Jude Hennessy Diocesan Director Office of Renewal and Evangelisation DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE Honouring Faith and Service The 2025 Catechist Mass and Awards brought together catechists, their families, and diocesan leaders to celebrate the dedication of SRE teachers across the Diocese of Wollongong. Held during our Jubilee Year of Hope, the Mass was a time of gratitude, reflection, and recognition for those who bring Christ’s love into the lives of young people each week. The Jubilee Migrant Cross A highlight of this year’s Mass was the presence of the Jubilee Migrant Cross, which toured the Diocese from November 15-23. The Church of Wollongong was chosen as a destination because of its rich cultural diversity, reflecting the universality of the Catholic faith. Sitting in a boat, the Cross represents all who have come from distant lands, and the Gospel’s power to speak across cultures and generations. Attendees were invited to venerate the Cross, which contains relics of the Holy Family and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and to stamp their Jubilee Pilgrim Passports, with the special migrant cross stamp. Fittingly, the presence of the Cross served to highlight the multicultural strength that SRE is in NSW public schools. Year of Hope The Jubilee Year of Hope, opened by Pope Francis and soon to be closed by Pope Leo XIV, has encouraged catechists to reflect on the power of hope and the transformative work of the Gospel. Earlier in the year, our diocesan catechist retreats explored the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love, encouraging catechists to embody these virtues and pass them on to students and their families. At the Jubilee of Catechists in Rome on 28 September, Pope Leo urged catechists to be “grounded in prayer, built up in sound doctrine, and animated by apostolic zeal,” a call reflected in the weekly efforts of our 450 catechists in over 120 schools reaching 7,000 students. Remembering Sr Martina Sarkis The Mass also honoured the passing of Sr Martina Sarkis, a much-loved Sister of St Joseph and former CCD Diocesan Coordinator who passed away in September. A Life Member of CCD, Sr Martina’s leadership and faith profoundly shaped the ministry. Her ongoing encouragement and prayer were a source of huge grace for the Diocese’s catechists. As November marks All Saints and All Souls, the Mass invited the community to give thanks for Sr Martina and for all catechists who have gone before us, and whose intercession continues to strengthen the ministry. Looking Ahead Despite growing secularism, SRE continues to be welcomed and valued in schools. With bipartisan support, parents retain the right to have their children formed in the faith of Annual Catechist Mass and Awards 2025 their family. Younger generations, sometimes called the “open generation,” are increasingly searching for and rediscovering faith, truth, and meaning — making the work of catechists more vital than ever. Gratitude and Recognition The Mass concluded with heartfelt thanks to Bishop Brian Mascord for all he does to nurture and defend this ministry in NSW, to Parish Clergy, and to the CCD Team — Frances Fairs, Sue Clark, and Helen Bennett for all of their ongoing efforts supporting catechists, but especially to parish coordinators, whose work on the ground ensures the ministry continues to impact the lives of so many young people and their families . Finally, award recipients were congratulated for achieving significant milestones in service and accreditation. While they serve quietly and humbly, this annual Mass appropriately and importantly honours their dedication and faithfulness. The Annual Catechist Awards Mass remains a true highlight for so many involved in the Ministry of CCD. I hope the summary above gives those unable to be present a sense of what was noted and celebrated. CatechistNET magazine is an annual publication of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Diocese of Wollongong. What follows is a short summary of the Director's address to Catechists made at the conclusion of Mass, hopefully serving as a reminder to those who were present and encouragement for those unable to attend.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1