Annual Catechist Mass & Awards 2023
Our Annual Catechist Mass & Awards Ceremony was held this year on Remembrance Day and the memorial of St Martin of Tours – Saturday 11th November.
Remembrance Day is a day to remember the self-sacrifice of the servicemen and servicewomen who gave their lives for those of us here today. Similarly, Catechists give of themselves for the sake of others. They generously dedicate their time and talents and through their tireless work and sacrifices, bring young people into a personal relationship with Jesus.
St Martin, like our best Catechists, was a great evangelist. St Martin’s inspiring words ring true to all men and women of faith who selflessly give of themselves, “Lord, if your people need me, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done.”
We extend our gratitude to Bishop Brian Mascord, our principal celebrant, who 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 Patrick Vaughan PP (Bulli), and Fr James Arblaster. Thank you also to Deacon Michael Flew, who proclaimed the Gospel and attentively assisted the Bishop throughout the Mass and to Sacristan, Joseph Bonanno, who served humbly on the altar during the Mass and arrived early to set up.
Many people contributed to making the Catechist Mass & Awards such a special occasion this year. Julia Rafferty, Catechist Coordinator Milton, and Patricia Calabro, Catechist Coordinator Wollongong, proclaimed the Word to us reverently and beautifully.
Bishop Brian Mascord welcomed us warmly and, in his homily, reminded us that our warmth, which can be as simple as smiling, will help us to have more of an impact on the young people that we educate.
The Prayers of the Faithful were led clearly by Sabrina Peroumal, Catechist Coordinator Eagle Vale. During these prayers, Don Bath of West Wollongong, presented Bishop Brian 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 Trish McInerney, Kathleen Hilton, Janice Hobday, Vera Cleary, Alison Smith, Michael Young, Benaida Bliss, Margaret Duffy, Anna Cartwright, and Patricia Reynolds.
A big thank you must go to Kristina Knight, Catechist Coordinator Rosemeadow and her husband Dudley Knight, Vicky Stuart (SRE Catechist) and her husband Colin Stuart also from Rosemeadow, who helped to prepare, serve, and pack up the luncheon under the leadership of Cindy Oliver. Thank you also to Gavin Fairs, who helped direct traffic, serve food, and pack up the conference room and to children Caitlin, Henry and Xavier Fairs who assisted in welcoming, distributing booklets, and taking up the offertory.
A highlight of the Mass was the beautiful music provided by Jude Hennessy.
This memorable day only came together because of the hard work and dedication 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 to make this celebration truly special!
