Catechetical Sunday

Dear Parish Family,

Today’s Gospel seems to begin problematically ... a sheep got lost, a coin was mislaid, and a son left home. Yet the main message this Sunday is to rejoice! What was lost is found! “In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” This is good news, our loving and merciful God is always waiting for us to return to him. We are called to take part in the sharing of the good news with others. When we share about our faith experience and help bring others to an encounter with Jesus, this is a catechetical moment.

Each year, the Catholic Church in the United States designates the third Sunday in September as “Catechetical Sunday” — a day to celebrate and pray for the Church’s mission to teach the Gospel to all people. Catechists and teachers will be commissioned and blessed at the 11:00 am Mass this Sunday. I invite you to listen closely as this invitation is not for just a few, but for us all. This year’s theme is “Stay with Us,” quoting the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who invited Jesus to stay with them (Luke 24:13-­35). For Jesus is the ultimate teacher, whom we strive to imitate. Likewise in our own spiritual journey which we began the day of our Baptism, at times we are like the disciples, lost in need of guidance, open to be the learners. At times we will be like Jesus, listening and accompanying, and helping others understand all that Jesus taught and showed us about the Father. As catechists, we answer the call to share our faith with others, deepening our own faith in the process.

There are many ways we can answer our call to be catechists. Each one of us unique in our gifts and talents, which we are meant to use as his disciples and bring others to Encounter Jesus. I hope you have had the opportunity to visit the various ministries both last Sunday and today. There is a ministry for you. Where do you feel called to serve? No experience necessary.

To all catechists in our lives, parents and grandparents, priests and deacons, religious sisters, church family, all who have been encounters of Jesus in our lives, we thank you! Rejoice!

Siempre Adelante,
Blessings.

Tere Delgado
​Faith Formation Minister

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