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Diocese of New Ulm - September 2000 "A Year of Favor: Making All Things New" by JoAnn Borchert
In this year of Jubilee marking the new Millennium, we are challenged to consciously recognize our role in the catechetical ministry of the Church. The theme for the celebration of Catechetical Sunday on September 17, A Year of Favor: Making All Things New, reminds us of our role in renewal.
On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Catechetical Sunday, the Bishops of the United States have issued a statement in support of catechetical ministry. It is a recommitment to the development and support of this special ministry. In this statement they say, "We celebrate that the Church ‘exists in order to evangelize’ (Evangelii Nuntiande, 14). It is only through the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ that the hungers of people’s hearts are satisfied." The Holy Father has called us to a new evangelization and our call to teach and witness in all areas of our lives. The purpose of religious instruction is to bring people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
Evangelization is also the focus for Season III of RENEW 2000. We will be contemplating how Jesus calls us through his Church to witness, to proclaim, and to serve the Gospel. As a Church we strive to make all things new in Christ Jesus. Catechesis calls us to discipleship taking on the mission of the Church in all areas of our lives.
The bishops state, "Because catechesis is a responsibility of the entire faith community (GDC) this mission of the Church is entrusted to every baptized Catholic."
We celebrate these individuals who serve this special ministry on Catechetical Sunday. This event in our parishes allows us to appreciate and favor our catechists and what they bring to our parishes. This ministry is a vocation to which they have been called. It is important that we pray for and support our catechists all year long, not just on Catechetical Sunday.
JoAnn Borchert is director of Adult and Young Adult Religious Education for the Diocese of New Ulm.
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