Each year hundreds of Special Religious Education teachers (SREs/catechists) gather for the Annual Diocesan Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Mass and Awards Ceremony. This year Good Shepherd Parish Plumpton hosted the Mass on Friday September 7.
It was a great celebration of this ministry when over 400 SREs from across the Diocese joined the 300 student SREs from Catholic schools to give thanks for the many blessings received, and to pray for our students in public schools and their families.
Bishop Vincent in his homily, offered words of encouragement and hope when he said, “This Eucharist is a thanksgiving to God for your active, faithful and generous discipleship. As Confraternity of Christian Doctrine volunteers, you bring the new wine of God’s love and mercy to the hearts of the young people.”
Bishop Vincent went on to say that, “At this time when the Church’s reputation, moral credibility and trust capital are effectively shattered in the wake of the sexual abuse crisis… we join forces with Pope Francis in repairing and restoring the Body of Christ. Now is the time for us to rebuild the Church as a beacon of hope for the world by living the radical vision of love, justice, compassion and solidarity.”
After the conclusion of Mass, the congregation remained seated while Bishop Vincent presented service awards and certificates.
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