Why do we celebrate Catechetical Sunday? The mission of the church reflects the mission of Jesus to teach, preach, heal, and forgive. Through these acts, Jesus shares the good news of salvation and invites all people to share in the life and love of God. The church continues this mission in all its ministries, but especially, and perhaps most importantly, through catechesis.
 
Catechetical Sunday is celebrated on the third Sunday of September. The task of handing on the Gospel is entrusted to the whole community, who by word and example, form young and new members in the way of the Gospel. Parish programs assist parents in teaching the basics of faith through liturgical experience, instruction, and faith formation. This ministry is essential for the parish to grow, for individuals to develop as believers, and for the ongoing spiritual formation of the whole community. It reminds the church that preaching the Gospel and growing in faith are essential to our sacramental practice and our liturgical prayer.

This year's Catechetical Sunday theme is from Matthew's Gospel: “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened.” It reminds us of the invitation we receive from Jesus to follow him and to trust that he doesn’t want to add to our burdens – he wants to lighten them. Thank you to all of those who serve as teachers and pass on faith through word and action.

Prayer for Catechists

God of our fathers and mothers,

today we mark Catechetical Sunday,

the day we recommit ourselves

to teaching and forming disciples

to continue your work in this world.

In the beginning, you created man

to please you and offer you companionship.

We turned away from you

without knowing the great love you had for us.

Help us to recapture that understanding

of your love for us and for creation.

Give us wisdom to hand on to the next generation

that love you freely give us.

We ask all that is good

to come upon our catechetical leaders

and the people whom they lead to the faith.

We ask all this in the name

of the primary teacher of the faith,

Jesus the Christ.

Amen.