Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of his or her Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. It is a chance for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.
“A catechist is a person who facilitates the process of faith formation, first by echoing the word of God in his or her own life and second by helping others to do so.” (Joe Paprocki) Every “Christian” is a catechist in some way, whether as parent, sibling, co-worker, or friend. And every Christian is also a “student/disciple” as we continue to be formed in our faith throughout our lives in community with one another.
This week we call forward those who have accepted the official role as catechists for our children, youth, and adults to be commissioned and blessed for their ministry. Catechists share their faith - share their experience of God. They will take those in their charge on a faith journey and will walk with them along the pathway to a closer relationship with God. And on that journey they, also, will grow in their own faith. The “transformers” will be transformed.
We give thanks to God for these dedicated people who have stepped forward and said, “Yes” to the call to serve our community in this special
way. And may this new year of faith be for all of us a time for renewal of a relationship with Jesus, faithful participation in the sacramental life of the Church, and a reopening the door of faith first opened at our Baptism.
Susan Lee Olsen, Director of Catechetical Ministry