The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated the third Sunday in
September as Catechetical Sunday. This year the theme for this day is, “We are stewards of
God’s Creation.”
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.”
The bishops further highlight the role of parents, noting, “Parents are truly the primary catechists of
their children. They prepare the soil and plant the first seeds of faith. On Catechetical Sunday, we
not only highlight the work of catechists in parishes and schools, but we also commend
parents and guardians and encourage them to take seriously their role of making their Catholic
households a place where faith is passed on to the next generation.”
We have been blessed at Saint Brigid with many dedicated parents, some serving as catechists
who teach our faith to children and adults. These catechists generously give of their time and talent
to serve the needs of our people. They teach at various times of the week and to a variety of
groups of the faithful.
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis has a great appreciation for the role which catechists play in
teaching and spreading the faith. He recently instituted a formal ministry of Catechist,
acknowledging the great contributions that this ministry makes to the Christian community.
The following “A Prayer for Catechists”, provided by the media outlet, Loyola Press, asks God to
guide and support a catechist:
L oving God, Creator of all things, you
call us to be in relationship with youand others.
Thank you for calling me to be a
catechist, for the opportunity to share
with others what you have given to me.
May all those with whom I share the gift
of faith discover how you are present in all things.
May they come to know you, the one true
God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
May the grace of the Holy Spirit guide
my heart and lips, so that I may remain
constant in loving and praising you.
May I be a witness to the Gospel and a minister of your truth.
May all my words and actions reflect your love. 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. They are truly a blessing to our faith community.