This Sunday, the Catholic Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops noted that the theme for this day is, “Say the Word and My Soul Shall Be Healed.” Our bishops remind us that Catechetical Sunday is a “wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each baptized person plays in handing on the faith and being witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of 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. Some catechists teach at various times of the week and to a variety of groups of the faithful. Many of our catechists face unique challenges in teaching, due primarily to the sustained impact of the COVID-19 virus.
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis has a great appreciation for catechists. As reported by the media outlet, “Vatican News’, he recently stated that “the history of evangelization over the past two millennia clearly shows the effectiveness of the mission of catechists”, who have “devoted their lives to catechetical instruction so that the faith might be an effective support for the life of every human being.” He noted, “In our own day too, many competent and dedicated catechists…carry out a mission invaluable for the transmission and growth of the faith.” He has also recently instituted a formal ministry for catechists which is expected to evolve over time.
The following PRAYER FOR CATECHISTS reflects our appreciation for them.
O God, our Heavenly Father, you have given us the gift of these catechists to be heralds of the Gospel to our parish family.
We lift them up to you in thanksgiving and intercede for them concerning their hopes and needs.
May we be attentive to the presence of your Word in them, a Word that lifts up and affirms, calls forth and challenges, is compassionate and consoles.
style=”padding-left: 40px;”>We pray that our parish family will always be blessed with those who have responded to the call to share in Christ’s prophetic mission as catechists.
May we too be open to the universal call to service that Christ addresses to all of His disciples, contributing our gifts to the communion of faith, the Church.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer we are encouraged to thank those catechists who have answered the call to discipleship and have helped us to more fully embrace the precious faith we cherish.