Catechetical Sunday 2023

Catechetical Sunday, a national day to celebrate the ministry of passing on the faith, will be September 17, 2023.

This year's theme is:

"Come to me all you who labor and are burdened" /

"Vengan a Mí, todos los que están cansados y cargados"

With these words from the Gospel (Matthew 11:28), the Lord Jesus offers an invitation to follow Him and the promise that He doesn’t want to add to our burdens; he wants to lighten them.  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 - one who draws close and rests in Jesus - and then to be a witness to others and a companion as they too come to know Jesus.

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:

Commissioning Rite (English)

Servicio de comision (Español)

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

Theme, Printable Poster, Prayers - Spanish and English - free at USCCB

Catechist Pins and Prayer Journals - purchase from JPII Resources

Catechist Planner and Liturgical Calendar - purchase from Bayard Faith Resources