Thoughts on Catechetical Sunday

This is from the Column I wrote for our Church Bulletin dated September 21, 2015.  It includes some words from a talk I gave at a retreat for our catechist.  Some of these thoughts were also included in my post of August 10, 2014.

Today the Church is celebrating Catechetical Sunday. This is when we recognize those whom the community has designated to serve as catechists. The word catechist comes from the Greek word “echo”. Catechists are people who echo the Word of God. Catechists teach those who seek to learn more about the Catholic faith. This includes our children in CCD classes (Parish School of Religion) and those in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity for all, not just catechist, to reflect on the role that every person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is a time for all to rededicate themselves to this mission of being a witness to the Gospels as a Catholic community of faith.

The Vatican II document Lumen Gentium states that in the Church not everyone walks along the same path, yet all are called to holiness. By Baptism we are all incorporated into Christ and become the people of God. We each play a unique part in continuing the mission of Jesus in the church and in the world. Lumen Gentium also talks about the vocation of the laity. Vocation is defined as God’s invitation to love and serve him and his church in a particular state or way of life. The laity’s vocation flows from the grace of Baptism. It is the special vocation of all to seek the kingdom of God. We show this by the witness of our life as we illuminate Christ to others. The National Directory for Catechist further emphasizes the vocational call by stating that the ministry of a catechist is a vocation, an interior call, the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Have you considered that through Baptism you are given a vocation? Have you thought about how God has given you an invitation to love and serve him through the passing on of the faith to others? This vocation, this invitation by God to serve him, guides your heart, mind and soul. It is the reason why catechist set aside time for prayer and preparation to teach both our children and adults who desire to learn more about the Catholic faith.

Strengthen your Baptismal vocation at every opportunity. Include in your spiritual life personal prayer time, a love of the Trinity, faithful practice of our Catholic beliefs, be convinced of the truth of our Catholic faith, have a devotion to Holy Mary and actively participate in our parish community, especially Sunday Eucharist. The strength of your spiritual life is an important component to your vocation. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Be guided and strengthen in your vocation.