Catechetical Sunday 2024

Image of Older Woman allowing a family in the door.

Credit

Kelly Latimore/USCCB

"Lord, when did we see you hungry?" (Matthew 25:37)

Catechetical Sunday, which is celebrated on the third Sunday in September, (September 15, 2024) 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 2024 is "Lord, when did we see you hungry? The theme is intended to reflect our call to missionary discipleship. As St John Paul II reminded us: Every member of the faithful is called to holiness and to mission. We are called to be Eucharist by word and action to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our times cry out for this kind of holiness, one inflamed by the ardent determination to bring as many of our brothers and sisters as possible to Christ.

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, RCIA 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.