NCCD
OUR IDENTITY
Providing an opportunity for Catholic students to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ in state primary, secondary, special, independent and private schools.
Our vision is that Catholic students and families involved with any type of school, all have an opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, to develop a relationship with God and to feel welcomed and valued members of the Catholic Church community.
Our purpose is to support the Australian Catholic Bishops in the mission of the Church in Australia by equipping & empowering catechists for their distinctive
ministry to students beyond the catholic school setting.
While there are differences in the manner in which diocesan services are organised and the processes they follow due to differing diocesan frameworks and also state Government legislation, nonetheless we share common needs, purposes and aims.
These needs, purposes and aims apply to members of the association whether they operate from an urban or rural context. They are significant regardless of the wide disparity of resourcing and support that prevails across diocesan services.
OUR HISTORY
Providing an opportunity for Catholic students to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ in state primary, secondary, special, independent and private schools.
The National Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (NCCD) had its genesis in 1992 when representatives from 27 Australian Dioceses came together for a National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) sponsored consultation and decided there was merit in remaining in contact.
Meetings to discuss issues such as skills for catechesis, catechist recruitment and training and religious education in ministry in public schools, were held almost every year across the various dioceses of Australia.
It was at the 1999 Adelaide conference the network was given the name Australian Confraternity Christian Doctrine Association (ACCDA) and recognition was sought from the NCEC.
The current name dates back to 2002 when at the Launceston Conference of the Special Religious Education diocesan leaders the name was formally changed to National Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (NCCD).
Over the decades this organisation has continued to be a network of support for those involved in co-ordinating CCD in the various dioceses:
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To share information especially about resources developed to support this ministry.
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To highlight examples of effective practice and to share strategies.
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To identify common concerns and to communicate these concerns to appropriate bodies e.g. NCEC RE Committee.
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To raise the profile of the ministry of R.E. of Catholic children attending state schools.
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To contribute to our professional development needs.