This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday Sept. 20. The 2020 theme is: I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you.
Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.
The 2020 Catechetical Sunday theme is taken from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. This theme focuses on the essential work of catechesis, which is an invitation to a whole new life given by Christ himself. It emphasizes that living faith necessitates movement, inspiring all those who hear the Word to share it as witnesses of the true and living God.
In the Diocese of Raleigh, faith formation and sacramental preparation programs have begun. Pastors, catechetical leaders, youth ministers and catechists have been adaptable in serving the needs of the parish community in many new ways during the pandemic.
“Many have had to discover new programs, processes, and technology to evangelize and catechize this year,” said Terri Baldwin, coordinator of Adult Faith Formation. “It is with awe and gratitude knowing the message of the Gospel and teachings of the Church will continue because so many catechists have risen to the occasion.”
As Pope Francis says in Joy of the Gospel, “Finally an evangelizing community is filled with joy; it knows how to rejoice always. It celebrates every small victory, every step forward in the work of evangelization.’ (EG, 24).”
This story includes excepts from Celebrating Catechetical Sunday 2020, by Marilyn Santos, associate director, Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis, USCCB.