Catechetical Sunday 2025

“Always be ready to give an explanation…for a reason for your hope” 1 Pet 3:15

The verse above is the theme for Catechetical Sunday 2025, when we take the time to recognize all who serve in the parish ministries to help both our children and our adult parishioners develop closer relationships with our Lord Jesus Christ while learning about our Catholic faith. Although the day officially falls on September 21, we will be honoring our catechists at all Masses this weekend, with a special blessing for them at the 11:00 AM Mass. We are blessed with many who offer their own witness and gifts to support our faith formation ministries, which include Family Faith Formation (SRE) ,OCIA, SPRED, bible studies, baptismal and quinceañera prep, and, of course all of our Catholic school teachers. These individuals have recognized and acted upon their baptismal call to witness and serve those around them. We are grateful for their generosity of time and service to our parish.

The theme this year highlights the importance of missionary discipleship, encouraging all Catholics to share the hope found in Christ, always with gentleness and respect. It is a call to action, serving as a reminder for all Catholics to rededicate themselves to handing on the faith and being witnesses to the Gospel. Each of us, each member of the community, is called to live out our baptismal call to spread the Gospel.

+++++++++++++++

Catechetical Sunday 2025 connects to the Jubilee Holy Year 2025 by emphasizing themes of hope, reconciliation, and pilgrimage as central to faith formation and a time for spiritual growth in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis designated this year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope." This is the hope found in Christ, just as we hear in the readings this weekend. As pilgrims, Catholics are called to embark on a spiritual journey, seeking renewal and deeper communion with God, so we can be beacons of hope in the world.

+++++++++++++++

Speaking of pilgrims and journeys, let us not forget our own parish pilgrims who are leaving for Ireland this week. Fr. Wojciech will be leading a group of 40-some people on a tour of Ireland, which will include times of sightseeing, prayer, spiritual growth, (undoubtedly some of the local beverages), and exploring of the home location of our parish patron, Saint Brigid of Kildare. May they have a safe, healthy, and spiritually rich journey!

Valerie Walker

Director of Faith Formation
VWalker@Saint-Brigid.org or 847-244-4161