This Sunday, the Catholic Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday. The theme this year is: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…to bring good news to the poor.” (Lk 4:18) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, “Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.” Shortly before his death, Pope Francis had instituted a formal ministry for catechists, which enhances the importance and credibility of their role in teaching the faith.
We have been blessed at Saint Brigid with many dedicated catechists who teach our faith to children and adults. They generously give of their time and talent to serve the needs of our people. Their enthusiasm and passion are greatly appreciated. They truly help others grow in their knowledge and understanding of the faith. Some catechists teach at various times of the week and to a variety of groups of the faithful.
Our Holy Father, Pope Leo has a great appreciation for catechists. As reported in the media outlet “Catholic News Service”, he stated that when catechists teach, their aim is to “…place the word of life in hearts, so that it may bear the fruits of a good life.” Pope Leo further advised catechists, “Let your ministry ever be grounded in a deep life of prayer, let it be built up in sound doctrine and animated by genuine apostolic zeal. As stewards of the mission entrusted to the church by Christ, you must always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
The following “Prayer for the Calling of a Catechist”, from the media outlet “Prayerlit”, asks God to guide a catechist who desires to teach and serve:
Lord, thank You for calling me to teach Your truth.
Let this prayer for catechists remind me that this ministry is holy work.
Fill me with grace, patience, and faith to guide others toward You.
Help me to serve with humility and joy,
always trusting that You are working through me.
Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to thank the catechists we interact with for all they do to build up the Kingdom of God. They are truly a blessing to our faith community.