Support our catechists with prayers and thanks

November 10, 2023

By Elizabeth A. Marcil
Director, Office of Religious Education

The United States bishops chose a verse from the Gospel of Matthew for this year’s catechetical theme: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28). In our complex world today, fraught with wars, the widespread immigration of refugees, climate change, political polarization and a host of other societal problems, this invitation can seem enticing yet simplistic. We

also burden ourselves with unrealistic expectations. How often in a day do we hear people say: “I have no time for … ” But, we can’t have it all or do it all.

Jesus went on to say: “Learn from me.” The one who

was harangued by Sadducees, Pharisees, and even his apostles who often didn’t understand him, did not withdraw in fear or frustration. He went about healing the sick, feeding the poor, seeking out the lost, and engaging all who came to him. His deep love and empathy for others drove him to pour himself out for others long before blood poured forth from his side on the cross.

In John’s Gospel, we read that at the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then said to them: “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do” (Jn. 13: 12-14).
These are the stories that are told and explored in our religious education programs. This is the teaching that is put before our young people by catechists in our parishes. The Directory for Catechesis describes the identity and vocation of the catechist as: “a witness of faith and keeper of the memory of God; a teacher and a mystagogue; an accompanier and educator” (DC #113).
This coming week we “Celebrate Religious Education” in our parishes. Let us seek out our catechists and thank them for their service. Let us support them all year long with our prayers.