Dedicated, humble and passionate educators across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains have been honoured for their role in bringing the Catholic faith to public school students.
Special Religious Education (SRE) Catechists, helpers and student catechists were acknowledged at the annual Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards presentation on Friday 31 October at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
Catechists model Christ the humble servant
In his homily, Bishop Vincent explained that given the increasing secularisation of society, the CCD ministry “is like an oasis in the desert”.
“Making Christ known and loved to the young people in government schools is not an insignificant endeavour,” Bishop Vincent said.
“It is often the only avenue by which the young and impressionable in these secular environments experience the precious treasure of our Catholic faith – a faith that is not just taught with words, but caught, as it were, by a living example.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
“I am indebted to each of you for the way in which you go about sharing your love of Christ and the generosity you demonstrate in the daily fulfilment of your sacred duty.
“The whole Church is indebted to you, for the way you model the Humble Servant who came to serve others and not to seek public acclaim or recognition.”
“I will not let it go”
Following Mass, Bishop Vincent presented awards to dozens of catechists for their many years of commitment.
Maryse Angseesing from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills, was one of eight women recognised for 30 years of service.
Starting off as a helper, Maryse is proud that she has served the Church in this way.
“I have so many good experiences from the kids, and I’m so proud of these children,” she said.
Maryse Angseesing with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
“The children look forward to what I have to teach them every week, and when they’re learning something new, they are excited to share the news with their families.
“I’ve just turned 80. I don’t know how many more years I have, but this is something that I will not let go.”
Annie Cutajar from St Matthew’s Parish, Windsor, is grateful for being able to share her faith with her grandchildren in her 25th year as a catechist.
“I’ve always been a woman of faith, but teaching the children inspires me to keep going.
“I’m very creative in my lessons, so I think the way that you bring a story across really sticks with them.”
Annie Cutajar with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
Annie was also humbled by the fact that students that she taught in primary school are now serving as student catechists at Bede Polding College, South Windsor.
“I must’ve done something right,” she said.
Student catechists following in Christ’s footsteps
Alongside the parish volunteers, students from 18 systemic and independent schools across the Diocese were acknowledged for their dedication to sharing their faith with younger students.
After a few years away, 2025 is the second year back teaching for students at St Dominic’s College, Kingswood.
Ben Godsell, Director of Identity, said that upon speaking with a retired teacher who was passionate about SRE, it was important that the boys honoured her legacy and returned to the tradition of sharing Jesus’ message in the community.
“As the world becomes more secularised, to see young boys sharing their faith, it’s inspiring for me as a teacher,” Ben said.
For the student catechists, they enjoy seeing how the kids engage with them during the lesson.
St Dominic’s College student catechists Thomas (left) and Hayden (centre) at the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
“I love that I get the ability to spread the Word of God in my life,” Year 11 student Thomas said.
Year 10 student Hayden added: “I learn something new each time I teach – even though I’m the one teaching them.”
2025 CCD Award Recipients
The Diocese congratulates the following SRE catechists for their dedicated service
40 Years of Service
- Clare Brcar – St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith
- Merri-Lyn Burton – St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands
- Gladys Hitchen – Parish of the Upper Blue Mountains
- The late Maria O’Brien – Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown
- Elizabeth Mizzi – St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands
Bishop Vincent with the 40 Years of service award recipients during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
35 Years of Service
- Connie Cassar – St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong
- Sam Cassar – St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong
Bishop Vincent with 35 years of service award recipients Sam (left) and Connie Cassar during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
30 Years of Service
- Maryse Angseesing – Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills
- Annette Aquilina – Parish of Richmond
- Jane Cauchi – Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown and St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong
- Carmel Fenton – Sacred Heart Parish, Luddenham-Warragamba
- Antonia Formosa – Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown and St John Vianney Parish, Doonside
- Margaret Portelli – St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong
- Carol Vella – Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park
- Mary Wehbe – Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes and St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta
Bishop Vincent with the 30 Years of service award recipients during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
25 Years of Service
- Pamela Bain – St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta
- Mary Barakat – St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands
- Josephine Calangi – Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill
- Annie Cutajar – St Matthew’s Parish, Windsor
- Wilhelmina de Raadt – St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood
- Veronica Duffy – Parish of Baulkham Hills
- Kim Ellis – St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood
- Caroline Ugarte – Parish of Baulkham Hills and Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville
- Dolores Vella – St Matthew’s Parish, Windsor
Bishop Vincent with the 25 Years of service award recipients during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
20 Years of Service – Papal blessing
- Therese Chahine – St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill
- Elizabeth Culliver – St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook
- Susan Farrar – Holy Name of Mary Parish, Rydalmere
- Samira Francis – St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands
- Pierre Le Grande – Parish of Baulkham Hills
- Rosemarie Macey – Parish of Baulkham Hills
- Magda Marconato – Parish of Baulkham Hills
- Jacinta Sullivan – St John the Evangelist Parish, Riverstone
- Mary Testa – St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill
- Helen Zammit – St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens
Bishop Vincent with the 20 Years of service award recipients during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
15 Years of Service
- Fiona Clarke – Sacred Heart Parish, Luddenham-Warragamba
- Carmina Cruz – St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens
- Marie Dawson – Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook
- Jennifer Di Marzo – St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills
- Batista Emmanuel – Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills and St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie
- Dolores Estabaya – Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville
- Marilou Gatchalian – St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong
- Melissa McDonald – St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook
- Julita Nunez – St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong
- John Tanti – Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown
Bishop Vincent with the 15 Years of service award recipients during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
Level 3 Training Course Graduates
- Julie Dowe – Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes
- Victor Harrison – Parish of Baulkham Hills
- Maria Luz Katipunan – Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill
- Maria Luz Pangillnan – Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes
- Maria Maciou – St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie
- Leila Nelson – Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville
- Evelyn Sangalang – Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville
- Nurwansaw Tjandra – The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton
Bishop Vincent with the Level 3 training graduates during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
SRE Student Catechist participating schools
- Bede Polding College, South Windsor
- Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park
- Delany College, Granville
- Gilroy Catholic College, Castle Hill
- Marian Catholic College, Kenthutst
- Montgrove College, Orchard Hills
- Nagle College, Blacktown South
- Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown
- Penola Catholic College, Emu Plains
- Redfield College, Cherrybrook
- St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill
- St Andrew’s Catholic College, Marayong
- St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood
- St Dominic’s College, Kingswood
- St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields
- St John XXIII Catholic Colllege, Stanhope Gardens
- St Paul’s Catholic College, Greystanes
- Wollemi College, Kingswood
Bishop Vincent with student SRE catechists during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
The CCD team also wish to recognise the following people who are retiring as Parish SRE Coordinators
- Christine Jenneke – St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill
- Erick Opena – St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie
Bishop Vincent with retiring parish coordinator Erick Opena during the 2025 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Presentation at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
The ministry of our SRE Catechists teaching the faith to Catholic students in public schools aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan objectives of Mission and a Church that reaches to the margins.
View images from the CCD Mass on Flickr.
