Enlisting Witnesses for Christ

Happy Catechetical Sunday to you all. On this day we celebrate the importance of passing on the faith and being witnesses to the Gospel. 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. This is why the rite of blessing of catechists used on Catechetical Sunday includes a blessing of parents and guardians.

The root of the word Catechesis comes from a Greek word meaning “to echo, or resound.” Catechism is the act of resounding or bringing the Church’s teachings to the world. 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. It is only fitting that we set aside a day to highlight this ministry and invite the entire church community to think about our responsibility to share our faith with others.

Today I would like to invite you all to consider answering the Call to become a Catechist. This call may come in the voice of our pastor or deacons, perhaps from one of our catechetical leaders, or even in this bulletin letter. But know that this calling ultimately comes from God whose Holy Spirit inspires and guides you. If this is something you have been thinking about or know someone who has the potential to serve in this role, I offer the following reasons to help you say, Yes!

Top reasons to become a catechist

1. You will grow in your own faith, learn the teachings of the Church, and deepen your relationship with Jesus.
2. Your Baptism calls you to share in Jesus’ ministry.
3. Children, teens, and adults in today’s world, more than ever, need to hear the Good News of Jesus.
4. Children, teens, and adults in today’s world, more than ever, need to encounter good role models of faith.
5. You have much to share with those you’ll teach, and you’ll have opportunities to share faith with other catechists.
6. Lesson plans are done for you, you are not alone, you will have the support of a coleader and the coordinators.
7. You’ll be challenged, you’ll have fun, and you’ll make new friends.
8. You’ll be helping people deepen their relationship with Jesus. (You’ll be evangelizing!)
9. You’ll be handing on a 2,000 year old tradition that changes lives.
10. It’s our job: Jesus sent us to “go and teach all nations.”

Please reach out to me or any of our catechetical leaders, to help you get started in this beautiful ministry. May the Joy of Jesus in our lives shine through and make us true Witnesses of Christ at all times.

Siempre adelante,
Tere Delgado
Faith Formation Minister

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