In his annual message for Catechetical Sunday, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., emphasizes the critical role of catechesis in the Church’s ability to fulfill its evangelization mission.  “There is no true evangelization if the name of Jesus, his teaching, his life, his promises, his kingdom, his mysteries, (his Church!) — all of which constitute the Good News — remain unknown, unannounced (Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, 22) and unlived!

“And so we have the special designation of Catechetical Sunday to affirm, to commission and to support those men and women whom we have entrusted with the teaching and catechetical preparation of the young,” writes the Bishop.

Parishes across the Diocese of Trenton are poised to observe Catechetical Sunday Sept. 15 with catechist commissioning ceremonies and a formal opening of their religious education classes.  More than 3,000 catechists are expected to welcome some 44,000 children back to religious studies this year.

Issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the 2019  theme of “Stay With Us” entreats young Catholics and people from all walks of life to remain with and learn from the Church and her teachers, resisting the powerful influences of secular culture that devalue religious practice.  

In a recent message, Denise Contino, diocesan director of catechesis, states, “Through our baptismal call, we are called to hand on the faith and be authentic witnesses to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an occasion for the entire parish community to reflect on that role.”

To honor this annual observance, The Monitor has published a special section for Catechetical Sunday, inside the Sept. 5 print edition.  The section shares the above messages from Bishop O’Connell and Contino and more about the coming catechetical year and individuals who will be serving in this ministry.

The Monitor has also published a slideshow of parish messages and affirmations in honor of their catechists, which can be viewed on Issuu.com here or by viewing it below:

Please hold in prayer Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. and the priests of our Diocese who are taking part in the Annual Convocation of Priests, a three-day retreat of rest and renewal held in South Jersey.  

The theme for this year’s convocation is “Faith, Hope & Love: Sources of Encouragement for Priestly Life & Ministry” and the main presenter is Msgr. Thomas Caserta of the Diocese of Brooklyn.  In addition to the daily talks, attendees will have opportunities to celebrate Mass and share camaraderie.
 
For continuing coverage and photos on this event, please visit TrentonMonitor.com.