Thanking our volunteers who help to teach the faith in our parishes

Today is Catechetical Sunday across the USA; a day to thank our volunteer teachers in our parish schools of religion, as well as those who work in RCIA, RCIC, and adult faith formation.  At our parish of Most Holy Trinity we had all the catechists come forward for a special blessing and a gift from our Pastor.  While we thank all these volunteers, who give generously of themselves and their time, our Pastor reminded all parents present that it is still their primary responsibility to be the 1st and best of teachers of their children.  But indeed we recognize and give thanks to all those volunteers who help teach the faith.  Here is what the USCCB says about Catechetical Sunday:

Catechetical Sunday 2013 Invites Catholics to 'Open the Door of Faith'

 

May 20, 2013

WASHINGTON—Catholics will be called to reflect on how they can spread the Gospel as they honor those who teach the Catholic faith in parishes, schools and homes. Catechetical Sunday 2013 is the weekend of Sunday, September 15, and will focus on the theme, "Open the Door of Faith.""The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis has prepared a variety of materials to assist catechists and Catholic school teachers to better understand and enter into the Year of Faith, including a revisit of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council," said Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, chairman of the committee. "The resources will assist parishes in celebrating Catechetical Sunday not only in September, but also throughout the 2013-2014 year.
"The theme "Open the Door of Faith" is taken from the Vatican's guiding document on the Year of Faith, "Porta Fidei." This year's materials, available in English and Spanish, are directed to all Catholics to help them reach out and evangelize others. They include resources for clergy, family resources, prayer cards, posters and teaching aids. Teaching aids include "The Catechism: A Symphony of Faith" by Petroc Willey and "Reexamining the Word of the Second Vatican Council (Hermeneutics of Reform)" by Alan Schreck. Resources available for free download are available at: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/year-of-faith/index.cfm
Catechetical Sunday, which is observed on the third Sunday in September, is a celebration of catechists and all teachers of the Catholic faith. Many parishes commission those who serve in catechetical ministry on Catechetical Sunday. The U.S. bishops have provided resources for Catechetical Sunday since 1971. More information is available at: www.usccb.org/catecheticalsunday.The Year of Faith runs from October 11, 2012, to November 24. More information is available online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/