Alain Corne is the parish's CCD coordinator and works from St Patrick's Parish Office each Wednesday from 9am to 1pm and Thursday from 9.30am to 1.30pm and is capably supporting our Catechists both in the office and out in the field.
With support from the Broken Bay Diocese' CCD [Confraternity of Christian Doctrine] office, this role has increased the profile of the Catechist Ministry in our parish.
Scripture classes are attended each week in the state schools that are part of our parish, as well as Henry Kendall High which is attended once a term, and soon at Kariong High School.
The need for more Catechists is constant as this voluntary role is often vacated as people's lives change and this valuable ministry calls for more people to take the Word to the Catholic children in our local State schools.
Catechists follow the curriculum developed and written by the CCD of the diocese, and authorised by Bishop David. The lessons are "user friendly" so one doesn't need a teaching degree or Doctorate in Theology - if you can read a story and have a love of children and love of your faith, then you can be a Catechist.
Training is provided through the accreditation courses, starting with the Basic, and moving forward two more levels for those interested.
"The nurture of the young is an investment in the future.
If there are to be disciples of Jesus in the future who will pass on the
message of God's love to others, they must be nurtured now"
Bishop David Walker
For further information on how you can become involved in this ministry, contact Alain on 4325 1042 on Wednesday or Thursday weekly, at the times indicated above.