This Sunday, November 23rd Catechists from across the archdiocese will gather for a special Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. This liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Tobin, and honor those who serve in a very important way the people of God.
To catechize people is to instruct or even echo the word of God to everyone we meet. We proclaim that Christ was born, He ministered to the world, and cured the sick, performed miracles and taught. After a very short 3 year earthly ministry Jesus was tried, then suffered, died and was buried. Then Christ rose again for. He did this all for the forgiveness of our sins, and to restore the right relationship between God and mankind.
To be a catechist we need to have a personal understanding and experience of that truth. We have to make ourselves comfortable with sharing that experience with others. Then we have to frequently invite others to experience the Lord with us.
While at first it may seem intimidating to formally teach the faith to others, within this parish we have a dedicated group of volunteers who serve how they can. Some can serve only at the Summer Academy. Others still will help during the year, and still others feel comfortable only working with other adults.
While at the Jubilee of Catechists we formally celebrate volunteers like Connie Boruch, Geraldine and Deacon Colm Keogh, Heba Fortunato, Alyssa Macola, Marielle Carroll, Mara Haight, Emma Ceraulo, Elaine Carman Dorothy Klein, Emily McGuire and Nancy Gorka who have served with our Summer Academy and beyond. While we can honor the service of others like Steve Prato, the Rykowski and Leung family, Alissa Stumpf and Malissa Morabito, Christina Peeney, Alana Beardsley and Jillian Miele, and so many others who have served in the past. We can acknowledge that we are all called to serve and share the Gospel in one way or another.
This week, let’s pray that we can all have a generous heart, and joyfully echo the Good News to every friend and neighbor, coworker and fellow student. So that the joy of the Gospel can reach far and wide.
God Bless and have a Wonderful Week!