Catechetical Sunday and You!
3rd Sunday in September
Each year as September rolls around, the first days of a new school year
have just begun—or are not too far away.
In keeping with local classroom calendars, many parishes
begin a renewed program of religious instruction at the same time. Often
parish programs are designed for people of all ages.
Our Church is no different. For many years particular attention
has been paid to what has become known as “Catechetical Sunday.” Usually
scheduled for the third Sunday in September in the past, it has become
increasingly necessary to let this day be observed at different times
as school programs across the country follow different schedules.
Labor Day used to be the starting-point for schools to
resume. Now, with more and more school systems on “track” schedules,
or opting to start mid- to late-August, or wait until mid-September—it
is less necessary to have a fixed time to focus on a religious class schedule.
We have, in the Byzantine tradition, September 1 as the
beginning of the Church Year, and a natural focal point for our religious
studies. Many parishes provide classes for all age groups—not just
those in elementary or secondary schools. Some even have programs that
integrate all generations into a single program—with multi-level
sessions on a rather well-developed theme.
Whatever the situation, you may see in your parish church,
social hall, school or some other facility a poster drawing your attention
to two facets of our faith: “I believe…” and “God
Is With Us!”
Sponsored by ECED, an extension of the work of the Eastern
Catholic bishops of this country, the combined group of Eastern Catholic
Eparchial Directors of Religious Education has developed a poster that
proclaims a focus for all.
With mirror-image lettering, we recall the creedal statement “I believe…” as
we reflect on the idea that we cannot see God, except as if in a mirror—and
can only learn of Him through His attributes.
Our Faith teaches us God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The poster places the word “God” in a nimbus of light—which,
by God’s Word--came into being. This orb is larger than the boundaries
of the field and hovers over His creatures—excited by the truth: “God
is with us!”
Each eparchial Director of Religious Education has posters
to distribute to the parishes—along with material suitable for bulletin
and pulpit announcements, and other aids in commemorating “Catechetical
Sunday” in each local community as their schedule deems practical.
Look for the posters in your parish—await the learning aids—and
attach yourself to the expression of belief in the fact that “God
is with us!”
Documents and Materials for Pastors and Parishes
This downloadable zip file contains electronic files for catechetical Sunday materials.
You will find a PDF with certificates for student attendance and commissioning of catechists;
1) a page (top line 2010 Catechetical Sunday. This is an "overview" and
may be used as a pulpit announcement, bulletin announcement, posted brief reference
to the poster.
2) Sample Bulletin Announcements to precede and follow "Catechetical Sunday"
C) Prayers for students and catechists (small blessing ritual)
4) a Poster Description 2010
You may use these as is or adapted to your particular circumstance, and forward them on to parishes and missions, and schools.
