Catechetical Sunday, a national day to celebrate the ministry of passing on the faith, will be September 18, 2022.
This year's theme is:
This is my body given for you /
Esto es Mi cuerpo que se entrega por ustedes
With these words from the Gospel (Luke 22:19), the Lord Jesus offers us the gift of himself in the Eucharist. This theme reminds us that the object of all catechesis is Jesus himself. The role of the Catechist is, first of all, to be a disciple and one who draws close to Jesus in the Eucharist, and then to be a witness to others and a companion as they too come to know Jesus and to encounter him in the sacraments. May we who aspire to be effective catechists, have unwavering faith in the real presence of Christ, that we lead others by teaching and example to encounter Jesus with us at the Eucharistic table.
Commissioning of Catechists
We encourage using Catechetical Sunday to publicly commission and pray for those who will serve as catechists and teachers in the parish community. A commissioning rite is available for use at Sunday Masses or in a special prayer service:
Catechetical Sunday also offers an opportunity to recall that all the Baptized have roles in handing on the faith in their daily life, families, work, and church involvement. Some parishes include a rededication of all parishioners to catechesis in addition to the commissioning of those called to the particular ministry of catechist.
Catechetical Sunday Resources
Eastern Catholic Churches
The Eastern Catholic Churches of America also celebrate Catechetical Sunday. The Eastern 2021 theme was different though similar to the Latin Rite theme: "Christ: The Physician of our Souls and Bodies."
Past Themes and Archived Resources
Catechetical Sunday is celebrated each year on the third Sunday in September.
2021 - Say the Word and My Soul Shall be Healed / Una Palabra Tuya Bastará para Sanarme
2020 - I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you
2019 - Stay With Us
2018 - Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ
2017 - Missionary Disciples
2016 - Prayer: the Faith Prayed / videos
2015 - Safeguarding the Dignity of Every Human Person
2014 - Teaching About God's Gift of Forgiveness
2013 - Open the Door of Faith
2012 - Catechists and Teachers as Agents of the New Evangelization
2011 - Do This in Memory of Me
2010 - Matrimony: Sacrament of Enduring Love
2009 - Catechesis and the Proclamation of the Word