The Anglican Church in Tasmania                                                             Search
	a healthy church...transformingLIFE
	Home      About      Contact us      News      Issues      Parishes      Prayer      Calendar      Youth      Resources

	March 2004				Participants in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd St John's Mothers Union garden party
		News from the Co-operating Parishes of Devonport/East Devonport
			The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd During the last weekend of January some parishioners from the Co-operating Parishes of Devonport/East Devonport committed themselves to be part of a joyful, intensive workshop that introduced us to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. The Rev. Carol Roth who led us through the presentations, is a consultant in Christian Education with the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane and brought to the weekend her absolute commitment to Jesus, her extensive experience and training, infectious enthusiasm and a desire to support parishes in nurturing children in the faith. This workshop has opened up opportunities which will be explored in coming weeks. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd owes its inception to educationists Maria Montessori and Sofia Cavalletti and its implementation to many committed Christians. It is Bible-based, understands and honours the spirituality and learning potential of children and supports them in connecting their faith journey with other adults. The parishes have committed this to prayer and hope to had a more extensive workshop later in the year. For more information contact the Rector the Rev. Brian Gibbs. Christmas is past for now. . . . . .but it is worth mentioning the wonderful celebration that took place in the Devonport/East Devonport parish. The Parish Liturgy Committee brainstormed ways of involving children in the significant time of waiting and festival, Advent and Christmas. Local primary schools were invited to be involved in the presentation of a Nativity play in the church. Devonport Public School responded with enthusiasm and under the direction of their teachers the children learnt a prepared script with songs and music. East Devonport parishioners organised costumes and Sheila McCarthy, our inspiring instigator, was supported by many parishioners on the day with props and lighting. We welcomed hundreds of children, parents and teachers to St John's. The cooperation, interest and commitment shown by the Principal, staff and students was tremendous. MU garden party St John's Devonport Mothers' Union recently held a Garden Party to raise funds for overseas ministry and for the support of ministry in their co-operating parishes. They also enjoyed the sunny weather and pleasant ambience of the venue and the day was declared a great success all round, with a significant amount of money being raised.