Volunteer Stories: Ann Cartwright

What ministry or group do you help with in the parish? I am the Parish Catechist Coordinator.

Why did you choose to give your time to this work? I always felt the call of The Holy Spirit to teach catholic children in our state schools and waited till my youngest child started school before answering the call. 

What spiritual benefit do you gain through volunteering? I decided to give up my time to this ministry because I love children and wanted to share my faith with them. Personally I have grown spirituality through the training courses and the reflection and prayer days I have attended offered by the CCD and working with so many other spiritual people that have also grown in this ministry. My spirituality has also grown by the children's questions and their eagerness to learn more about their faith. 

What do you want other people in the pews to feel or learn from your story? Through teaching these children most weeks I feel I have gained the satisfaction that I have opened my students minds to how much they are loved by Jesus and God how they can each be a follower of Jesus. My ministry is such a rewarding ministry as the interaction with these children each week gives me such a beautiful purpose knowing I am sharing my faith with open young minds and helping their faith journey. I know I walk into 

my classrooms every week being the face of Jesus to these children. 

What short piece of advice would you share with someone who is considering volunteering? If you love Jesus and love children and want to share your faith them please consider joining our rewarding ministry. You will always be supported by me and the other Catechists. 

What does Jesus mean to you? Jesus is the centre of my life. I try to be a good disciple and live my life the way He wants by helping young disciples do the same. Each week I am the face of Jesus to these children.