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Welcome

Welcome to the site of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for the Diocese of Parramatta.

The CCD supports the 47 parishes of the diocese by conducting training courses that accredit Catechists/Special Religious Education (SRE) Teachers who teach in state schools. There are currently 700 wonderful volunteer Catechists (referred to as SRE Teachers in schools) representing their parishes in around 200 state schools across the diocese. Currently there are 350 students from Catholic Colleges in the Parramatta Diocese who assists as SRE Helpers in the classroom.

These classes provide the opportunity for the seeds of faith to be sown and then nourished by parents, parish life and future SRE Teachers.

If you are an SRE Teacher, this site is designed to provide you with the support and resources you require in carrying out your invaluable work in helping children understand Jesus’ message of ‘Love one another as I have loved you’.

If you are considering becoming an SRE Teacher, or simply want to know more about the work of the CCD, I hope this site is useful to you in gaining an insight into this important ministry of taking the Good News into our schools.

Our Role

The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) is a worldwide organisation designed to further the religious education of children. It was established in Rome in 1552 by Pope Pius IV and throughout the world by Pope Pius X in 1905. In 1958, Cardinal Gilroy linked the many organisations conducting catechetical work within a central diocesan Confraternity of Christian Doctrine in the Archdiocese of Sydney. Following the establishment of the Diocese of Parramatta, a Diocesan CCD was established by the then-Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Bede Heather, on 15 June 1987. The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine exists for the religious education and faith formation of Catholic students in Government and Special Schools through the training and support of Catechists/SREs. The CCD is accountable to the Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta.

Aims & Objectives

The CCD of the Diocese of Parramatta is a service ministry to parishes. It undertakes to provide service and support to parishes by:
• Providing Parish Co-ordinators and Teams with appropriate leadership and management skills
• Conducting accreditation courses, inservice opportunities, personal support and ongoing formation to Catechists/SREs
• Facilitating the development of skills in Religious Education, Theology, Co-ordination, Leadership, Training and Pastoral Care
• Providing advice on the approved curricula and a communication network

Diocese of Parramatta CCD Advisory Board

The purpose of the Advisory Board is to provide advice to the Director on the following matters:
• Long-term and annual planning including the annual budget
• Provision of new services and deletion of existing services
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of the organisation
• Curricula

Chairperson: Mrs Carmen Cassar – Mission, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta
Very Rev Christopher de Souza, EV Education & Formation Diocese of Parramatta
Rev Vincy D’Costa, Parish Priest, Plumpton Parish
Mrs Catherine Bourne, Co-ordinator/Educator Natural Fertility Services & SRE Toongabbie Parish
Mrs Clara Markoulis – Parish Coordinator of SRE, Guildford Parish
Mrs Merilyn Hancock – Director CCD Parramatta
Mrs Maree Collis – Minutes Secretary, CCD Office Manager

Useful Links

Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta
Official site of Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta

Archdiocese of Sydney CCD
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Archdiocese of Sydney

Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay CCD
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay

Catholic Diocese of Wollongong CCD
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Catholic Diocese of Wollongong

Special Religious Education (SRE) is an important ministry within this Diocese which supports parents, students, clergy and parishes in the religious education of approximately 16,000 students attending government schools.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has had an impact on this ministry. On March 23 2020 the NSW Department of Education provided advice that all SRE was to pause. As we emerge out of restrictions SRE is now allowed back in schools from the beginning of Term 3. The current concern is some of those involved in the SRE ministry fit into the vulnerable category according to the NSW Health guidelines and the AHPPC guidelines.

We need your help!

Do you have a calling to spread the good news and joy of the Gospels to children?
Are you able to be there to support the children in the SRE classroom and the Catechists who are unable to return?
Please contact Merilyn in the CCD Office [email protected] or call 0427 268 699

Our Mission

The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), Diocese of Parramatta consists of catechists who are mainly volunteers, dedicated and committed to teaching Special Religious Education (SRE) in public schools.

We strive to ensure that children from Catholic families attending public schools, have an opportunity to hear the Good News, to develop a relationship with God and to feel welcomed as valued members of the Church community.

We endeavour, by our living the gospel values, to nourish and support the faith development of the students and their families.

We will strive to challenge unjust structures which impede the mission of Jesus. We seek the support of our colleagues and collaborate with other ministries and organisations to enable this mission to emerge.

We commit to engage in ongoing formation, responding to signs of the times in continuing the mission of Jesus Christ.

We value the opportunity to give witness to our faith, and to work alongside other Christians and other faith teachers, in our common commitment to enhance the human and spiritual development of students in public schools.

CATECHIST/SRE

Our Catechists/SREs come from all walks of life for example parents, grandparents, self employed people, retirees, university students and senior secondary students.
If you are a Catechist/SRE with the Diocese of Parramatta and require teaching resources we’re here to help!

BECOME AN SRE TEACHER

Become an SRE Teacher Today

Thank you for your expression of interest in helping to share the joy and hope that Jesus brings to many.

At the Mass for Catechists Jubilee, Pope Francis said ,‘God is proclaimed through the encounter between persons, with care for their history and their journey….His message is passed on through simple authentic testimony, by listening and welcoming, with joy which radiates outward.” – September 2016.

What is taught?

The approved curriculum that schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains follow is Christ our Light and Life. It can be viewed at: https://ccd.sydneycatholic.org/publications/curriculum-resources/

Your role as an SRE Teacher

In making this commitment and to be an effective volunteer SRE Teacher, we would like you to:

Be a living witness of Christ and a witness of God’s love.
Faithfully hand on the teachings of Christ as taught by the Catholic Church.
Adapt to the needs of students.
Exercise due care for the safety and good behaviour of students in your care.
Have a current Work with Children Check Card (WWCC), aware of and accept guidelines of Child Protection legislation and any other relevant legislative provision.
Cooperate willingly with the parish priest in fulfilling your duties for catechesis.
Attend accreditation workshops and training opportunities in classroom management and child safeguarding.
Use the authorised curriculum programs.
Be available for a minimum 30 minutes each week during school terms for SRE lessons;

How YOU will benefit as an SRE Teacher

The rewards of being a catechist are quite significant and include:

Receiving quality training and professional development.
Having the opportunity to deepen your own faith.
Contributing to the development of your own parish.
Sharing the Catholic faith with others.
Meeting new friends.

Sounds like a commitment you are prepared to make? Please complete the details below:

Become an SRE Teacher (Expression of Interest)

Thank you for showing an interest in the work of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Please complete this form to register your expression of interest. Your local Parish Coordinator will be in contact soon.

WHAT IS SRE?

What is SRE?

Special Religious Education (SRE) is the time set aside in Government Schools for Catechists (also called SRE Teachers) from the local Catholic Church to teach Catholic children about Jesus and his message of salvation. SRE is mandated by the Education Act (1990) and gives parents the choice to have children formed in the faith of their family.

Why is SRE Taught?

The Catholic Church sees the education of Catholic children in the Faith as integral and key to its mission. The NSW Department of Education (DOE) describes SRE “as an integral part of school activities.” SRE can be seen then, as part of “a well-rounded education that values and supports the intellectual, creative, physical, social, spiritual and emotional development of each child.”

Who are Catechists?

SRE teachers (Catechists) are volunteers who are approved, authorised, and trained by the local parish and Dioceses of the Catholic Church. SRE can only be provided by a religious group approved by the Department of Education. The Catholic Church is an approved provider and the curriculum outlines are publicly available.

What is Taught?

Catholic SRE teaching programs are approved by the Bishop of the Diocese in liaison with educational experts, for use by SRE Teachers. Programs contain suitable lessons for children from Kindergarten to Year 6 and there are a variety of programs for Secondary Schools students as well. For more information about the program used in your child’s school, please see your local Parish SRE Coordinator or your Parish Priest.

How can your child attend SRE?

Catholic children are always welcome to attend Catholic SRE classes at their school. Usually parents would nominate what religious denomination they wish their child to attend when completing the school enrolment form. Parents also have the right to change the SRE class their child attends at any time or even withdraw them from SRE. This can be done by notifying the principal of your child’s school.

Some great benefits of SRE schooling

A Positive Message

We begin with the understanding that we were created by a loving God who calls us to fullness of life. In a culture which often focuses on the negative aspects of life, Catholic SRE is a breath of fresh air, where students are encouraged to see themselves as God sees them – inherently good, full of potential and capable of being a force for good in our world.

The Morals and Values of Jesus

Encouraging children and young people to develop a relationship with Jesus is a key part of Catholic SRE. The curriculums used by Catholic SRE teachers aim to help children and young people make moral choices that are life-giving for themselves and others. Through the exploration of the teachings of Jesus and the stories in the Christian Scriptures, and by encouraging students to pray, Catholic SRE aims to provide children and young people with a framework to help them make choices that recognise the value and importance of our relationship with God, others and our world.

A Pathway for Catholic Sacraments

Children attending Catholic SRE classes receive lessons that give them background preparation for the Sacraments that may be available to their age group. Catholic SRE teachers liaise with the local Catholic Parishes to ensure that students and their families are aware of the Sacramental programs being offered locally.

For More Information

Do you have any questions about Catholic SRE and how lessons are organised in your child’s school? Or perhaps you would like to meet or speak to a Catholic SRE teacher? Please do not hesitate to contact your local Catholic SRE Coordinator or your local Church Parish office.

ORIENTATION BOOKLETS

Orientation Booklets

Thank you for volunteering to teach Special Religious Education (SRE) in your Parish.

NSW Government legislation provides various religious denominations with the opportunity to teach religious education to the students attending government schools.

Time is set aside in the school timetable for religious education classes to take place once a week. The time allocated can vary slightly between schools but for the majority of schools the lesson is half an hour.

‘Teaching SRE is an educational process aimed at helping the students learn about their particular faith.’ (Taken from “Teacher’s Pet” by Mark Hillis p 7 1995)

Part of the requirement of SRE is that volunteers receive training to develop skills and techniques in teaching children. This introduction today will prepare you to go into a classroom for the first time and lead you into the Accreditation Course that you will undertake later this year.

The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) is a worldwide organisation designed to further the religious education of children. It began around 1556 and was promulgated to be established in every parish throughout the world by Pope Pius X in 1905. In Australia Cardinal Gilroy, in 1959, linked the many organisations doing catechetical works within a central archdiocese Confraternity of Christian Doctrine.

Following the establishment of the Parramatta Diocese, a Diocesan CCD was established by Bishop Bede Heather on the 15 June, 1987. Its primary aim is to assist the bishop to undertake the religious education and faith formation of Catholic students attending NSW Government schools.

Download the Orientation Booklet for your needs below:

SRE CATECHIST ORIENTATION PROGRAM (PRIMARY/SECONDARY)
CCD Student SRE Helpers Orientation Booklet

AUTHORISATION

Authorisation

The following documents will assist you in your journey, please download and read them carefully. In the Diocese of Parramatta, the authorised curriculum is “Christ Our Light and Life” developed by the Archdiocese of Sydney. For more information, follow this link: https://ccd.sydneycatholic.org/publications/curriculum-resources/

CCD Working with Children Check
CCD Catholic Special Religious Education Authorisation Process Policy Document
CCD Complaints Policies and Procedure
CCD Complaints/Template Form
Department of Education SRE Implementation Procedure
The Department of Education Complaints Handling Policy
CCD Child Protection and Notification Process
CCD Self Reflection Tool
CCD Code of Conduct
CCD Responding to Reportable Conduct

TOP TIPS FOR TEACHERS

Looking for a little help in teaching the Good News in the classroom? Maybe our ‘Top tips for teachers list’ can be of assistance! This list is updated regularly, so please check back here from time to time when you’re seeking inspiration.

If you have a specific question which you need with, please feel free to email the CCD.

Four teaching points to help you have a successful lesson:

Planning is the key to good lessons; make your lessons interesting by making them visual. Use pictures and storybooks this keep the children’s attention.
Use a quick craft activity to show the aim of the lesson, children enjoy the activity and can take something home to remember the aim of the lesson.
A quick way of finding out what your class thinks is to have a class vote. Ask the children to raise their hands. Choosing activities helps the children to feel involved.
When you need to use a loud voice to be heard, be sure to lower it again as soon as you have the class attention. Being firm and in control helps keep the children on track.
At the end of the lesson ask the students to pause and look back on the lesson. Then ask one simple review question like – What is one word or phrase that you can say the lesson was about? Or which part of the lesson did you enjoy the most and why? Have students share that one point with the class.This ‘Student Evaluation’ can help the SRE teacher make an informed reflection on that class.
SRE teachers ask themselves what went well in the lesson today and what would I do differently next time (Teacher self-reflection exercise).

RECRUITING CATECHISTS/SRE TEACHERS

TRAINING

“Go out to the whole world; proclaim the gospel to all creation.”
Mark 16:15

The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for the Diocese of Parramatta supports parishes by conducting training courses that accredit Catechists/SREs – to teach in state schoolst accredit Catechists/SREs – to teach in state schools.

Approved providers are required to have in place a process for reviewing SRE teaching. Click HERE to download the SRE Teacher review process.

The review process addresses identified issues, such as, further training and mentor support, and is used to update training courses in view of emerging classroom behavioural trends and best practice teaching techniques.

The SRE Safeguarding Code of Conduct training course meets the above requirement by providing information, guidelines and scenarios.

LEVEL 1 COURSE

The Level One Training Course is designed for newly appointed Catechists/SREs and Assistants who are required to complete the training course during their first year of teaching. The course also caters for Catechists/SREs and Assistants who are currently teaching but haven’t attended a training course for more than five years. Providing you with an introduction to the ministry being undertaken in the state schools, this course prepares Catechists/SREs and Assistants with:

Basic teaching skills using the approved curriculum which can be found at https://ccd.sydneycatholic.org/publications/curriculum-resources/
Insight into how children learn
An introduction to the Bible
An understanding of the context of the legislation under which the CCD operates in state schools
Spiritual nourishment

This course is 28 hours in duration run over 14 sessions and is offered in three formats:

A seven-day course over seven weeks (9.30am-2.30pm, two sessions a day)
An evening course over 14 weeks (7pm-9.15pm, one session a night)
An Reconnection day/evening is held approximately 4 weeks after session 14. This session is used to revisit and consolidate the learning’s of the course.

Details of Level One training courses can be obtained from the co-ordinator in your local parish. To receive your Level One Certificate, all sessions must be completed. Any missed sessions can be made up at other Level One courses across the year at various venues where they are offered. Another component of the Level One Training course is to complete a Lesson Observation Response. In this response, you will be asked to observe a suitably qualified Catechist/SRE in their classroom and to complete a questionnaire on what they see as best teaching practice. In Session 14, a DVD – the ‘LOT’ – is shown to assist you in carrying out this response.

In most cases, the Level 1 certificate is presented at a Regional Mass.

Click here for an outline of the Level One Training Course.
Click here for the CCD Training Course Enrolment Form.

CCD TRAINING COURSE DATES & VENUES 2023 – LEVEL 1

Semester 1

Fridays – 9.30am to 2.15pm, OLOL Parish Hall, Baulkham Hills
March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
April 28
May 5
June 16

Mondays – 9.30am to 2.15pm, St. Finbars Parish Hall, Glenbrook
August 7, 14, 21, & 28
September 4, 11 & 18
November 6

LEVEL 2 COURSE

The Level Two Training Course is designed for Catechists/SREs who have completed Level One and are:

Currently teaching a class
Presently helping in a classroom
Regularly relief-teaching in a classroom

Building upon the work undertaken in Level One, the Level Two Training Course provides opportunities for the further formation of a Catechist/SRE, through topics that include:

Faith Development of Students
Sacraments of Initiation
Further Scriptural studies
Classroom Management
The Beatitudes
An update on Diocesan Child Protection

To receive your Level 2 certificate, you will need to attend all sessions of the course. In addition all participants are also required to prepare and self-evaluate a specific lesson.

In most cases, the Level 2 certificate is presented at a Regional Mass.

Click here for an outline of the Level Two Training Course.
Click here for the CCD Training Course Enrolment Form.

CCD TRAINING COURSE DATES & VENUES 2023 – LEVEL 2

Zoom Course – Wednesday Evenings – 7pm to 9pm
May 17, 25 & 31
June 7, 14, 21 & 28
July 5,12, 19 & 26
August 9, 16, 23 & 30
November 8

LEVEL 3 COURSE

The Level Three Training Course is for Catechists/SREs who have completed Levels One and Two and who are currently teaching a class.

Based at the Diocese of Parramatta’s Institute for Mission at Blacktown, the Level Three Course centres on an individual Catechist’s/SREs faith journey.

This course marks the completion of the Special Religious Education Accreditation Courses. Importantly, it also opens up new dimensions of further study from the Institute for Mission courses, as well as courses in Broken Bay and Sydney.

This course runs for about 10 weeks of four-hour duration during the day.

At the completion of the full Accreditation Course (Levels 1-3) the Catechist/SRE teacher receives their Graduation Certificate at the Annual Special Religious Education Diocesan Mass and awards Ceremony.

SREs are encouraged to further their faith development with courses offered through Institute for Mission (IFM) & at the various institutes across Sydney.

Click here for an outline of the Level Three Training Course.
Click here for the CCD Training Course Enrolment Form.

CCD TRAINING COURSE DATES & VENUES 2023 – LEVEL 3

Fridays – 10am to 2pm, Bishop Bede Heather Centre (Former IFM), Blacktown

Part A – Weeks 1 to 5- A Study of St. Matthew’s Gospel- Dr. Laurie Wood
April 28
May 5, 12, 19 & 26

Part B – Weeks 6 to 10- Journey of Faith – Merilyn Hancock
June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

INSERVICES AND REFLECTION DAYS

At various times throughout the year, inservices may be offered in such fields as:

Child Protection updates
Smartboard Inservices
Visual and Creative Arts particularly associated with Easter and Christmas
Inservices on the program ‘Christ our Light and Life’

A series of Reflection Days are also offered across the diocese during the year.

Please speak to your local Parish Coordinator, who will have the information on hand about what is being offered around the Diocese of Parramatta or in dioceses nearby.

Contact Maree Collis via email to register

TEACHING RESOURCES

The Bishop of Parramatta has authorised ‘Christ our Light and Life’ as the approved primary curriculum to be taught across the diocese. Resources available include:

‘Christ our Light and Life’ Teaching Manuals and Student Activity Books
‘To Know Worship and Love’ student text books
The Big Books series attached to the Kindergarten to Year Two program
Other teaching resources as noted in the curriculum are approved for the classroom. However, new resources including dvds and other audio visual materials must be approved by the CCD Office before being used in the classroom. The use of classified films, programs and computer games in schools requires the approval of the approved provider CCD Diocese of Parramatta. All resources must be used in an age appropriate way and with sensitivity.
The approved curriculum that schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains follow is Christ our Light and Life, developed at CCD Sydney. It can be viewed at: https://ccd.sydneycatholic.org/publications/curriculum-resources/
Lesson Planner

FROM CCD PARRAMATTA DIOCESAN OFFICE

Resources available from the CCD Parramatta Diocesan Office

The CCD Office in Parramatta has a growing number of resources which are available to be borrowed for a two week loan basis. These include the Big Books that support the ‘Christ our Light and Life’ curriculum, posters and a great range of music for use in the classroom. Please contact Maree Collis at the CCD Parramatta Office on 02 8838 3486 to arrange a time to call in and see the range of resources which will support you in the classroom and in your personal faith journey.

Resources available for borrowing from the CCD include:

DVDs/Videos
CDs
Books
Posters/Overhead
Classroom Ideas

Click here for a full list of the resources available through the CCD.

AVAILABLE AT PARISH LEVEL

Resources available at your Parish Level

All parishes receive support materials for the ‘Christ our Light and Life’ program. The Resources for Lesson Planning (RLP) USB was updated 2020 and is available for those SREs who attend & complete Level 1 training. The Catholic school in your parish is a major source of resources. Approaches have been made to all our Catholic Schools asking for their support for the work of SRE teachers in the State Schools. Please ask your Parish Co-ordinator for details of borrowing arrangements. Each parish holds a copy of the resource ‘Assemblies for Christmas, Easter and Education’.

CLASSROOM CRAFT IDEAS

Looking for ways to bring the Good News to life for students in the classroom? Maybe the below ‘Classroom ideas’ can be of help!
All bright and beautiful ideas welcome!

• Lent in a Bag
• God Loves Me
• Lenten Symbols Box
• Dove + Flame Prayers
• Easter Resurrection Eggs Activity
• The Story of Christmas Wheel Activity

If you have an engaging idea for use in the classroom that you’d like to share with other Catechists/SREs, we’d love to hear from you!

Please email your idea, including any details of materials and methods needed to the CCD.

NEW RESOURCES

Christmas Advent Book

10 School holiday ideas for life faith

New Books

Living Spirituality by Dr Peter Mudge

This compact book is designed for ‘hands on’ people working in the area of ‘spirituality’ including teachers and parishioners.

Using his quadrivial model, Peter writes the ‘four rivers of spiritual traditions, narratives, disciplines and virtues flow together.’

This new resource includes chapters on: Introduction to Christian spirituality, Ecological spirituality, Christian breathing meditation, The Jesus Prayer, The Jewish Jesus, and Lectio Divina

Moving from Theory to Practice Religious Educators in the Classroom
Edited by Richard Rymarz and Paul Sharkey

Gathers the insights of a range of impressive contributors who, over 18 chapters, address important aspects of RE in the classroom including spirituality, meditation, youth ministry, liberal arts, Godly Play, teaching scripture, mercy and change.

Mercy Global Presence

This website produced by the Sisters of Mercy offers a wide range of resources useful on issues such as the Environment and human trafficking. Images, prayers and videos may assist you in your SRE teaching or parish work. Note that each month new resources are added.

Images are copyright free but the Sisters would appreciate feedback on how you used the resource. Simply write to [email protected]

OUR REGIONS

A team of Regional Co-ordinators provides support to Parish Co-ordinators and Parish Teams to assist them in their ministry.

There are six CCD Regions within the Diocese of Parramatta. Please visit the Regions below for an in-depth look into the work of the CCD in your local area. Please feel free to approach your local Parish Co-ordinator/Team or parish priest if you have any questions about teaching Special Religious Education in your parish.

BLACKTOWN

Blacktown Region Co-ordinator
Connie Cassar

Regional Coordinator’s Message

Welcome to Blacktown region,

There are seven parishes in the region – Blacktown, Doonside, Lalor Park, Marayong, Plumpton, Rooty Hill and Seven Hills. Within the parishes there are 35 state schools including a Special Needs School. Servicing 31 state schools with approximately 2,800 students enrolled in SRE classes.

“We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”

This quote, from Saint Teresa of Kolkata, often comes to mind as I work alongside such dedicated and passionate people. The SRE volunteers in the Blacktown region have a great passion and love for the ministry teaching children in the state schools the Good News of Jesus. I am thrilled to have increasing numbers of senior students from the Catholic Secondary schools join the SRE team teaching in local primary schools: Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, St Clare Catholic High Hassall Grove, St Agnes Catholic High Rooty Hill and Nagle College Blacktown.

There are secondary state schools where SRE is taught weekly; The Hills Sport High, and Rooty Hill High. Mitchell High and Blacktown Girls High have series of four to six seminars across the year for Year 7-11 students.

Across the diocese, CCD places importance on orientation and training sessions for new SREs. At these sessions held in parishes, the prospective SREs are given vital information about the ministry, training, code of conduct and the commitment that this ministry requires. Many of SRE teachers and helpers who attend the primary training courses have learnt creative ways of engaging students and have gained confidence and knowledge as SREs. Reflective days and workshops are on offer across the diocese each year.

On school visits it is wonderful to see the SREs in the classroom use a variety of different resources and methods such as Smartboard, craft activities, music and drama. Having students act out the parables is a great way of bringing scripture alive in the classroom.

Recruiting for more SRE teachers is ongoing, so as to ensure all classes are covered. It is always inspiring to have the commitment of the long servicing SRE teachers and the secondary student SREs who volunteer for this important ministry.

Connie Cassar
Regional Co-ordinator of the Blacktown Region
for the Diocese of Parramatta and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)

Blacktown Schools

Teaching days across the Blacktown Region are Monday to Friday. Times vary across the parishes. Please see below for a full list of schools within our region.

* Currently not attended

St Patrick’s Parish Blacktown

Blacktown South Public School
Blacktown North Public School
Blacktown West Public School
Blacktown Girls High School
Walters Road Public School
Shelly Public School
Mitchell High School
Evans High School*

St John Vianney Parish, Doonside

Doonside Public School
Crawford Public School
Doonside Tech High School

St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong

Marayong Public School
Marayong Heights Public School
Marayong South Public School
Quakers Hill Public School

The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton

Plumpton Public School
Glendenning Public School
William Dean Public School
Hassall Grove Public School
Hebersham Public School *
Plumpton High School*

St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill

Rooty Hill Public School
Eastern Creek Public School
Rooty Hill High School*

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills

Bert Oldfield Public School
Seven Hills Public School
Seven Hills North Public School
Vardys Road Public School
William Rose Special School
The Hills Sports High Seven Hills
Seven Hills High School*

St Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park

Lalor Park Public School
Lynwood Park Public School
Seven Hills West Public School
Kings Langley Public School

BLUE MOUNTAINS

Blue Mountains Region Co-ordinator<br>Melissa McDonald

Regional Coordinator Message

Welcome to the Blue Mountains region!

Spanning more than 60kms from Emu Plains to Mt Victoria our region is blessed with a dedicated, talented team of Catechists accompanying their students in their journey of faith across the 23 state schools within our six parishes. Our Catechists have faithfully responded to the call to pass on the gift of faith they have received through their loving presence and instruction.

Across the region our classes can vary in size from 5 students to over 30. They can consist of a single school year, a single school stage eg: Stage 2 being years 3 & 4, or combined stage classes. In some cases a single class is taught for all Catholic students in the school. Where multiple stages are taught together the supplementary booklets developed recently for this purpose have been a fantastic resource.

We enjoy the involvement of the students from our two Catholic colleges supporting the Catechists of their local parishes: St Columba’s Springwood and McCarthy Catholic College, Emu Plains. Both primary school learners and Catholic college students teachers/assistants find this experience a very enjoyable and worthwhile one.

Our wonderful Parish Co-ordinators meet once a term to share information, discuss issues and enjoy each other’s company. They also hold parish meetings once a term to pass on the information to their fellow SREs. It is important for all Catechists to attend these meetings to stay up to date and ensure we comply with our ongoing training obligations.

These meetings are a primary source of communication in addition to the Diocesan newsletter and our occasional regional newsletter. I welcome the contributions of Catechists to these newsletters. It is always great to share each other’s stories and great ideas. We have a lot of talent in our community and can learn so much from each other.

I greatly enjoy travelling across our beautiful region to attend Parish team meetings each term, and also to visit our SRE classes where I regularly see the great work of the caring and faith filled people who are our Catechists, handing on the light of our faith.

Thank you to all our Catechist teams and especially our hard working Parish Coordinators on behalf of the parish communities they belong to and the parents of the children they bring the Gospel to. May the light of faith ever burn brighter in our students’ lives and in ours. God bless.

Melissa McDonald
Regional Co-ordinator, Blue Mountains Region
for the Diocese of Parramatta and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)

Our Parishes include:

Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains,
St Finbar’s Glenbrook,
St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood,
Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson,
St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Katoomba
Sacred Heart, Blackheath.

Blue Mountains Schools

Teaching days across the Blue Mountains region are Tuesday to Friday at various times during the day. Times vary across the parishes. Please see below for a full list of schools within our region.

* Currently not attended

Sacred Heart Parish, Blackheath

Blackheath Public School
Megalong Public School*
Mount Victoria Public School

St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook

Blaxland High*
Blaxland Public School
Blaxland East Public School
Glenbrook Public School
Lapstone Public School
Mt Riverview Public School
Warrimoo Public School

St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood

Springwood High*
Winmalee High
Ellison Public School
Faulconbridge Public School
Springwood Public School
Winmalee Public School

Upper Blue Mountains Parish

Katoomba High
Katoomba Public School
Katoomba North Public School
Leura Public School
Wentworth Falls Public School

Our Lady of the Nativity Parish, Lawson

Hazelbrook Public School
Lawson Public School

Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains

Emu Plains Public
Emu Heights Public
Leonay Public
Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High*

HAWKESBURY

Hawkesbury Region Co-ordinator

Carol Vella

Regional Coordinator’s Message

Welcome to the Hawkesbury Region’s page.

One way to describe the work of the Catechists (SRE) in the Hawkesbury Region is aptly summarised in the quote from Jeremiah17:8.

“They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”

The Hawkesbury River, a significant feature of the region was the inspiration behind the choice of symbol and scripture for our catechists. The quote from Jeremiah reminds us to open our hearts to the many blessings the SRE Ministry contains. Just like the tree in the verse, the SREs continue to bear fruit in the Hawkesbury Region by sharing in the mission of Jesus in spreading the Good News of God’s love to the children who attend the state schools across the region.

The six parishes that make up the region are Kellyville, Quakers Hill/Schofields, Stanhope Gardens/Glenwood, Riverstone, Windsor and Richmond. As the Hawkesbury region continues to grow in population, so does the Catholic student population in the state schools we teach. There is a constant call in the parishes for volunteers.

Our endeavour to provide SRE in the region is supported by the involvement of high school students from St Mark, Bede Polding and St John Paul II Catholic Colleges. Students from Years 10 and Year 11 who engage in the training programme organised by the CCD in Parramatta in co-operation with the local parish, are sent to a neighbouring public school to volunteer in SRE.

We also have SRE classes in the state high schools in the format of weekly classes or seminars once a term.

If you haven’t heard of SRE before, this may be an opportunity for you to ask at your parish how you can become involved in this very rewarding ministry. There are many opportunities during the course of the year to attend parish meetings, training courses, reflection days and in-service days.

The classes, on average, are half an hour for one session a week in the state public schools and up to fifty minutes in the high schools. There is of course individual preparation time for the lesson involved but there is help to start you off. The lessons are scheduled into the school timetable, during school hours. Your parish can provide you with more detailed information about days, times and available classes.

For all our current SREs the CCD Website has updates and information on courses and in-services being held across the Parramatta Diocese as well as resources such as craft activities and the CCD borrowing library.

I look forward to meeting with you at the various events throughout the year.

Carol Vella
Regional Co-ordinator of the Hawkesbury Region
for the Diocese of Parramatta and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)

Hawkesbury Schools

Times vary across the parishes. Please see below for a full list of schools within our region.

* Currently not attended

Blessed John XXIII Parish, Glenwood/Stanhope Gardens

Caddies Creek Public
Parklea Public
Kellyville Ridge Public
Glenwood High
John Palmer Public School
The Ponds Special Needs School *

St John the Evangelist Parish, Riverstone

Riverstone Public
Marsden Park Public
Vineyard Public
Riverstone High*

Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill/Schofields

Barnier Drive Public
Hambledon Public
Schofields Public
Quakers Hill East Public
Wyndham Senior High*
Quakers Hill High*
The Ponds High
Riverbank Public

St Matthew’s Parish, Windsor

Glossodia Public
Freemans Reach Public
Wilberforce Public
Oakville Public
Maraylya Public
Maroota Public
Pitt Town Public
Windsor South Public
Windsor Public
Bligh Park Public
Windsor Park Public
Cattai Public*
Ebenezer Public*
Wisemans Ferry Public*
Colo Heights Public*
Hawkesbury High
Windsor High

Parish of Richmond (St Monica, St Gregory & St John of God Churches)

Grose View Public
Kurrajong Public
East Kurrajong Public
North Kurrajong Public
Hobartville Public
Richmond Public
Richmond North Public
Bilpin Public
Comleroy Rd Public
Kurmond Public
Londonderry Public
Colo High
Richmond High

Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville

Kellyville Public
Sherwood Ridge Public
Tallowood Special School*
Kellyville High School*

THE HILLS

Hills Region Co-ordinator

Wendy Hord & Helen Zammit

Regional Coordinator’s Message

Welcome to The Hills region.

The Hills region is made up nine parishes: The Parish Baulkham Hills, St Bernadette’s Castle Hill, St Bernadette’s Dundas Valley, St Madeline Sophie Kenthurst, Christ the King North Rocks, St Monica’s North Parramatta, Our Lady of the Angels Rouse Hill, Holy Name of Mary Rydalmere and St Paul the Apostle Winston Hills.

SREs in The Hills Region bring to the ministry a great diversity of gifts and talents. These are shared with the students in the 27 primary schools and a small number of secondary schools in which they teach. Hills SREs use a variety of teaching methods and resources as they teach the approved curriculum Christ our Life and Light, powerpoint, smartboards, music, drama, a variety of storytelling techniques, craft, quizzes, games and much more.

Catholic Secondary Students from Gilroy College, Marion College and St Patrick’s Marist are trained and go into the local state primary school to teach scripture.

SREs across the region regularly take the opportunity to participate in training courses and in-services offered by the CCD. These courses and in-services provide opportunities for SREs to gain confidence in their teaching and learn new ways to actively engage their students. This makes their weekly lessons more positive and enjoyable for both the students and the SRE.

Just as Jesus commissioned his disciples“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit …And remember I will be with you always” Matt 28:19-20 – we too are sent out to do the same. Just as Jesus promised his disciples that he will be with them always, we know that Jesus is with us always as we prepare and teach our lessons.

The need for new SREs to teach or assist is continually growing with new schools being opened across the region and with growing numbers of catholic families sending their students to State schools. Parish Co-ordinators are always ready to chat to people interested in finding out more about the ministry, to provide information and answer any questions so that you may discern whether God is calling you to serve in this wonderful ministry.

We invite you to remember in prayer each week all those involved in the ministry of SRE.

Wendy Hord & Helen Zammit
Regional Co-ordinators of the Hills Region
for the Diocese of Parramatta and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)

Hills Schools

Teaching days across the Hills Region are Mondays to Fridays at various times during the day. Times vary across the parishes. Please see below for a full list of schools within our region.

* Currently not attended

The Parish of Baulkham Hills

Baulkham Hills North
Bella Vista
Crestwood
Jasper Road
Baulkham Hills High
Crestwood High*

Christ the King Parish, North Rocks

North Rocks
Carlingford West
Cumberland High*
Muirfield High*

Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere

Dundas Public
Ermington West
Melrose Park
Rydalmere East

Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill

Beaumont Hills
Iron Bark Ridge
North Kellyville
Rouse Hill
Rouse Hill High School

St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill

Castle Hill
Cherrybrook
Excelsior
Oakhill Drive
Samuel Gilbert
Castle Hill High*

St Bernadette’s Parish, Dundas Valley

Telopea
Yates Avenue

St Madeline Sophie Parish, Kenthurst

Annangrove
Dural
Glenhaven
Kenthurst

St Monica’s Parish, North Parramatta

Burnside
Northmead
Northmead High*

St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills

Matthew Pearce
Winston Heights
Winston Hills
Model Farms High*

NEPEAN

Nepean Region Co-ordinator
Carmel Fenton

Regional Coordinator’s Message

Welcome to the Nepean region.

The Nepean Region is situated at the foothills of the Blue Mountains along the Nepean River.

It consists of nine parishes which stretch from the rural areas of Luddenham/Warragamba to Cranebrook, taking in the parishes of Corpus Christi, Cranebrook; Padre Pio, Glenmore Park; St Joseph’s, Kingswood; Sacred Heart, Luddenham/Warragamba; Holy Family, Mt Druitt; Sacred Heart, Mt Druitt South; St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith; Holy Spirit, St Clair and Our Lady of the Rosary, St Marys.

The catechists/SREs of the Region minister to the catholic children that attend the 50 state primary schools within the Region. We are very blessed to have a number of senior students from the Catholic Colleges of Caroline Chisholm, Loyola, Wollemi and Montgrove involved in the ministry of Special Religious Education.

Although the Region covers a wide geographical area, the Catechist/SREs have opportunities to gather during the year and support each other in their ministry and a highlight is the Regional Mass generally held early each year.

The CCD also provides a Reflection Days within the Diocese, providing another opportunity for Catechist/SREs to gather, reflect and spend quite time in prayer. In addition, most parishes hold regular meetings to again join together to share experiences and be updated with necessary information to assist in their ministry.

As with most Regions across the diocese, the challenge for recruitments of SREs is ongoing and we appreciate the support of priests in expanding our SRE family. There is a little sign above the door at Holy Family Church, Luddenham, reminding us of the words of St Teresa of Avila: “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours”.

With this in mind perhaps we can ask “Can I use my hands, feet, body to spread the Good News to the Catholic children who attend a state school in my parish?”

If your answer is “Yes”, please do not hesitate to contact me or your local parish.

Carmel Fenton
Regional Co-ordinator of the Nepean Region
for the Diocese of Parramatta and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)

Nepean Region’s Motto

Through the waters of our Baptism “Nepean” is looking out to the future faith growth of the SRE teachers so they can take that growth with the help of the Spirit to the children they teach

Nepean Schools

Teaching days across the Nepean Deanery are Tuesdays to Fridays at various times during the day. Times vary across the parishes. Please see below for a full list of schools within our region.

* Currently not attended

Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair

Banks Public School*
Blackwell Public School
Clairgate Public School
James Erskine Public School
St Clair Public School
St Clair High School*
Erskine Park High School*

Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys

Bennet Road Public School
Central St Marys Public School
Claremont Meadows Public School
North St Marys Public School
Oxley Park Public School
Werrington Public School
Kurrambee Special School*
St Marys Senior High School*

Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook

Braddock Public School
Castlereagh Public School
Henry Fulton Public School
Llandilo Public School
Samuel Terry Public School
Cranebrook High School*

St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith

Jamisontown Public School
Kingswood South Public School
Orchard Hills Public School
Penrith Public School
Penrith South Public School
Jamisontown High School*
York High School*

Sacred Heart Parish, Warragamba

Bringelly Public School
Luddenham Public School
Mulgoa Public School
Wallacia Public School
Warragamba Public School

St Joseph’s Parish, Kingswood

Cambridge Gardens Public School
Cambridge Park Public School
Kingswood Public School
Kingswood Park Public School
Werrington County Public School
Cambridge Park High School*

Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore Park

Glenmore Park Public School
Regentville Public School
Surveyors Creek Public School
Glenmore Park High School*

Sacred Heart Parish, Mt Druitt South

Colyton Public School
Minchinbury Public School
Mount Druitt Public School

Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt

Bidwill Public School
Blackett Public School
Dawson Public School
Emerton Public School
Lethbridge Public School
Madang Avenue Public School
Noumea Street Public School
Ropes Crossing Public School
Tregear Public School
Shalvey Public School
Whalan Public School
Willmot Public School
Niland Special School*
Halinda Special School*
Bidwill High School*
Mount Druitt High*
Shalvey High*

PARRAMATTA

Parramatta Co-ordinator

Fiona Clarke

Regional Coordinator’s Message

A very warm welcome to the Parramatta Region. In this great and diverse geographic area we cover a sector of Western Sydney where the Catholic Faith is well and truly alive and thriving.

Parramatta Region covers 9 parishes, from Granville, Greystanes, Guildford, Harris Park, Merrylands, Parramatta, Toongabbie, Wentworthville to Westmead.

We are very blessed in that each Parish has volunteers that go into their local public schools weekly and teach the children from the approved curriculum- Christ Our Light and Our Life. We are always open to the prospect of new volunteers, contact your parish if you are interested.

Throughout the year we hold Training courses, so that we are up to date with any requirements from the DOE. Reflection Days and opportunities to meet up during the year give us an opportunity to talk about how each parish is going and how we can assist each other.

At the moment we have near 2000 primary students attending SRE classes in the 30Primary and 3 Secondary State schools we reach.

In our region we have the added benefit of increasing numbers of Catholic secondary school students who volunteer as SREs in local state primary schools. Delaney College has been involved for the past few years and OLMC is started back again in 2020. We would like to thank these High Schools and the students who attend a local primary school weekly, spreading the Good News.

As SREs, we are communicators of the Church and as such bring “The Good News” to primary school children in our region. In these “busy” times it is with such deep conviction and belief in God that we are able to come together and provide the Word of God not only to the Catholic Students themselves but hopefully into their homes and communities thus binding us more closely as a community that knows God.

“The work of a catechist and religious educator depends on the witness of the Church for the full effect.”

As Pope Paul VI said, People today listen more to witnesses than they do to teachers and if they do listen to teachers it is because they are witnesses.

(Evangelli Nuntiandi (1975) article 41)

Fiona Clarke
Regional Co-ordinator of the Parramatta Region
for the Diocese of Parramatta and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)

Parramatta Schools

Teaching days across the Parramatta Region are Mondays to Thursdays at various times during the day. Times vary across the parishes. Please see below for a full list of schools within our region.

* Currently not attended

Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes

Beresford Road
Greystanes Primary
Widemere Primary
Ringrose Primary
Greystanes High*
Holroyd High*

Holy Family Parish, Granville

Blaxcell Street
Granville East
Granville South Public
Granville Public
Granville South High*

St Patrick’s Parish, Guildford

Guildford Primary
Guildford West

Sacred Heart Parish, Westmead

Westmead Primary

St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands

Merrylands West
Merrylands Primary
Sherwood Grange
Hilltop Primary
Merrylands High

St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta

North Parramatta
Oatlands
Parramatta and O’Connell Street
East Parramatta
Macarthur Girls High
Arthur Philip High*
Parramatta High School*
Northmead Creative Performing Arts High School*
Rowland Hassall Primary School*

St Anthony’s Parish, Toongabbie

Toongabbie Primary
Girraween Primary
Meadows Primary
Metella Road
Girraween High
Pendle Hill High*

Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish, Wentworthville

Darcy Road
Pendle Hill Public
Toongabbie West
Wentworthville
Toongabbie East

St Oliver Plunkett Parish, Harris Park

St Oliver Plunkett

Contact Us

Parramatta CCD, Diocesan Office
Level 2 Bethany Centre
470 Church St
North Parramatta
NSW 2150
(PO Box 3066
North Parramatta NSW 1750)
Ph: 02 8838 3486

Director: Merilyn Hancock
[email protected]

CCD Office Manager: Maree Collis
[email protected]

Regional Coordinators

Blacktown Region
Connie Cassar

Blue Mountains
Melissa McDonald

Hawkesbury Region
Carol Vella

Hills Region
Wendy Hord
Helen Zammit

Nepean Region
Carmel Fenton

Parramatta
Fiona Clarke

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