CATECHETICAL SUNDAY 2010

MESSAGE FROM THE MALAYSIAN CATECHETICAL COMMISSION FOR THE CATECHETICAL SUNDAY CELEBRATION (SEPTEMBER 19, 2010)

THEME: PARENTS AS THE PRIMARY CATECHISTS

Reflection:

Today the Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday. The celebration of Catechetical Sunday reminds us the importance of catechesis. Parents, catechists, RCIA facilitators and all Christians are involved in the formation of Christian persons. Catechesis is the form of teaching and preaching the faith. It is also a way to build the Reign of God among children and adults. The words of Jesus in the text from the Gospel of Matthew (28:19-20) reminds of our Christian duty.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in

the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and

teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of age.”

Catechetical Sunday is the day celebrated to bring awareness to us on the matter of sharing the faith with others. This celebration is not restricted for the catechism teachers and RCIA facilitators, it is celebration for all. The Malaysian Catechetical Commission has chosen “Parents are the Primary Catechists” as the theme for 2010 Catechetical Sunday. This theme is to remind all of us that parents are the primary catechists. The first part of the article 227 of the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) is very clear of parents’ roles towards their children faith. It says:

Parents receive in the sacrament of Matrimony “the grace and the

ministry of the Christian education of their children”, to whom

they transmit and bear witness to human and religious values.

Here, we are also reminded that parents are actively educating their children through faith sharing and fully participating in the sacramental life of the Church. As primary catechists, the parents should make family catechesis to enrich the family to form the domestic Church. Parents should remember that catechism teachers are “co-workers” for educating the children. Don’t forget that all Catholics should be “primary catechists” to the RCIA candidates as the Catholic parents to their children.

As we celebrate the Catechetical Sunday, let us remember that every Catholic has role to play in nurturing the faith of fellow human beings. So, let us pray that the pastors of the Church, parents, catechists, RCIA facilitators serve the Church in proclaiming the Good News. Let us see that effectiveness of catechesis as the sacred gift of God and move forward to evangelize us and others.

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Suggestions:

Here, there are some suggestions that the parish to use for the celebration of the Catechetical Sunday.

1. Have a dialogue session between the parents and catechists

2. Ask parents and catechism students to organize a party for catechists

(RCIA candidates can do the same for their RCIA facilitators)

3. Parish organizes picnic / outing for the catechists/RCIA facilitators

4. Acknowledging them (catechists & RCIA facilitators) during the Mass

5. Have a special blessing during the Mass

6. giving gifts to appreciate the catechists & RCIA facilitators

7. Ask the catechists & RCIA facilitator s to share on their joys & sorrows of being faith educators

Intercessory Prayer (some examples)

There are the some prayers that could be included during the Intercessory prayer

Leader: Jesus calls us to go to all nations, to proclaim his Gospel and build his Church.

Let us ask God’s blessing that, through our prayers and offerings, the Good
News of Jesus may be proclaimed to the entire world. We pray to the Lord.

Leader: We pray for the catechists and RCIA facilitators that they may be the driving
force for us to live our Christian faith. We pray to the Lord.

Leader: We pray that more faithful will come forward to share the faith with others as
catechists and RCIA facilitators. . We pray to the Lord.

Leader: We pray that we live ourselves as Christians by following the examples of St.
Robert Bellarmine, the patron saints of catechists. We pray to the Lord.

Special Blessings for the Catechists & RCIA facilitators (by the Celebrant)

Almighty God, source of all wisdom and knowledge, you sent your only Son, Jesus the Christ, to live among us and proclaim the message of love, peace and hope to all peoples. In your great Goodness, bless our sisters and brothers, catechists and RCIA facilitators who have offered themselves for the Church. Strengthen them with your gifts that they may teach by word and example the truth that comes from you. We make this prayer through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Prepared by: Friar Arul Mariadass OFM
(Malaysian Catechetical Commission)