Celebrate Catechetical SundayMake plans for September 16, 2018DEANNA BARTALINI

The start to a new school year can be hectic with the rush to put children in their appropriate classes, handle late registrations, and maybe even find catechists. In all this activity the Church reminds us how important

catechesis is with Catechetical Sunday, which began in 1935. The document Provido Sane Consilio, (On the Better Care for Catechetical Education), published by the Vatican in 1935, asked the Church to recognize the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and those who serve in the ministry. In the United States the bishops set the third Sunday of September as Catechetical Sunday. This year, Catechetical Sunday is on September 16, with the theme “Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ.”

How to celebrateSince we are first and foremost a people of prayer, it is best if you begin your parish celebration at Mass. Resources for the liturgical celebration of Catechetical Sunday can be found at USCCB.org. Select one Mass and ask all the cate-chists to come to it. Don’t forget to include those who serve in youth ministry, RCIA, and other adult programs. During Mass the cele-brant can bless and commission the catechists. After the blessing, if time permits, have children from the religious education program give a prayer card to each catechist. It is a great witness to the parish if the catechists come forward from wherever they are sitting and stand where they can be seen.

After Mass, continue the cel-ebration with a breakfast in the

catechists’ honor. This is your opportunity to let them know how much you appreciate, need, and admire them. Does your par-ish have a Knights of Columbus or Council of Catholic Women’s group? Ask them to prepare and

serve breakfast. If your parish is a potluck type of place, ask par-ents to bring food. Or keep it sim-ple with bagels, donuts, juice, and coffee. Whatever you choose, have something to gather all the catechists and their families to-gether to thank them.

Tokens of appreciationIt’s always nice to give something to the catechists that reminds them of the parish’s gratitude. A planning calendar, such as the Handbook Planner one from Catechist magazine, along with a notebook and a new pen is both practical and fun.

Another gift idea is a Scripture jar or bag. Pick verses that pertain to children, teaching, conversion, and perseverance. Or, use our suggested verses at CATmag.us/ScriptureJar. Attach a note from the pastor as the tag and you’re all set.

One year I invited the parish-ioners to pray for a catechist. I put each catechist’s name (first name only) on a card and asked parishioners to take one as they left Mass on Catechetical Sunday. (Don’t forget to add your name!) You could also add each class or group to the cards. This reinforces the idea the everyone in the parish has a part in catechesis — and you have covered your work in prayer.

No matter how you choose to celebrate and acknowledge those who serve as catechists, do so with joy!

DEANNA BARTALINI, M.Ed and MPA, is a director of faith formation in the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida. She is a writer and speaker. Visit DeannaBartalini.com. CO

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Catechetical Sunday September 16, 2018UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

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. To order publication no. 7-595 visit store.usccb.org or call 800-235-8722.

ENLISTING WITNESSES FOR JESUS CHRIST

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DON’T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE! This month you’ll find 3 great features on ways to improve Bible literacy, including a discussion guide on the new movie, Paul, Apostle of Christ. PLUS these departments:

Effective Teaching takes students through lectio divina.

Yes You Can begins a series about the Holy Spirit, based on the Acts of the Apostles.

Catholic IQ offers two Bible-based quizzes.

Crafts for Catechists has Scripture prompts for memorization.

Digital Catechesis lists Bible apps and Instagram suggestions.

Youth Ministry Chat shares tips for Bible rookies.

The Domestic Church describes the Bible as a powerful TV alternative for families.

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