Editor’s Note: Pope John Paul II wrote: “The universal call to holiness is closely linked to the universal call to mission. Every member of the faithful is called to holiness and to mission.” On Sept. 15, Catechetical Sunday, parishes across South Jersey and beyond not only honored their catechists with commissioning ceremonies, but reminded their faithful that they “are called to be eucharist by word and action to our brothers and sisters in Christ” every single day.
Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.
When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat;
When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink.
Now enter into the home of My Father…
This year’s Catechetical Sunday theme – “Lord, when did we see you hungry?” – brings me back to the hymn we used to sing at First Friday Masses in the gymnasium of School of the Holy Child in Drexel Hill, Pa. (I won’t say what decade).
“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers,” the catchy song written by Father Willard F. Jabusch, is about Matthew 25 – where this year’s Catechetical Sunday theme draws its inspiration. In that Gospel, Jesus shares a parable to remind us that how we serve others is how we serve the Lord.
Jesus frequently used parables to engage wildly different groups of people during his public ministry. He told stories that were able to draw in diverse crowds with different points of view. With parables, Jesus revealed the truth about God’s kingdom while simultaneously challenging the world views held by many of those to whom He spoke.
For example, in Matthew 25, Jesus speaks of the divine truths that go beyond the moral lessons of taking care of those who go without. He also paints a metaphorical picture of what will happen to those who are in a relationship with the Lord and those who are not.
The use of parables when inviting others into relationship with Jesus underscores the tremendous evangelizing and catechetical power in not only sharing a story about an encounter with the Lord but also in listening to another’s story of an encounter with the Lord.
Not long ago, I read a reflection by Dan Cellucci, CEO of the Catholic Leadership Institute, titled “Stay.” Dan recounted his experience at a conference of Catholic leaders from around the country and ultimately challenged readers: “If we don’t know or can’t share why we stay, might it be part of the reason why they leave?”
Dan’s challenge became the foundation of a daylong workshop for parish religious education leaders in the Diocese of Camden. The goal of “Stay: Discover and unleash the unique influence of your faith stories” was for participants to leave with a new appreciation for their own faith stories and feel equipped and empowered to share those stories. Why? So that others might be inspired to deepen or reignite their relationship with Jesus.
What does all of this have to do with Catechetical Sunday? The role of catechist is lived out in many ways. Whether it be as parent, godparent, lay minister or school teacher, all are catechists, and all share the sacred responsibility to walk with others. Through this ministry of accompaniment, catechists serve Jesus by inviting others into a relationship with Him. The act of such an invitation is missionary discipleship. Sharing the story of those encounters with the Lord is the heart of catechesis.
Sharing those encounters is not just the job of the parish catechist. Imagine if more parents, godparents and school teachers shared their encounters with Jesus! Those encounters have the potential to be transformational experiences along our individual, never-ending journeys of formation. They come in all shapes and sizes, they all possess relatability, and they are all sacred gifts of inspiration and invitation. Please share them!
Dr. Lee Mirenda DelleMonache is director of religious education for the Diocese of Camden.
Faith Story Prompts
What are the faith stories you could tell? For help, consider these prompts:
1. Firsts: think of a “first” related to being Catholic and the impact it had on your faith. For example, the first time you…
• received a sacrament
• witnessed a Catholic wedding or ordination
• were particularly moved by a Mass
• entered a church that became a meaningful place for you
• visited a sacred place
• made a pilgrimage
• went on a retreat
2. Describe a lived experience that illustrates a Gospel value/Catholic belief most important to you.
3. Describe something about the Catholic faith that you are most proud of and why.
4. Describe a Catholic you admire and why.
5. What advice would you give your younger self about the Catholic faith?
6. Describe the proudest moment/hardest thing that you did and how your faith helped you get through.
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