Celebrating the Amazing Work of Catechists and CCRESS

Congratulations to Sisters Joan Goodwin, Colleen Keeble, Carmel Maher (deceased) Lyn Raftery and Martina Sarkis.

These Sisters, along with fourteen others catechist trainers, were given an Award in the form of a medallion, to recognize their contribution to the leadership of the Catechist ministry in the period 1990-2000. The Awards were distributed by Bishop McGuckin in the presence of family members, colleagues and Diocesan Directors of CCD from around NSW-ACT.

The Catholic Conference of Religious Educators in State Schools (CCRESS) this year celebrates its 25th Anniversary. This anniversary coincides with 50 Years of quality training for Catechists who teach Special Religious Education (SRE) in State Schools in NSW.

To mark the occasion, the members of CCRESS from every Catholic Diocese in NSW, came together on Friday, June 8, for Mass celebrated by Most Rev Robert McGuckin, Bishop elect of Toowoomba, at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. A thanksgiving mass celebrated the efforts of Catechists and prayerfully sought continued blessings on this wonderful ministry of Catholic Education in State Schools. Over 5000 volunteers weekly see around 100,000 Catholic students in NSW State Schools.

Mass was followed by a Celebration dinner that brought together special guests and the awardees. These people had contributed to the establishment of CCRESS and the ongoing development of training programs that have prepared Catechists to participate in the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel.

Mr John Donnelly, Chair of CCRESS, expressed his deep gratitude to the thousands of Catechists who have made such a significant contribution to the life of the Church. Their work continues today. He noted, too, the ongoing commitment of both the State Government and Opposition to support the work of these volunteers who add so much to the richness and diversity of Public Education by nurturing young people in the faith of their families.

Therese Carroll rsj