
best respond to that love by living the Christian values would not be
satisfied but for the fifty catechists and their assistants who
regularly and generously spend thirty minutes per week during term in
the schools. In this great voluntary work, the aim of the Catechist is
to draw the children to the Christian principles which lead to an
understanding of who we are, the existence of God, how to pray, why they
should pray, as well as how they should treat others.
Gratitude to God for their own faith inspires the catechist to try to
provide the answers to these profound truths for our children. It is a
privileged role.
Training
The catechist undertakes a basic accreditation course of about 6 to 7
hours provided by the CCD of the Diocese of Broken Bay usually held in a
local parish hall, to qualify to give instruction in the school.
Further courses on a higher level are available on a voluntary basis.
In addition, teaching manuals are supplied and ample extra literature
and encouragement is available from experienced catechists. Often,
prospective catechists spend some time as assistants in the classroom
gaining knowledge of how the classes are run.
Training workshops together with spiritual reflection days are also offered throughout the year.
Teaching Schedule
Classes from kindergarten to Year 6 at Mona Vale, Newport, Avalon and
Bilgola Plateau schools receive instruction on Tuesday mornings during
term. Each period is for 30 to 40 minutes. Secondary catechists also
take Classes at Pittwater and Barrenjoey High Schools.
Lessons are contained in student books which cover the whole year and
are specific to each class. Topics appropriate to the sacraments and
parts of the church liturgical year are included.
Assistants mark the roll, distribute the lesson books and help in
reading stories appropriate to the lesson topic. The catechist conducts
the lesson broadly on the lines of the given material but with room for
individual expression and the injection of humour and interest.
Results
In a society which hardly mentions God let alone Christian principles,
the appreciation of having had some influence on the Christian
development of our children underlies the work of the catechist.
The response of the children to the great truths of the Catholic faith
and their enthusiasm in many of the discussions in class are a reward
for the work the catechist does over the year.
Catechist Resource Area, Avalon
The Catechist Resource room at the back of Maria Regina Church
contains a good range of books, DVDs, Posters, Charts and CD's which
complement lessons in the Programme. The catechists are welcome
to borrow any of these resources.
Catechists and Assistants
The work of the CCD requires many convinced Catholics to help in the
growing number of children needing instruction in the faith. We are
always in need of both Catechists and assistants to help share the load. The involvement requires some sacrifice, but gives a great
opportunity to repay some of the blessings we have been given.
Coordinators
Please contact the Coordinators for the CCD programme if you are able to help or would like to become involved:
Mona Vale and Newport Public Schools – Maureen Wooldridge - 9997 4694
Avalon and Bilgola Public Schools - Veronica Thomas Click here to Email
Pittwater and Barrenjoey High Schools - Veronica Thomas Click here to Email