CCD Newsletter Volume 20 Issue 3 Term Three 2015 Confraternity

of Christian Doctrine ©Susan Daily Diocese of Broken Bay

Breaking open the Word

July Exploring Sacred Scripture Journey through in the SRE Classroom the Bible The Entrance Pennant Hills From the Director/ Events 2 Manly Vale From the Diocesan CCD Coordinator 3 (details page 5) From the Classroom 4 Adult Faith Formation August

Journeying through the Bible 5 “The Writing of Catechist Spirituality St Paul” (CCD Joy of the Gospel Part 5 of 7 6 & 7

Technology in the Classroom Level 3) Terrey Hills Online Training and SmartBoard version 3.1 8 The Entrance Ideas for the Classroom (details page 12)

CONNECTIONS Breaking open the Word for Secondary 9

Bible Crossword for Primary 10 September Bible Resources from the Diocese 11 Broken Bay Bible Noticeboard, Training Dates & CCD Directory 12 Conference CONTENTS Pennant Hills (details page 5)

from the director

Welcome back! I hope you have had a chance to The Parish Support Unit has been offering a number of opportunities get a bit of a break after a busy Term 2. to break open the Scriptures, not least of which is the 2015 Broken Bay Bible Conference from 18-19 September. A number of resources In recent weeks, we have seen unprecedented are available to celebrate Bible Sunday on 26 July and don’t forget world-wide response to a papal encyclical - how great a gift a bible can be, especially when they are available at Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’ (Praise be to you) subsidised rates. See www.dbb.org.au/bible for more information on on the care for our common home. So what is this these and other Bible related events and resources. “greenie” document about, and why is the Pope getting himself

involved with this issue? The truth is, Laudato Si’ looks at more than We have all been called to evangelise, to proclaim the Good News and

just climate change; it is about our interconnectedness with God, with be conduits through which one is drawn to God. One great opportunity each other and the rest of creation. Whilst economics and corporate to do this is through preparing children and adults for the Sacraments. responsibility may seem to be subjects that will go over the heads of My last plug for this edition is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults the little ones with whom we are sharing our faith, it is the lessons in (RCIA) NSW/ACT State Conference that the Diocese of Broken Bay the everyday examples of how we live the Gospel values, sharing, not will be hosting from 28-30 August. Whilst the RCIA is the process wasting, concern for the poor and for creation, etc. that we need to which is generally used in the preparation of the adults to receive the

impart. Laudato Si’ and related resources can be downloaded from the Sacraments at Easter, more and more upper primary and secondary Diocesan website www.dbb.org.au. students seeking baptism. The keynotes and some of the workshops

As with all encyclicals, exhortations and the like, the basis of this latest being offered are a great way to learn more about making disciples. document is Scripture and Catholic Tradition which leads us to the Details of the conference can be found on www.dbb.org.au/liturgy

theme of this edition of Connections – the Bible! Lastly, as we celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop and the

18 Nov 2015 will be the 50th Anniversary of the promulgation of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary this term, may we take them as Vatican II document, Dei Verbum (Word of God). Biblical scholarship example, remaining open to God’s call to further the Gospel message.

was until then, much the domain of our Protestant brothers and sisters. God Bless Catholic biblical scholarship tended to be done outside historical contexts, and Dei Verbum allowed Catholic scripture scholars to read Carole Gan, Director, Parish Support Unit the Bible within particular social and cultural contexts. It is the vision of John XXIII and Paul VI in Dei Verbum that has encouraged us to keep looking at the Scriptures with new eyes.

Term Three 2015

Week 1 (12 July) Ordinary Time Week 2 (19 July) MEETINGS AND EVENTS TERM 3 2015 Ordinary Time July 1 CC: Wkshop: Class Management & Creative Teaching 9:30am -12:30pm East Gosford Week 3 (26 July) 2 MWP: Wkshop: Class Management & Creative Teaching 9:30am -12:30pm North Harbour Ordinary Time 3 NSH: Wkshop: Class Management & Creative Teaching 9:30am -12:30pm Pennant Hills

Week 4 (2 Aug) 13 TERM 3 COMMENCES Ordinary Time 13 MWP: Parish Coordinators Meeting 9:45am - 12:00pm Manly Vale 8 Aug—Feast Day of Mary of the 13 MWP: Secondary Catechists Meeting 12:30pm - 2:30pm Manly Vale Cross MacKillop 17 NSH: Parish Coordinators Meeting 10:00am - 12:00pm CCC Week 5 (9 Aug) 20 CC: Parish Coordinators Meeting 10:00am - 1:00pm The Entrance Ordinary Time 15 Aug—Assumption of the Blessed August Virgin Mary 7 MWP & NSH: Level 3 (Units 1-2) 9:30am - 2:30pm Terrey Hills Week 6 (16 Aug) 14,21,28 MWP & NSH: Level 3 (Units 3-5) 12:30pm - 2:30pm Terrey Hills Ordinary Time 10 CC: Level 3 (Units 1-2) 9:30am - 2:30pm The Entrance 17,24,31 CC: Level 3 (Units 3-5) 12:30pm - 2:30pm The Entrance Week 7 (23 Aug) Ordinary Time September Week 8 (30 Aug) 2 Yr 10 Social Justice Day Ordinary Time 4 Deadline for submitting articles for Connections Term 4 4,11,18 MWP & NSH: Level 3 (Units 6-8) 12:30pm - 2:30pm Terrey Hills Week 9 (6 Sept) 7,14 CC: Level 3 (Units 6-7) 12:30pm - 2:30pm The Entrance Ordinary Time 18 TERM 3 CONCLUDES

Week 10 (13 Sept) Please Note: Craft Workshops that were originally scheduled for Term 3 have been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances Ordinary Time CCC – Caroline Chisholm Centre (Pennant Hills); CC – Central Coast; MWP – Peninsula; NSH – North Shore & Hornsby

2 Term Three 2015

from the Diocesan Coordinator, CCD

Welcome back from a well-earned winter be formed in their knowledge and understanding of break and to another term of joyfully Sacred Scripture and to pray with the Scriptures proclaiming the Gospel message to our regularly. Our own prayerful contemplation of the Catholic students in public schools. Scriptures forms and enables us to nurture the Sunday 26 July is Bible Sunday. The children’s relationship with Jesus through the use of Walking with Jesus: Pathways of Scripture and prayer…. and can lead them to the

Discipleship curriculum is based on Sacraments.

Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic During Term 3, a number of opportunities are available Church. The fundamental premise behind the to explore the Scriptures and I encourage all catechists curriculum design is that the end goal is the discipleship to become involved: response of participants in the program. The program ♦ CCD Level 3 course – A Study of the Writings of is designed for catechists, students and their families. St Paul The elements of the curriculum design are expressed in ♦ Journey Through the Bible verbs in order that catechists be mindful of the ongoing ♦ Broken Bay Bible Conference – God in Narrative & process of conversion which lies at the heart of each Poetry: Genesis and Psalms Christian’s journey of faith. Details of all three offerings are available in this issue of The six elements are: Connections.

Relate – the Christian story: Sacred Scripture Review of SRE Respect – the Catholic Christian vision through Enclosed with this issue of Connections please find a tradition and teaching flyer outlining details of the Review of SRE/SEE which Reflect – upon the Church’s story and vision and/ is currently being conducted by the Department of or one’s life experience Education.

Recognise – the students’ life experience of the It is vital that members of our faith communities do not

topic or issue miss the opportunity to highlight why SRE is a strength

Rejoice – in a celebration worship often linked to of Public Education, and to give insights as to how it the other elements might be made even better. Respond-ing – as a is the challenge to Please note: You don’t need to be an SRE teacher to the students take part. There are surveys for parents/carers and The user-friendly resources provide a step-by-step other interested parties as well as SRE teachers. So process through each lesson plan. The above please read the flyer, become involved, and pass it on.

curriculum elements are written into the lesson plans Wishing you every blessing for Term 3. and are blended throughout. The lessons are divided into units of work, each unit focusing on a particular Alison theme, e.g. Sacraments, Easter, Prayer. Every unit has Reflection Days additional background notes to assist catechists in the preparation of lessons. Quality student activity books consolidate the learning for each lesson. Additional resources include a Music for Discipleship CD and an Interactive SmartBoard resource which complement the lessons. Take home family supplements are provided. These are designed to prompt discussion and activities within the family unit about topics covered in SRE.

I encourage all catechists to engage in opportunities to

You never get to the end of Christ's words. There is something Winter reflection days were held recently at Terrey Hills and Woy in them always behind. They pass into proverbs — they pass Woy. Dr Sandi Carroll facilitated into laws — they pass into doctrines — they pass into consolations; but they never pass away, and, after all the use three sessions on the New that is made of them, they are still not exhausted. Evangelisation; Parables and

Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815-1881) Miracles and Mary, Mother of Evangelisation. Participants enjoyed

Sandi’s down-to-earth style of My Words will never pass away Mark 13:31 presenting and the opportunity to gather and be nourished by the presence of each

other.

3 Term Three 2015 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay 3

from the classroom

OLOR Parish, The Entrance having to say…. “I’m not really a nun” A Beautiful Lady All the school children were very

(from term 3, 2014) Great scripture attentive and Margaret had written out lessons were held this week at Brooke a series of questions to enhance the Ave, Bateau Bay, Killarney Vale and The lessons. Different children were given Entrance primary schools. Margaret the questions to ask St Mary. Margaret Kirkham, one of our catechists dressed answered the questions in great detail up as Saint Mary MacKillop and graced so all the children were very interested the school halls. We all pretended that and involved. I asked one of the boys the halls were radio stations and who was sitting away from the rest of George Robinson interviewed Mary the children what did he think, his reply

extensively. The week prior all the was “Its great, better than other catechists across the school spectrum scripture lessons” instructed their scripture classes about At another school a Year 3 student . St Mary of the Cross, so the day was the came up to me and said “tell that lady Finally a quote from Father Bill Stevens, climax, celebrating the Feast Day on the she is beautiful”, so a great day was had Parish Priest at Our Lady of the Rosary: th 8 August. by all. May she rest in peace but continue to Margaret had researched Marys history Hopefully now the children will know intercede for Australia and Australians. very well and was very convincing of who Mary MacKillop was and as Sandra Corben, Catechist her portrayal to such an extent people scripture teachers attending each The Entrance were addressing her as Sister, much to performance we will never forget Margaret’s embarrassment, she kept Mary’s contribution to education in

Frenchs Forest Parish, MWP It’s wonderful to see how Jesus is truly where 2 or 3 are gathered…. alive today and shows his love for us as Fr Jose celebrated a school Mass at individuals. We learnt about this in our Kambora PS and kept the children class and students had been asked to fascinated during the Mass, in fact so make a postcard for someone in their much so, that when at the end of the lives whose qualities they admired. Mass he told the children he was Fr They were asked to write a short letter Jose from India, a little boy in Year 1 explaining what they found special

was quite crestfallen, and loudly about that person. They chose one exclaimed to him "Oh, I thought you word to write on the front of the were God". postcard that showed the presence of We all thought that was so funny, and Jesus in in their special person: I also wanted to share these Fr Jose was highly amused. It really Mandalas that the students created made the day. over Easter, they show the care and

...there I am in the midst of pride that they put into their work in Scripture. them. Frenchs Forest Parish Catechists, The following recalls a dream that a MWP Region student from Mimosa Public School

shared with me. She explained how she We love to receive your stories from the had been having some personal Classroom or Parishes to include in problems and that she found this Connections. If you would like to submit dream comforting. I found her story an article please do so. It can be as little touching. as a few lines on a good lesson; a story;

a resource you’ve found; or a special Megan’s Jesus Story: event in the parish or school. If there’s

something you’d like to see us cover in It was a dark room but then a splinter of light burst through. Then I saw this man; future editions, please let us know that too! straight away I knew it was Jesus. He gave me a hug and then whispered, “It To submit an article or to make a suggestion for Connections please will be okay”. The room became white write to: [email protected] or CCD, and Jesus wiped my tears away. When I PO Box 340, Pennant Hills 1715 woke up from this dream, I could feel the Closing date for the Term 4 issue is 4 September 2015 tears on my face.

4 Term Three 2015

adult faith formation

God, contains a store of sublime teachings about God, sound wisdom about human life, and a wonderful

treasury of prayers. In them the mystery of our salvation is present in a hidden way.” (Dei Verbum § 15)

Scratching the surface of the text reveals inexhaustible

beauty and depth and truth. Indeed, the Hebrew people In April two groups began a twelve-week introduction to have a word, dabar, which represents the word as the Old Testament course at the Caroline Chisholm dynamic, alive, and present. What a gift it is to Centre, Pennant Hills, and at Our Lady of the Rosary appreciate that God is present to us in the Scriptures in Parish, The Entrance. Meeting weekly over 2 hours, the the here and now - in the Old and in the New. It’s been a groups began with an overview of the Old Testament challenging but wonderful journey for us, thanks be to

and then traced the development of the Hebrew Bible God! over the centuries by unpacking the rich history and

literature of the Hebrew people. Each week the participants watch and discuss a Yale University Old Testament lecture by Professor Christine Hayes, using Fr

Lawrence Boadt’s “Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction” as a helpful reference. As catechists, and personally, you may be interested in

an upcoming one-day course, “Journey Through the There’s enthusiasm and energy within both groups as well as a lot of goodwill and openness in discussing the Bible,” offered to coincide with Bible Sunday. lectures. While the lectures are fast Understanding the story of the whole Bible and how the paced and full of interesting books fit together can be a daunting task. By using the “Bible Timeline” (from The information and connection, they are not without their challenge. New Great Adventure series), we will journey through the timeline of the whole Bible, insights can be difficult to assimilate, but there is life-giving promise of stopping at selected texts along the way. growth through reflection and This day will help participants get their engaging in the group discussion. The bearings and become more familiar and

Old Testament is a lively story of a confident with the Bible.

journey in faith of God’s chosen It will run from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm at 3 locations: Friday 24 July at The Entrance; people; it is also our story. Saturday 25 July at the Caroline Chisholm An important aim of the course is to Centre; Monday 3 August at Manly Vale. give background and understanding All are warmly invited. Please visit to Jesus’ Jewish faith. The Old www.dbb.org.au/bible for more details, Testament is an integral part of our or contact 9847 0448. Christian Scriptures; it has never been revoked (Catechism of the Catholic Patterson, Church § 121). The Old Testament Adult Faith Formation, Diocese of Broken

“gives expression to a lively sense of Bay

5 Term Three 2015 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay 5

catechist spirituality

The Joy of the Gospel part 5 of 7

EVANGELII GAUDIUM APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION ON THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL IN TODAY’S WORLD

Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of the Gospel!

The beautiful mystic Evelyn Underhill, wrote “The riches of the spiritual landscape are not disclosed to us in order that we may sit in the sun parlour, be grateful for the excellent hospitality, and contemplate the glorious view...Our place is not the auditorium but the stage of the world—or, as the

case may be, the field, the workshop, the study, the laboratory—because we ourselves form part of the creative apparatus of God.”¹

Some 75 years later, Pope Francis cautions us of this ‘auditorium’, wound up in ‘spiritual worldliness’ which is robbing us of the gospel.

Pope Francis describes spiritual to manage practical affairs, or an means being “bruised, hurting and worldliness as something which obsession with programs of self-help dirty because it (the Church) has “hides behind the appearance of piety and self-realization” is not for God’s been out on the streets, rather than a ² and even love for the Church,”² subtly people. We may know of elitists who Church which is unhealthy from being seeking one’s “own interests, not form “an ostentatious preoccupation confined and from clinging to its own those of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 2:21) He for the liturgy, for doctrine and for the security”³. Where “the mark of Christ,

explains how it can seep into “a Church’s prestige”⁴ and on the incarnate, crucified and risen, is not purely subjective faith whose only outside, these facets may appear to present”², we are asked to carry the interest is a certain experience or a be ‘the stage of the world’ as cross, proclaiming a crucified Christ. set of ideas and bits of information Underhill describes, but in all honesty We are urged to constantly go out

which are meant to console and these facets are self-indulgent, they from ourselves, to be missionary, enlighten, but which ultimately keep are the ‘auditorium’ Underhill refers to focused on Jesus, on commitment to one imprisoned in his or her own serving only institutions, not God. the poor, cleaning, bandaging and thoughts and feelings.”² Pope Francis Pope Francis describes this as healing wounds with invitations to the

goes on to explain how spiritual “turning the life of the Church into a Gospel and sacraments of the worldliness can ultimately seep into museum piece, without concern that Church. Pope Francis wrote,"so many trusting one’s “own powers and feel the Gospel has a real impact on people need their wounds healed! superior to others because they God’s faithful people and the concrete This is the mission of the Church: to

observe certain rules or remain needs of the present time.”⁴ We are heal the wounds of the heart, to open intransigently faithful to a particular cautioned not to form our own doors, to free people, to say that God Catholic style from the past, so spirituality as if we are above God, is good, God forgives all, God is the instead of evangelising, one analyses Father, God is affectionate, God "having a form of godliness, but and classifies others, and instead of denying the power thereof,"(2 Tim always waits for us”.⁴

opening the door to grace, one #:5) but to ask God to “save us from a Let us not be robbed of the Gospel; exhausts his or her energies in worldly Church with superficial let us partake in God’s mission, on inspecting and verifying.”² spiritual and pastoral trappings!”⁵ Earth’s ‘stage’, in our world, in this We have probably all encountered To be molded or fashioned into what our Diocese of Broken Bay, in our those who want to be seen, in a neighbourhoods, in our homes and Underhill so eloquently describes as “social life full of appearances, “part of the creative apparatus of above all in our hearts. Missionary to meetings, dinners … receptions.”² God”¹, integral to the Church in the the core, inhaling the Holy Spirit to When the “business mentality…” is so 21st Century, wherever we work, rest purify us from self-centeredness, so with each breath we are witnesses to “caught up with management, and play from Underhill’s ‘field, statistics, plans and evaluations”² in workshop, study or laboratory’, or the Gospel. For in the words of Pope which fascinations “with social and Pope Francis’ reference to the Paul VI "Modern man listens more political gain, or pride in one’s ability Church being like “a field hospital”, willingly to witnesses than to

6 Term Three 2015

catechist spirituality

teachers, and if he does listen to practices that have been and still and that “means our hearts must not teachers, it is because they are should be central to our Catholic just be on fire, but also enlightened

witnesses." ⁵ identity, not seeing Church as a by the fullness of revelation and by

By returning to our Diocesan mission smorgasbord to pick and choose the path travelled by God’s word in

statement, let us live as willing what suits. We are asked to the heart of the Church and our moisturise our spirituality, to refresh faithful people throughout history. witnesses to the gospel by – it, bring it up to speed, so as to This Christian identity, as the  Proclaiming…the Good News of Jesus in our words and actions reflect within and on our rapidly baptismal embrace which the Father changing world, with its’ abundant gave us when we were little ones,  Responding personally…to economic, scientific and makes us desire, as prodigal children God’s unique love for each of us technological advances. – and favourite children in Mary – yet  Loving each other…Living with each other in the love of Jesus I invite you now to stop for a another embrace, that of the merciful moment, to take some time to Father who awaits us in glory.  Celebrating…and sharing our nourish your heart, to open your door Helping our people to feel that they Catholic faith and life experience by opening the gospel to the blind live in the midst of these two  Educating…our people in our man in John 9:1-41. To ponder the embraces is the difficult but beautiful Catholic story and beliefs and their implications for our lives blind man’s extraordinary encounter, task of one who preaches the to stretch yourself to discover the Gospel.” As the early American  Serving…each other, the ³ community and all creation paradox beneath; the “blind man…as writer, theologian Carl Frederick injustice and love the one who sees while the seeing Buechner said “the children may not ones are entombed in their own  Seeking unity…with our fellow always remember what you said, but darkness” (be that, spiritual Christians and meaningful they will never forget how you made worldliness). To challenge yourself to dialogue with people of all faiths.⁶ them feel”. Wherever ‘the stage of really look and to ‘see’ God at work the world’ is, be mindful of God’s As Catechists, where is Underhill’s in our world today, little miracles presence there first, in creation, in all

stage of the world for us today? every day, sharing life and light. The of life, in the joy, in the pain and in

It is of course, the classroom, the English poet William Blake wrote:- the struggles.

children. But it is also our witness “To see the world in a grain of To conclude, I wish to share with you inside the school, to staff, to sand, And Heaven in a wild flower, a stanza from another Irish poet, members of other faiths and Hold infinity in the palm of your John O’Donohue, unveiled to me by denominations at the gate, at the hand and eternity in an hour” Sr Edith Prendergast at the opening sign in book or in discussions for ceremony at the RE Congress I upcoming combined services. It is in attended in March in Los Angeles: the preparation you do and May you know that afterwards the ‘good news’ stories that one focus’ on and tells others of. encouragement That is evangelising! Always mindful of the appreciative gaze

of what Pope Francis calls pastoral May you have a mind that loves frontiers and worldly trappings, catechists are challenged to become people of So that you can evoke Christian hope in our classrooms, the bright fields When we teach the children in our more often today filled with children That lie beyond the view of neighbouring State schools, we are the regular eye. in need of the New Evangelization. called as Jesus’ disciples, as His As catechists let us not be robbed of We are called to embrace spiritual witnesses, speaking from the heart the gospel, let us not lose hope ¹Evelyn Underhill, The Spiritual Life (Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishers, 1937), 74. but seek beyond the view of the ²Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. 24 Nov 2013, #93. #94 #95.#97 regular eye. ³Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. 24 Nov 2013, #49.#144

⁴Pope Francis, Homily at Casa Santa Marta, Rome, www.romereports.com, <2nd May, 2015>. Jennifer Skelly Regional Support Coordinator, ⁵Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi. 8 December 1975, #67. th ⁶Diocese of Broken Bay: Our vision and mission, www.dbb.org.au, <15 June, 2015>. CCD

7 Term Three 2015 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay 7

technology in the classroom

Online Training Update The topic on Child Protection Training has proven to be the most accessed session on the CCRESS online training site since

it started at the beginning of Term 2 this year. The next most popular session has been The SRE Teacher in the Parish and School followed closely by Introduction to the Bible.

Despite some minor technical glitches at Skills: Behaviour Management. some sessions and recommend it to

the start, the overall feedback from Catechists may enrol for all these catechists in their parish. They sought the catechists has been very complimentary sessions online or attending group face advantage of having “hands on” and the number of requests for access to to face sessions when scheduled at experience before endorsing it to others, online training is growing steadily each different times of the year. The topic especially those catechists with little or week. entitled: Using an Authorised Curriculum no familiarity with internet access who Remember that all new catechists are for Planning has to be attended in person needed support with the program.

required to complete the CCD Ministry with a face to face group regardless of Anyone wishing to explore the Induction training which is made up of completing it on line. opportunities of doing the same need seven topics including the three A few CCD Parish Coordinators with only contact Joe Pulis on 98470228 or mentioned above plus The Mission and many years of training and formation [email protected] Ministry of the Catechist; Development of behind them have registered to trial the the Child and Adolescent; Classroom online training site in order to undertake

Smartboard USB version 3.1 How do SRE teachers benefit from the integration of curriculum. You may technology into all aspects of their role and enhance the remember the 6 Rs from the Teaching for learning experience of children and young people? The 21st century teacher of religious education has a vision Discipleship section at for technology as a motivator and enabler for developing the introduction of

learning skills in SRE. They see technology as one tool among each year’s Teachers’ Manual: many, but increasingly at the hub of 21st century learning. Some of the feedback during training sessions for Using RECOGNISE students’ life experiences of the topic or issue Interactive Whiteboard Resources this year has been very RELATE the Christian Story (Sacred Scripture) positive and supportive. Catechists have indicated an RESPECT the Christian/Catholic Vision (Tradition and Teaching) excitement and enthusiasm about the latest version of the REFLECT upon one’s life experience and/or Church’s Story and USB because of the ease of a user friendly index to locate an Vision

SRE resource by year, unit and lesson number. This makes it RESPONDing as a disciple is the challenge to students quicker to navigate between contents in the decision to REJOICE in a celebration worship often linked to other choose whether to use a particular resource, activity, music elements etc. or not. This depends on what the catechist considers fitting The USB resources assist in holding the attention span of

for that lesson and makes allowance for the variation in students to think with pictures and videos to heighten the teaching techniques/styles. This can enhance teaching and above components. learning by using a range of technologies to cater for different These resources are not designed to replace the SRE teacher learning styles of students. or the Teacher’s Manual nor the God given gifts of each When deciding to use different resources, keep in mind that individual. They are intended to extend these skills and today’s students pay greater attention to audio/visual compliment what each catechist brings to help the children techniques that assist in the elements of the learning process and their families experience a deeper relationship with

used in the Walking with Jesus Pathways of Discipleship Christ.

8 Term Three 2015

ideas for the secondary classroom

Breaking Open the Word with Secondary Students (Charpentier’s Method)

This process is an ideal method for students to learn and to employ when studying a passage of Scripture that is integral to their current unit of work. It will open the Scriptures allowing them to be applied to their own lives, as well as developing a skill which will be valuable in their own “prayer tool kit” assisting them throughout their lives.

Jesus is Questioned about Fasting (Matt 9:14 – 17) John’s disciples came and asked Jesus, “How is that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast.” “No one sews a patch of unshrunken cloth on an old garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new

wineskins, and both are preserved.” Step 1: Read the Passage. When you read the passage, note your reactions.

What do you find puzzling or unusual? Is there something you find attractive or comforting? What I find interesting in this passage is that Jesus does not answer John’s disciples directly. He in fact replies with another question. He gets them to

reflect. He then uses every day examples of tasks with which those asking the question would be familiar. Even today, if we are patching a beloved shirt or skirt, the person mending would be sure that the patch would be a material that would not shrink when washed.

Step 2: Study The Passage More Closely. Ask the students what do they see as happening and who is active?

Help them to identify the attitude that Jesus or God is portrayed as having and any changes that have occurred between the beginning and the end of the passage? In this passage, John’s disciples set the scene but then we hear no more of them. Jesus answers the question and we are left to imagine them pondering the response or wandering away shaking their heads, not understanding what

they hear. Jesus plays the main role in this passage. Jesus is shown to be concerned with the old and the new. This Gospel was formed during the time of persecution of those who followed Jesus’ way and those who stayed faithful to the Jewish way. Jesus is portrayed as not wanting to cause further troubles but rather respect for the old and the new.

Step 3: Who, or what, brings about the change? To break open the meaning of the Scriptures with the students, you, the teacher, need to consider what went on before this particular passage and have the students discover this

too. If you go back to Chapter 3 of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has been baptised by John and then disappears into the wilderness. Now he reappears and begins teaching. This section is part of the Sermon on the Mount. John’s disciples would undoubtedly be curious about Jesus and this maybe the first chance they have to speak with him.

His response to John’s disciples is typical of the Jewish way of teaching, answering a question with a wisdom that requires reflection. Matthew has told the audience that Jesus is the wise teacher, the rabbi. At this point, you may like to consult a commentary on Matthew’s Gospel.

Step 4: Read the passage again as the living Word of God. When you and your students have gained as much as you can from the reading and the study of the text, it is time to take this to prayer and reflection. To start this, it is advisable to have the students gather around the sacred space if possible, and to allow themselves to become still,

as they listen to some quiet music or a simple mantra or chant. The following questions would be suitable for the students’ reflection: What does it say to you today? How does it challenge your living of your faith? How does it help you live? At this point the students would be encouraged to journal their answers and if it is appropriate, share them with the class.

Michael Tebbutt, Senior Regional Coordinator, CCD

9 Term Three 2015 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay 9

ideas for the primary classroom

BIBLE SUNDAY PUZZLE

Sunday 26 July 2015

WHEN WAS BASEBALL FIRST PLAYED IN THE BIBLE?

Complete the puzzle and read down the highlighted column to find the answer.

ANSWER: ______

Clues

1. The people went to (Gen 26:1) 2. What came after evening? (Gen 1:5) 3. Where was asked to go? (Gen 35:1) 4. The fourth river (Gen 2:14)

5. The name of Isaac’s wife (Gen 24:15) 6. Who did God say would have many descendants? (Gen 17:9) 7. Where was in this passage? (Gen 39:20) 8. There was only one of these in all the earth (Gen 11:1) 9. The name of ’s son (Gen 21:3)

10. Abraham was the father of many of these (Gen 17:5) 11. Which day did God bless? (Gen 2:3) 12. The name of Rachel’s son (Gen 35:18) 13. The river named in this passage (Gen 41:1)

14. Where Abraham went because of the famine (Gen 12:10)

This puzzle uses the book of Genesis.

Artwork: www.phillipmartin.info

10 Term Three 2015

bibles for everyone

The Bible July 26 is Bible Sunday, an opportunity to The Encyclopaedia Bible includes

place a special focus on the Bible. Whilst 232 pages of full-colour Biblical Scripture underpins the whole curriculum, information including pictures, some ideas for celebrating this occasion in charts and maps which can be the classroom include: useful to the catechist or Creating a sacred space for the Bible, with Secondary student. cloth, candles For the catechist, a Using drama to act out a scripture story Study Bible is also Retelling the story using a felt board and offered, which includes pieces additional notes and references on Using the Bible Sunday word puzzle (included every page. with Connections) The David Walker Library on Level 4 at the A number of parishes give their Year 6 students a Bible as a gift at the end of the year. This is Caroline Chisholm Centre has many resources, including felt boards / pieces, big wonderful gesture, in a practical way, of books of biblical stories, large laminated indicating to students that they now take the maps, as well as the extra-large book “The Bible and their faith with them into the rest of Bible - God's Great Book of Books” which can their lives. The Catholic Gift Bible is an optimal

provide a colourful and engaging focus for low-cost choice, at only $10. Please order these early to ensure that biblical teaching. Biblical resources are also available at the the quantity Term Four 2015 two Central Coast regional resource centres required will be Week 1 (4 October) at The Entrance and Gosford. available. Bibles Ordinary Time The Diocese of Broken Bay subsidises a come in a black or white cover. Week 2 (11 October) number of Bibles as part of the Fr Harry Ordinary Time David estate which are suitable for use in the Week 3 (18 October) classroom: Ordinary Time Mission Sunday The Holy Bible is a complete Bible, translated using easier Week 4 (25 October) Ordinary Time language for children. It contains colour Week 5 (1 November) picture panels, and 1 Nov—All ’ Day 2 Nov—All Souls’ Day is especially suited to Primary school. Week 6 (8 November) Ordinary Time

The Children’s Illustrated Bible Week 7 (15 November) includes dynamic retellings of Ordinary Time Bible stories with full colour pictures on each Week 8 (22 November) page, as well as additional snippets of Christ the King information that add interest and aid

understanding. Week 9 (29 November) First Sunday of Advent

New Liturgical Year begins: Sunday cycle C, weekday cycle 2

Week 10 (6 December)

Second Sunday of Advent

Week 11 (13 December) All Bible orders can be placed with Dina Leverett on Third Sunday of Advent

9847 0442 or [email protected].

11 Term Three 2015 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Broken Bay 11

notices and directory

Training & Formation Courses Term 3 & 4, 2015

Course Type Location Date Time Register by Phone

7, 14, 21 & 28 August; 9:30am – 2:30pm Terrey Hills 4, 11 & 18 September; (7 Aug & 30 Oct only) Level 3 Fri 31 July 9847 0448 (MWP/NSH) 16, 23 & 30 October 12:30pm – 2:30pm (Fridays) (all other dates) 10, 17, 24 & 31 August; 9:30am – 2:30pm The Entrance 7 & 14 September; 19&26 (10 Aug & 9 Nov only) Level 3 Mon 3 August 4332 9825 (CC) October; 2 & 9 November 12:30pm – 2:30pm (Mondays) (all other dates)

14, 21 & 28 October TBA CCDMI 4, 11, 18 & 25 November TBA Wed 7 Oct 9847 0448 (MWP) (Wednesdays) 20 & 27 October Pennant Hills 10, 17 & 24 November; CCDMI 7:00pm – 9:00pm Tues 13 Oct 9847 0448 (NSH) 1 & 8 December (Tuesdays)

23 & 30 October; 9:30am – 2:30pm The Entrance CCDMI 6 & 13 November (concludes at 12:00pm Fri 16 Oct 4332 9825 (CC) (Fridays) on 13 Nov)

All training is offered at no cost to the participants.

Phone your local PSU Regional Office for enquiries or a full program. See below for further contact details.

Please assist us in our planning for events and courses by replying by the advertised closing date.

Registrations or Enquiries: Colleen Smith Call: 9847 0448 or 4332 9825 or Email: [email protected]

CCD L3 “The Writings of St Paul” August - November 2015 2015 courses held in Terrey Hills and The Entrance

Curriculum Orders Central Coast (Wyong) Office (CCW) CCD DIRECTORY Dina Leverett PSU Regional Centre Current as of June 2015 Phone: 9847 0442 Catholic Formation and Education Centre Fax: (02) 9847 0481 12 Ashton Avenue, The Entrance

Diocesan Office E-mail: [email protected] Caroline Chisholm Centre (CCC) Postal Address

Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd North Shore & Hornsby Office (NSH) PO Box 390, The Entrance NSW 2261 Pennant Hills (Enter off City View Rd) Caroline Chisholm Centre Phone: (02) 4334 3367 Fax: (02) 4334 3230 Postal Address Postal Address E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 340, Pennant Hills NSW 1715 PO Box 340, Pennant Hills NSW 1715 Phone: (02) 9847 0492 Phone: (02) 9847 0482 Rebecca Bishop - (02) 4334 3367 Fax: (02) 9847 0481 Fax: (02) 9847 0481 E-mail: [email protected]

E-mail: [email protected] Manly Warringah Peninsula Office (MWP) Director - PSU Carole Gan Caroline Chisholm Centre Joe Pulis - (02) 9847 0228 Phone: (02) 9847 0560 E: [email protected] Postal Address Diocesan CCD Coordinator Jennifer Skelly - (02) 9847 0488 PO Box 340, Pennant Hills NSW 1715 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (02) 9847 0516 Alison Newell Phone: (02) 4334 3367 Fax: (02) 9847 0481 Central Coast (Gosford) Office (CCG) E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] PSU Regional Centre Diocesan Admin Assistant 58 Victoria St, East Gosford NSW 2250 Yvonne van den Berg - (02) 9847 0494 Phone: (02) 4323 7090 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (02) 9847 0492 Fax: (02) 4323 7097 E-mail: [email protected] Registrations E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (02) 9847 0448 or (02) 4332 9825

CCD Authorisations Tebbutt - (02) 4323 7090 E-mail: [email protected] Contact your PSU Regional Centre E-mail: [email protected] CCD WEBSITE www.dbb.org.au/ccd

To submit an article or to make a suggestion for Connections please write to: [email protected] or CCD, PO Box 340, Pennant Hills 1715

Closing date for the Term 4, 2015 issue is 4 September 2015

12 Term Three 2015