Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.
I love this statement by Pope Paul VI: “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses” (On Evangelization in the Modern World, Evangelii Nuntiandi, 41).
The theme of Catechetical Sunday (9/16)—Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ—is a perfect focus as parish catechists and Catholic school teachers are commissioned as witnesses for Christ and dedicate themselves to the ministry of enlisting more witnesses.
Catechetical Sunday provides an opportunity to reflect on the important role a catechist serves to hand on the faith and be a witness to the Gospel. It’s also an opportunity for all the baptized to rededicate ourselves to this mission as a community of faith.
We pray that Jesus Christ, our Master Catechist, will inspire and bless your efforts to share his Good News with the young people in your home and classroom. May these young people become committed witnesses for Christ.
Be sure to go to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website for articles, a Commissioning Service, a Prayer for Catechists (English, Spanish), a Prayer for Family Commitment (English, Spanish), and certificates.
Image credit: Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Image: The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [middle panel], Pietro Perugino, National Gallery of Art.