Catechetical Sunday 2020

This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 20, 2020. The 2020 theme is I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you. Those who the Community has designated to serve as catechists will be 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.

Putting Parents at the Center of our Ministry Efforts  

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

The Bishop of a diocese is considered the Church's official "teacher" of the Catholic people entrusted to his care in a particular region.  That responsibility is derived from the three-fold mission of Christ that he shares by virtue of his episcopal ordination and consecration: " to teach, to govern, to sanctify."

The Bishop "teaches" in many ways, primarily through his preaching of the Word of God and other formal instructions; through his pastoral writings and other communication with the local Church; through his sacramental ministry and through the witness of his other ministries as well as his life and presence among the people of God in the diocese.

In a Diocese the size of Trenton, with approximately 735,000 Catholics, reaching out and teaching all the faithful is a tall order.  The Bishop could not possibily fulfill his teaching responsibilities alone.  For that reason, the Bishop depends upon collaborators from among the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese who are well prepared to engage in the ministry of religious education and formation known as "catechesis". 

To read Bishop O'Connell's message in full, check out the latest issue of the Monitor below.

A message from Denise Contino, Diocesan Director for Catechesis.

Earlier this year, the COVID-19 pandemic altered the way we encounter on another, our families, friends and parish communities.  

I miss being in community at my parish, going to Mass on Sunday, seeing familiar faces, chatting with fellow parishoners and attendign the monthly Knights of Columbus Pancake breakfast.  The simple encounters that we all took for granted have changed.  We are all feeling a sense of loss.  

In reflecting on the definition of Catechesis - "to echo the Word of God" -- I realize these times are presenting us with unique opprotunity -- one in which families can grow closer to one another and in their relationship with God.  Is this the year of the "Domestic Church"?

To read the full article by Denise, click here.