Passing the CCD baton in Parramatta

Retiring CCD Director Paul Worthington said the greatest attribute of the CCD was its individual catechists.
It was an occasion to farewell Paul Worthington and welcome the new CCD Director, Cecilia Zammit. Photos: Art in Images.

Catechists, clergy and the faithful gathered in St Patrick’s Cathedral on 9 December to farewell Paul Worthington, Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in the Diocese of Parramatta.

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Paul Worthington receives the Diocesan Medal of Honour. Photo: Art in Images.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Cecilia Zammit was commissioned as the new CCD Director.

After almost 13 years in the role, Paul is looking forward to retirement, his life greatly enriched by the commitment and faith of the thousands of catechists who serve in this vital ministry.

He said the greatest attribute of the CCD was its individual catechists. “For some kids, that’s their only contact with the Church.”

Paul said he was grateful to Bishop Kevin Manning and Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, who supported the work of the CCD across the Diocese.

“I am indebted to the diocesan CCD team but extremely well supported by the local parish teams, where SRE begins,” he said.

The CCD provides adult education for catechists (Special Religious Educators) so that they are equipped to teach the Catholic faith in state schools.

Paul said there was a need to encourage more young people to become catechists. “The days of having catechists teach for 40 or 50 years is changing. We need more young people to become catechists,” he said.

In our Diocese, there are 510 student catechists from 19 Catholic schools teaching SRE in 190 state primary schools.

 

Homily by Rev Christopher de Souza – Listen here

 

View Photo Gallery: Flickr

 

Farewell Mass for Paul Worthington

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