Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
In his Apostolic Exhortation “Catechesi Tradendae”(“On Catechesis in Our Time”), the late Pope John Paul II wrote, “At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, ‘the only Son from the Father … full of grace and truth’ (1 Jn 1:3), who suffered and died for us and who now after rising, is living with us forever” (CT, No. 5). With these words, our late Holy Father wanted to remind the entire Church that Christ Jesus is the living center of catechesis, and through Christ, we are drawn into communion with God the Father through the Holy Spirit.
On Sunday, Sept. 16, the Church in the United States celebrates Catechetical Sunday, an opportunity to recognize, thank and commission those who have committed themselves to hand on the treasure of our Catholic faith to others. Parents who teach the faith in their homes, along with the priests, deacons, religious and lay women and men who teach the faith in parish religious education programs all do so in the name of the Church and with a spirit of great generosity and love. In our diocesan Church, nearly 4,000 catechists teach the faith to more than 38,000 children and youth. Truly, we are blessed by the talent and willing service of so many dedicated members of God's people.
The theme for this year's Catechetical Sunday is "Catechesis: Encountering the Living Christ." This theme highlights the great aim of all catechetical teaching and instruction: “to bring about in the believer an ever more mature faith in Jesus Christ, a deeper knowledge and love of his person and message, and a firm commitment to follow him” (National Directory for Catechesis, No. 19). Those who are catechists seek to help our children, young people and adults as well encounter the living Christ in the midst of His Church, in the intimacy of prayer and worship, in the power of His Word recorded in the Sacred Scriptures and in a life of loving service to God and neighbor.
Dear sisters and brothers, with you, I want to express my gratitude for the many hours of time and effort which our catechists have spent aiding others to encounter the Lord Jesus and so be drawn into a vital and intimate relationship with Him. I pray that, together with our catechists, all of us will come to an ever deeper knowledge and love of Christ, Who lives forever and Who invites each of us to share in His life. May the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless you all!
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde
Bishop of Arlington

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