Over 80 catechists attended a special gathering for the annual Northern Area Mass at St Kevin’s Parish, Eastwood on July 20. Organised by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), the Mass and luncheon has become a tradition for those involved with Special Religious Education in State Schools.

Three of our catechists, Taoto Langi, Dunia Boustany and Brenda Wendt-Hussein, represented Berala at the event. They took along a candle on behalf of our parish catechist group and this was lit during the entrance procession to recognise each parish’s effort in bringing the light of Christ to the children we teach. Thanks go to our Parish Secretary Lea for doing such a great job in designing a label for our parish candle with all the names of our current catechist teachers and helpers.  Mass was celebrated by Fr Martin Maunsell (St Kevin’s), Fr Michael McLean (St Mark’s, Drummoyne) and Fr Greg Morgan (St Charles, Ryde).

CCD Director Doug Mawhinney and Faith Education Officer (Northern Region) Anita Lee thanked catechists for their contribution to Special Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Sydney. Anita stressed that the Area Mass was a time to celebrate the contribution parishes made to this ministry. She said the event was an important opportunity to bring the Northern Area CCD community together and to recognise the commitment of catechists.

It was also a time to thank God for his many gifts.