Catechetical Sunday

This year, the Church celebrated Catechetical Sunday on September 15, 2019. The 2019 theme for the year is "Stay with Us." Those who the Community has designated to serve as catechists were called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. 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.

For more information about Catechetical Sunday, please visit USCCB.org.  Check out the photos from Catechetical Sunday at St. Denis Parish in Manasquan here.

A message from Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M.

This year, the theme and accompanying logo for Catechetical Sunday seem to be especially poignant in the context of where we are as Church, and civilization overall.  The 2019 theme is “Stay With Us,” and is depicted by an image of Christ walking arm-in-arm with two young followers as they engage with people in all walks of life. This call to stay with Christ and be part of his mission of salvation speaks to us at a time when each day brings new reports of despicable assaults on innocent human life, when too many  profess belief in Christ, yet reject the Gospel mandate to care for the least among us, and when more young people than ever have disengaged from the faith.

The responsibility to evangelize – to witness to the Gospel of Christ – has always been with us, but it seems to be critically needed at this time in the life of the Church and the world.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us that “evangelization is the Church’s deepest identity and brings the good news of the Gospel to all who seek the life giving message of faith in Jesus Christ.” Evangelization means “bringing the Good news of Jesus into every human situation. … at essence are the proclamation of salvation in Jesus Christ and the response of a person in faith, which are both works of the spirit of God.”

To read Bishop O'Connell's message in full, click here.

A message from Denise Contino, Diocesan Director for Catechesis.

Catechetical Sunday is celebrated on the third Sunday in September and represents a day in which we recognize all of the catechists, teachers and parents who pass on the faith.

Sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, this year’s Catechetical Sunday observance will have as its theme “Stay with Us,” which provides the opportunity to deliver an evangelizing and healing message through our religious education programs, Catholic schools, youth ministry programs and more.

This theme is derived from recent studies that found that young Catholics stop identifying as Catholic at a median age of 13 for reasons ranging from disbelief to dissatisfaction with the teaching of the Church.

The October 2018 Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment, however, found that young people who walk away from religion do not necessarily end their spiritual desire. Therefore, this desire is an opportunity for us as a Church to focus on the encounter and accompaniment with young people and their families.

To read Contino's message in full, click here.