The new Directory of Catechesis (2020) gives us this understanding of the place of a catechist in the community of the Church: “In the building up of Christ’s Body, various members and functions have their part to play. There is only one Spirit who, according to his own richness and the needs of the ministries, gives his different gifts for the welfare of the Church” (Lumen Gentium #7). By virtue of Baptism and Confirmation, Christians are incorporated in Christ and participate in his office as priest, prophet and king; they are witnesses to the Gospel, pro- claiming it by word and example of Christian life. Some “can also be called upon to cooperate with Bishops and priests in the exercise of the ministry of the Word.” In the multiplicity of ministries and services with which the Church realizes her mission of evangelization, the “ministry of Catechesis” occupies a significant place, indispensable for the growth of faith and, together with the liturgical ministry, begets children of God in the womb of the Church. The specific vocation of catechist, there- fore, has its root in the common vocation of the people of God, called to serve God’s plan of salvation on behalf of humanity.
So, this weekend we acknowledge the role of all our catechists. We have a healthy number of catechists (though there is room for more) who serve our community. We have over 115 children in English elementary programs, more than 85 in the Spanish program, 90+ in the second year confirmation program and over 115 in the first year. We also have our junior High Youth Group and our High School Youth group. Also, we have many helping with RCIA, its Spanish speaking counterpart RI- CA, our marriage pre-Cana preparation groups and Baptismal preparation groups. Lots of handing on the faith!
God bless them and all our parish, Fr Aidan-Peter CJ
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter