Catechists at the Parishes of Our Lady of the Way - Report Oct 2011:
It is an inspiration to work with the catechist volunteers in this vital ministry in our Parishes.
Recently catechists at North Sydney Girls High have accompanied and prepared students who have wanted to be received into the church. They have worked with great sensitivity to respond to the girls and their families and link them into the community of the 6pm Sunday night Youth Mass. As part of this process, Fr Daven has attended classes and led the students in a service of Reconciliation and Eucharist. There has been deep listening and great respect for the students, and a creative response on the part of the catechists, with the generous, flexible support of Fr Daven.
In the primary schools there is no less energy and creativity. Relationships with counterparts from the Anglican, Baha'i, Muslim and Jewish traditions are growing. There is strong and enthusiastic collaboration between our catechists, many of whom are putting in extra hours to develop our resources.
In the primary schools, many of our catechists work in pairs. This is a great model for ministry. They learn to trust one another and enjoy one another's complementary gifts and strengths. There is scope to cover for one another in cases of absence. It is fun and not too onerous! Two adults in the classroom are a powerful presence.
We meet as a team every term, at the presbytery and over coffee. This gives the opportunity to share war stories and ideas for activities. We always take time to pray and reflect together too. There's a lot of support and encouragement in meeting like this.
Do keep the members of this ministry in your prayers. If you think you would like to join us, do get in touch. You are welcome to sit in on a lesson and take the pulse of the ministry. Classes are on Wednesday and Thursday mornings in term time.
Frances Tilly 8918 4104, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
