Catechetical Sunday 2026

Catechetical Sunday Image of Saint hugging a man.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...to bring good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18).

Catechetical Sunday, which is celebrated on the third Sunday in September, (September 20, 2026) 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 2026 is "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...to bring good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18). The theme reveals that Jesus, anointed by the Holy Spirit, has been sent to bring hope, healing, and freedom—especially to the poor, the brokenhearted, and the forgotten. He comes with compassion, restoring dignity and proclaiming God’s mercy. This also becomes a model for the Church and each of us who is called to continue Christ’s work by sharing the Good News and caring for those most in need. (Source: USCCB)

Celebrating Catechetical Sunday

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.