Celebrating those who serve the teaching ministry of the Church

Catechetical Sunday, which this year fell on Sept. 17, is an opportunity to celebrate catechists – those who share the Gospel and the teachings of the Church with others, especially the young.

On this special day, parishes across the Diocese joined with others across the country and around the world in commissioning those who are called to serve within their parish families, and who play an invaluable part in nurturing young disciples of Jesus.

The effort to recognize the value of catechists began in 1935 when the Vatican published, “On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education,” a document that asks countries world-wide to acknowledge the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve the Christian community as catechists.

“Recognizing the efforts of parish catechists on Catechetical Sunday highlights the unsung efforts of the many catechists and parish catechetical leaders who share their time, energy, and talent in response to God’s call to spread the Gospel to the next generation,” said Jill Kerekes, diocesan director, Office of Discipleship Formation for Children.

“The amount of energy and dedication given to the parish catechetical program very often goes unnoticed by the rest of the parish. As parish catechists quietly go about serving in the rewarding and sometimes difficult ministry of catechesis, let us all pray that their efforts bear much fruit for the future of the Church,” she said.

For the first few years after Catechetical Sunday was established, national catechetical congresses were held in conjunction with the celebration. Eventually, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops designated the third Sunday of September as Catechetical Sunday.

This year’s theme, “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened” (Matthew 11:28), shares the invitation of Jesus which catechists pass on to others, bringing them the Good News of the Gospel and a life in Christ which provides strength and hope for the journey.

By Mary Morrell, editor, The Catholic Spirit