This Catechetical Sunday: Thank You Catechists!

To: Clergy, Religious, and Laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

On Sunday, Sept. 21, throughout the Catholic Church, we celebrate Catechetical Sunday with the theme of “Always be ready to give an explanation…for a reason for your hope.” 

This theme invites each of us to recognize our call to share our faith in Jesus and how he has shaped our lives. We do this not only by what we say, but by how we live – through our life of discipleship that points others to Jesus. 

Catechetical Sunday is a special annual observance in each parish during which we pray for and ask God’s blessings upon all those who share in the important work of catechesis and Christian formation. Those who share in this ministry are our catechists in the Parish School of Religion (or Family Formation program), the administrators and teachers in our Catholic Schools, youth ministers, as well as those who are involved in the ministry of OCIA and Adult Faith Formation. Please join me in thanking them for giving of themselves in a generous way to form our youth and adults in the life of faith, and let us pray together that God will continue to bless them and inspire them in their ministry. Their many efforts play a vital role in helping others open their hearts to Christ. Furthermore, their example of faith is one that can be a source of inspiration to us.

Please join me in praying for students, parents and families on this Catechetical Sunday. 

We are reminded by the Catechism that parents are gifted by God to be the first and most important teachers of their children. The home is the “domestic church” and the “first place of education” in the faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2685). The vocation entrusted to parents is indeed a sacred one, and we as a Church are committed to faithfully supporting them.

Please know of my deep appreciation and prayer of thanksgiving to all of you who share in this important ministry of catechesis and Christian formation.

Wishing you God’s blessings, and with the assurance of my prayers, I am 

Gratefully in Christ,

Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond

Archbishop of New Orleans