Catechetical Sunday reminds all to be ‘missionary disciples’

Parishes across the Diocese of Trenton will hold special catechist commissioning ceremonies and other observances of Catechetical Sunday Sept. 17, coinciding with the opening of their catechetical year. Sponsored by the USCCB’s Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, this year’s observance will fall under the theme “Living as Missionary Disciples,” (Viviendo como discípulos misioneros), responding to Pope Francis’ call for all to grow closer to the Lord and to take up their proper role as “missionary disciples.”
 
In her message for Catechetical Sunday, published in a special supplement to The Monitor Sept. 7, Sister Mary Agnes Ryan, director of the Department of Catechesis, writes that “all of us, in whatever ministry we find ourselves, need to … foster fruitful discipleship.”
 
She later goes on to implore each one of the diocese’s catechists – both in parishes and at home – to inspire all those they teach: “Go forth this year and be an amazing catechist and be that fire that ignites the love of God in all those you encounter.” You can read Sister Mary Agnes’ full message for Catechetical Sunday, here.
 
The Monitor’s special tribute also features tips for parents to catechize their children at home, as well as introduces several new catechetical leaders from throughout the Diocese. You can page through the full-color publication, here, and view a slideshow of welcome messages posted by parishes for their new catechetical leaders, here.