Catechetical Sunday 2025

“Always be ready to give an explanation…for a reason for your hope” (1 Pet 3:15).

Catechetical Sunday, which is celebrated on the third Sunday in September, (September 21, 2025) was established to recognize and celebrate the gift that catechists bring to a parish community. It also provides us an 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.

The theme for 2025 is "Always be ready to give an explanation...for a reason for your hope" (1 Pet 3:15). The theme encourages us to be prepared to share the basis of our faith, the Lord, and the hope he provides. In the same manner, St. Peter encouraged the believers of his time. As Scripture reminds us, the sharing should be done with gentleness and respect.

How should we celebrate the day?

On Catechetical Sunday, parishes are encouraged to recognize the importance of catechesis and faith formation in building up the Church and in the life of the parish. Many parishes will call forward all those who work in faith formation, including religious education teachers, youth ministry coordinators, Bible study group leaders, OCIA coordinators, and others, to receive a blessing.

Lord God, source of all wisdom and knowledge, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to live among us and to proclaim his message of faith, hope, and love to all nations. In your goodness, bless our brothers and sisters who have offered themselves as catechists for your Church. Strengthen them with your gifts that they may teach by word and by example the truth that comes from you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/. Amen.