Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
September 12, 2001
Editorial
Catechesis 2001: Sharing `love beyond all telling'
This weekend Sept. 15-16 celebrates Catechetical Sunday, a time when parishes nationwide will honor the work of catechists. The event also signals the start of many parish religious education programs.
The day was established in 1935 by the Congregation of the Clergy, the Vatican office responsible for catechesis, to recognize and support catechetical efforts. Today, the work of religious education is carried out by both paid and unpaid catechists — the majority are volunteers — who pass on the faith to children and adults. Catechists take classes sponsored by the archdiocese to both deepen their own knowledge of the faith and to learn how to teach it. They are people who love the faith and are excited about sharing it.
Over the weekend, many parishes will hold Rite of Commissioning ceremonies in which catechists are charged with their work of evangelization and receive a special blessing. Take time to thank these people for their willingness to serve this vital ministry, offer to help them — whether it's providing snacks or to drive on a field trip — and pray for them. And if you feel called to share the faith yourself, let your pastor or director of religious education know. Parishes are always hungry for volunteers.
The theme for this year's celebration, "Love Beyond All Telling," reflects the catechetical ministry, which is sharing the love of Christ through the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church. As a former catechist, I remember being told during a training session: "(The children) aren't going to remember the lesson you planned, but they are going to remember you — who you were and what you did." In other words, whether you modeled what you taught — Christian love and service.
By their baptism, all members of the Church are called to spread the faith. As their children's primary educators, parents have a special responsibility to do so. But catechists, who include those who teach in Catholic schools and those who work in parish religious education programs, have special teaching roles that range from sacrament preparation to youth ministry. Their tools are the Bible, the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" and the "General Directory for Catechesis." They may have special materials designed for their particular class, but those, too, are based on the Scriptures and the Catechism.
Catechists are called to their vocation by God. They willingly share their time and talent to conduct their ministry. They pray and prepare and pray some more. They need our support and our gratitude. Let them know they're appreciated.
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