Each year, the Catholic Church in the United States designates the third Sunday in September as “Catechetical Sunday”—a day on which to celebrate and pray for the Church’s mission to teach the Gospel to all people.
This year’s the theme is “This is my body given for you.” On this day, we especially thank and pray for our Parish Catechists for ministry to the community and our children. As you prepare to celebrate, pray for, and commission those engaged in formal parish catechetical ministry this year, we want to also remind parents of their indispensable and God given role to form their children in the faith. Catechetical Sunday is also a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each baptized person plays in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel.
Prayer for Catechists
Loving Father, we pray today for our catechists. We thank you for their gift of ministry in your Church. Grant them your wisdom that they may grow in the understanding and teaching of your Word. Grant them also your love that they may be fruitful heralds of your Word and lead others to love you. Pour forth your Holy Spirit upon them to grant them wisdom about what is important; knowledge of the truths of faith; understanding of their meaning; right judgement about how to apply them in life; courage to persevere even in the face of adversity; reverence before all that is sacred and holy; and that loving zeal which leads others to a transforming encounter with your Son. We pray this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Sources:
Catechetical Sunday banner, Loyola Press