Way back in 1935, the Vatican, under Pope Pius XI, published On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education, a document that asks every country to acknowledge the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve the Christian community as catechists. The ministry of catechesis is passed from the pope to the bishops who in turn pass the ministry to the clergy, religious and laity who are charged with the responsibility and privilege of inviting others into an intimate relationship with Jesus and His Church. The first celebration of a national catechetical day in our country is recorded in October 1935, in Rochester, New York. By 1944, the practice spread throughout the country. And by 1955, most dioceses celebrated Catechetical Sunday on the third Sunday in September. Thus, Catechetical Sunday has a long history in our country. We here at St Jude are very blessed to have a group of men and women who teach our children, youth, and adults in the faith.
This year’s theme for Catechetical Sunday is: “Living as Missionary Disciples.” Catechists are to respond to a call that we all have to share the gift of faith with others, even as we deepen our own faith. This call can come to us in many different ways, but, ultimately, it comes from God, through the Holy Spirit working in us, guiding us, and inspiring us.
In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis writes: “I dream of a ‘missionary option,’ that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything so that the Church's customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today's world rather than for her self-preservation.” What do we make of these words as we celebrate Catechetical Sunday, as we are called to be evangelizers of the Gospel and missionary disciples? Yes, religious education, we have a responsibility to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. Perhaps we need to consider our classrooms and parish halls as missionary territory.
Our missionary call is a day-to-day commitment to being Christ-bearers to all those we meet, to bring the message of Jesus Christ to them. Catechists do this as they draw others into prayer, as they provide instruction around our Catholic beliefs and practices, as they encourage reflection and application to our life experiences, and as they build community among their learners. May our missionary call as a parish be strengthened as we celebrate Catechetical Sunday this weekend.
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