For the 2019–20 catechetical year, Catechetical Sunday is September 15, 2019. It’s a day to celebrate the catechetical ministry and our call to teach the Gospel. The theme of Catechetical Sunday this year is “Stay with Us.”
This year, I offer the following invitation/challenge to all catechists and Catholic school teachers: at some point during the first few days of sessions, as you introduce yourself and your syllabus or schedule, explain to those you are teaching why you are here! Tell them why you are a catechist or a Catholic school teacher. Tell them who or what inspired you to this vocation. Mention your love for Jesus. Mention your desire to see them grow closer to Jesus. Don’t be shy to mention the sacrifice you have chosen to make by either volunteering your time as a catechist or working for modest pay as a Catholic school teacher.
I especially encourage those Catholic school teachers who do not specifically teach religion class to do the above. Think of the influence it can have on a young person to hear science, history, social studies, music, art, English, and language teachers and gym coaches talk about Jesus! This is your chance to evangelize! May Catechetical Sunday be a day that inspires you and equips you with the grace you need to do this.
For more inspiration related to Catechetical Sunday, be sure to read my friend Julianne Stanz’s article “Ripe for the Harvest” on the USCCB Catechetical Sunday page. Likewise, don’t forget to pre-order Julianne’s upcoming book, Start with Jesus: How Everyday Disciples Will Renew the Church. I believe that everyday disciples such as catechists and Catholic school teachers can and will contribute to this renewal, and the above suggestion I offer is just one way to accomplish that.
Finally, for more resources related to Catechetical Sunday, be sure to check out the Loyola Press Catechetical Sunday page.
May the Holy Spirit inspire all catechists and Catholic school teachers to have a wonderful, evangelizing year!
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