St. Christopher's to celebrate Catechetical Sunday

North Chili Catechetical Sunday will be celebrated in Catholic churches nationwide the weekend of September 14-15. This annual celebration recognizes those who share in the formal teaching ministry of the church. This year's theme is Living for the Lord.

Currently, more than one-half million catechists serve in the nation's 19,000 Catholic parishes, missions, and schools. These catechists, many of them trained teachers, are instrumental in introducing the more than four million children and youth enrolled in parish religious education programs and Catholic schools to the faith and tradition of the Church. In addition, these catechists provide opportunities for study, reflection, and faith enrichment to a large number of adult Catholics.

St. Christopher's will observe Catechetical Sunday with a rite of commissioning for its 150 catechists. As part of these celebrations, parents and guardians will be blessed for the important role they play in handing on the faith to the next generation. Joanna Aguglia, director of Faith Formation at St. Christopher's, said Catechetical Sunday highlights a central ministry within the church. "The work of these catechists - most of them unpaid - is vital to the life of the church. This celebration gives us a chance to recognize the importance of those who share faith with the adults, families, children, and youth of our parish," she said.