“This is my body given for you” (Luke 22:19), the theme of this year’s Catechetical Sunday, is a reminder of the profound and sacred influence catechists have in the religious education and sacramental preparation of the faithful.
Sacramental preparation is an element of religious education. “Religious education is the overall teaching of the faith,” explained Father Joseph Wallace, pastor of Atco’s Christ the Redeemer Parish. “Sacramental prep is a formational aspect, preparing one and forming one to encounter Christ” in the sacraments, such as Baptism, Reconciliation, the Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
While formal religious education takes place in parishes and Catholic schools, the immediate preparation for the sacraments is parish-based. As stated in the Confirmation Preparation Procedures for the Diocese of Camden, sacramental preparation is a “process distinct from and in addition to the ongoing catechesis which the parish/Catholic school provides. This preparation takes place in the parish and has a different focus from parish/school catechesis.”
“The preparation of our … people into the completion of the sacraments is the primary aspect, if not the central focus, of religious education,” Father Wallace said. “We are a sacramental Church. Our touching God, and him reaching us [is made possible] through the sacraments.”
Through the Holy Spirit, working in catechists, individuals are led to a “total understanding and spiritual formation for their readiness to receive him,” Father Wallace said.
It is this drawing closer to Christ in education and reception that is the crux of spiritual formation, said Sister Vilma Butron, FMIJ, director of religious education at Infant Jesus Parish, Woodbury Heights. “It’s not just about knowing Jesus, but forming in our hearts how much he loves us, and that we should love him in return.”
As well, she added, the sacraments reveal the character of the Savior.
For example, she said, “The Sacrament of Reconciliation shows us the love and mercy of Jesus, while the Eucharist is his Real Presence.”
Similarly, Father Joseph Pham, pastor of Infant Jesus Parish, said the sacraments can serve as “channels for God’s grace” and lead to a greater understanding of the faith, the fruits of which are something he has witnessed firsthand. He said he has seen children receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and then have a greater desire to receive the Eucharist. This, in turn, further leads them to attend weekly Mass.
It is these transformed youngsters who then influence their parents to return to the pews, or even convert to the Catholic faith, he said. “I see seeds sown through the sacraments.”
Father René Canales, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine, Lindenwold, agreed. “When people receive the gifts of the sacraments, they want to make it count. They want to keep learning.”
That learning, Father Wallace said, often changes one’s perspective on the world and leaves many wanting to bring faith “to all aspects of our human experience.”
Catechists have a vital role in facilitating that learning and can draw inspiration from the Catechetical Sunday theme.
The Catechetical Sunday theme is a perfect reflection of the goal of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival to educate the faithful on the Eucharist, Father Canales said.
“The Eucharistic celebration is … the perfect prayer,” he said, even for himself. “Every time I celebrate Mass, I get renewed.”
He calls on Catholics everywhere to catechize and “to help others find the Eucharist.”
“The sacraments create ambassadors for Christ who know they have the power to transform the world,” he said.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
