Annual Catechist Mass & Awards 2022
Our Annual Catechist Mass & Awards was held on the Memorial of St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr, on Saturday 12th November.
St Josaphat suffered a great deal for Church unity between the Western and Eastern Churches in the 16th century, which eventually led to St Josaphat’s violent martyrdom. St Josaphat once said, “I rejoice to offer my life for my holy Catholic faith.” In those who received service awards at our Annual Catechist Mass, we saw these words of St Josaphat personified. SRE Catechists, who generously give years of service in the sharing of Jesus with children in State Schools, like St Josaphat, offer their whole lives for our Catholic faith, joyfully and humbly.
Thank you to our celebrant, Bishop Brian Mascord, who, with an injury, led us beautifully through the liturgy, and to the concelebrating clergy from the diocese for taking the time to support and encourage us by their presence – Fr Leo Duck PP (Albion Park), Fr Chris Sarkis PP (Rosemeadow), and Fr Slawek Plonka OMI PP (Eagle Vale).
Thank you also to Joseph Tonien, and Seminarians: Sinh Le, Darren McDowell, and Joseph Nguyen, who served humbly on the altar, enhancing our celebration and hope for future priests.
Many people contributed to making the Catechist Mass & Awards such a special occasion this year. Fifi Chadrawy from West Wollongong and Peter Crowe from Corrimal proclaimed the Word to us clearly and prayerfully.
Bishop Mascord welcomed us warmly, and during his homily joked, “have you ever prepared for a lesson, and upon arriving to your class, realised that it was the wrong lesson?” Bishop Brian shared that he had once been a catechist, and that he found the work incredibly difficult even though he was an excellent Catholic School teacher. Bishop Mascord spoke of the gift that SRE teachers have in sharing the Good News with children in State Schools, and that it is a very precious gift indeed.
The Prayers of the Faithful were led reverently by Anthony Rewak from Port Kembla Parish. During these prayers, Mandy Madaschi, SRE Parish Coordinator of Warrawong, presented Bishop Mascord with our Book of Remembrance wherein the names of SRE Catechists who have died are recorded. This year we remember and give thanks for the lives of Sharon Hughes, Philomena Robertson, Mona Errington, Kevin Whalan, Frances Martin, Elizabeth Curley, Jeannette Murrel, Mary Cronin, Margaret Hendriks, Joseph Hallahan, and Mary Clapham.
A big thank you must go to Debbie Gates and Kerrie Hennessy for their help in the smooth running of the awards ceremony, and to Kristina Knight, SRE Parish Coordinator of Rosemeadow and husband, Dudley Knight, Vicky Stuart also from Rosemeadow and Josefina Miquel, who helped serve and pack up the luncheon.
This day only came together because of the tireless work of the CCD Wollongong team – Frances Fairs, Daniel Saliba, Cindy Oliver, and Helen Bennett, under the leadership of Jude Hennessy, Director of the Office of Renewal & Evangelisation.
Thank you to all for generously sharing your talents and time for the making of such a special celebration!
