Upper Norwood bid a fond farewell to Joe Gatt of Societas Doctrinae Christianae (Society of Christian Doctrine).Not only Life Ascending group members but also the early morning, week day Mass goers attended the celebration. Joe has been living in the SDC community house, close to the parish church of Virgo Fidelis for over three years. As catechesis and the Word of God is at the heart of their vocation, the SDC team have prepared the parish children for First Holy Communion and Confirmation as well as running regular Prayer Evenings , Advent and Lenten courses for adults. The SDC also work in three other local parishes and are an invaluable support to the priest and community.
SDC was founded by St George Preca in Malta in 1907 soon after his ordination to the priesthood. Following a few informal meetings Fr George had with a group of young people in the town of Hamrun in Malta, the first catechism centre was opened on 7th March 1907.
Fr George Preca, SDC Founder developed a type of spirituality which is quite unique. It is intended for lay people who wish to live fully the counsels and teaching of the Gospel and serve God through the ministry of Catechesis.
Those who join SDC as an Associate members are people who want to share in the spirituality of SDC and it founder. They also meet to share and reflect about spiritual issues and try to help SDC and its activities in the best way they can.
We are indeed blessed to have an SDC community in the parish. Joe has willingly used the SDC mini-bus to take Life Ascending members on various trips and has always been enormous fun, untiring and generous whatever the occasion. Everyone will miss him – very much. He will now return to Australia and continue his work in SDC.
