Always be ready to give an explanation... for a reason for your HOPE

Dear Parish Family,


Each year, Catechetical Sunday has a unique theme. The 2025 Catechetical Sunday theme is “Always be ready to give an explanation ... for a reason for your hope.” (1 Pet3:15) Thisthemeisareminderofthecalltomissionarydiscipleshipthatweall share as Catholics. As part of the call to holiness, we must mission to others and widely share the message of Jesus Christ through our words and actions.

Just in case we need a reminder of the reason for our HOPE? “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17)


This weekend we celebrate in a special way the individuals who have said “YES” to God’s call to serve his people, through the ministry of Catechist. Those individuals, catechists and teachers, moms, dads, grandparents and loving adults will be called forward, blessed and sent out, to minister to the children, youth and adults of the parish community. They tirelessly proclaim the Gospel of hope and mercy, create the necessary bonds of welcome and closeness to better appreciate the Word of God and to celebrate the Eucharistic mystery by offering the fruits of good works. A catechist is one who teaches in the name of the Church. This ministry of teaching in the name of the Church has a profound dignity, which is why catechists are formally commissioned by the Church.


Every year here at Padre Serra Parish, we welcome about 600 children and teens in our programs. This is only possible by the wonderful volunteers: moms, dads and other loving adults just like you. This is a beautiful ministry, where it’s not always about having all the answers to the kids’ questions but an opportunity to witness how God works and speaks through the mouths of the children as well. Pope Francis describes the role of the Catechists as “witnesses who live from the celebration of the Eucharist and place themselves at the service of the Christian community, to support the deepening of faith in the concreteness of daily life.” 

As Faith Formation ministers this is the goal, to bring others to this encounter. Do you feel God calling you to journey in faith with the children of our parish? No experience is required. Our coordinators will prepare all the lesson plans and supplies needed. Please reach out to me ([email protected]), I would be happy to meet with you. There are many ways to support and be part of the Children’s Faith Formation program.
Siempre Adelante,


Tere Delgado


Faith Formation Minister 

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