CATECHETICAL SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…to bring good news to the poor.” (Lk. 4:18)
Christ the Teacher
The mission of Jesus is clearly proclaimed in Lk. 4:18. He speaks about proclaiming good news to the poor, care and compassion for the suffering. His words are a call to action, love outpoured.
2026 Catechetical Sunday
Reflection on the Theme
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, to bring good news to the poor.”
In this scriptural passage Jesus is quoting the prophet Isaiah, 61:1-2 and personally claiming His mission here on earth. Our mission as Catechists is not only a gift from God but a call to action, to be agents of change in our communities regardless of what age level you teach. The essential teaching nature of our ministry is rooted in encounter, presence and relationships.
As we begin a new catechetical year in our parishes, let us make an effort to learn and put into practice the lessons gleamed from this scriptural passage. Here are a few examples:
Be aware and reach out to those in need, especially our brothers and sisters who are suffering in Ukraine.
Engage in the needs of your local communities.
Foster a positive attitude toward diversity.
Learn about the significance of challenging pre-conceived notions, both in ourselves and others.
Make an effort to keep extending love to everyone regardless of premeditated perceptions.
When confrontation is needed, begin with love.
SUGGESTED SAMPLE BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Week before Catechetical Sunday
Next Sunday, our parish will begin another catechetical year. The importance of religious education, faith formation at all age levels cannot be overemphasized. Special prayers will be included in the Divine Liturgy and blessings given to those who feel called to teach, parents, grandparents and guardians who are helping to build up the body of Christ.
Catechetical Sunday
St. John Chrysostom said, “What is equal to training the soul and forming the mind of one that is young?” Nothing! The need for soul formation is as prominent today as it was when St. John Chrysostom asked the question in the fourth century. Today all those who are involved in faith formation are present to pray together and be blessed at the start of a new catechetical year. We pray for the Spirit of the Lord be with them in this important ministry and God grant them many happy and blessed years.
SUGGESTED SPECIAL PETITIONS FOR GREAT/INSISTENT LITANY
In Your mercy Lord, look with favor upon your servants who turn to You in faith. Hear their petitions. Let their catechetical ministry bear the fruit of wisdom, knowledge and holiness. Make smooth their path, that they may serve the Word of Truth, O Lord Our God, hear us, we pray and have mercy.
Lord, by your presence strengthen your servants to fulfill Your good and holy will. Look upon these catechists, parents, guardians and children for whom we pray and sustain them in every good deed and bless the work of their hands. Almighty Lord, hear us, we pray O Lord and have mercy.
Grant O Lord, an angel of peace for their ministry, as an aid to grow in faith, hope and love for You. Hear us, we pray, O Lord and have mercy.
O Merciful Lord, look upon this parish community who have gathered here to receive Your blessing. Preserve them from all harm and unite us to one another as we continue to walk in faith and not by sight. Hear us, we pray O Lord, and have mercy.
Wisdom of the Father and Creator of all things, help us to understand proclaiming good news to the poor is twofold, addressing both physical and spiritual poverty. Guide us in recognizing those in need, especially in our own parish community and respond with love and compassion. Hear us, we pray O Lord, and have mercy.
Add your own petitions.
RITE OF BLESSING OF CHILDREN
Celebrant: Let us pray to the Lord.
Congregation: Lord have mercy.
Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ who embraced the little children when they came or were brought to You, and laying your hands on them blessed them and said: “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them. The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these; and their angels ever see the face of my father.” We beg You Lord, to look with favor on the innocence of these children here present and on the devotion of their parents, bless them today through our ministry. Let them advance in Your grace and goodness, to know You, love You and serve You. We ask this of You, Savior of the world, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
May God bless you, and may He be the guardian of your hearts and your understanding, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen
RITE OF BLESSING OF PARISH CATECHISTS
And HOMESCHOOL CATECHISTS
Celebrant:
For the pastoral activity of the Church the cooperation of a great many people is needed. This cooperation is provided by those who devote themselves to building up the Kingdom of God. Enlightened by God’s Word in the scriptures, the teachings of the Church and actively participating in the Liturgical life of the Church, they are willing to impart the Good News to others. We bless them in the name of the Lord for giving us their commitment and pray that the Holy Spirit continue to enlighten them with the grace they need to fulfill their ministry.
Now I ask you, are you willing to exercise the ministry of catechesis in our parish and in your homes?
Catechist:
With the assistance of God’s grace, I am ready and willing to serve as a catechist and be a good steward of what God has entrusted to me.
Celebrant:
O Lord, strengthen your servants in their resolve to dedicate themselves to the ministry of catechesis. Grant that they will strive to share with others what they themselves derive from mediating upon Your Word, by studying the Church’s teaching and participating in the liturgical life of the Church. May God grant them many happy and blessed years!
(At this time a certificate may be presented. Each Catechist comes forward, kisses the cross and receives a blessing.)
RESOURCES
WHAT IS YOUR FAMILY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PLAN FOR THE
CATECHETICAL YEAR 2026-2027?
God With Us Books – www.godwithusbooks.org
ByziKids Magazine – https://www.byzimom.com/byzikids
Homily of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV-Jubilee of Youth, August 3, 2025
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2025/documents/20250803-omelia-giubileo-giovani.html
USCCB website – a cycle of catechesis focused on “Jesus Christ Our Hope.” This will explore different aspects of Jesus’ life and teachings, highlighting His role as the source of HOPE.
https://www.usccb.org
Suggested activities
Lynne Wardach
Creator of ByziMom.com Creator and Executive Editor of ByziKids Magazine
Ways to bring good news to the poor
September: Educate Those Who Thirst for God. Gather school supplies for area parochial school. Be sure to include a prayer card with a note of encouragement!
October: Clothe the Naked. Coat, hat, and scarf drive. Package each item with a hand-written note and scripture verse, letting the recipient know you are praying for them.
November: Give Thanks. Thanksgiving food drive. Include prayer cards and notes, medals, prayer ropes, etc. Arrange and attend a special liturgy for those less fortunate who will receive your gift bags.
December : Encourage the Weary. Angel Tree, include toys of a religious nature, story books, saint dolls etc. with Christmas cards that have notes of encouragement and prayer.
January: Celebrate New Life. Coordinate a parish Baby Shower for the Theotokos (proceeds toward an area pro-life center).
February: Tend to All God’s Creatures. Collect funds and gifts for an Animal Hospital/Shelter in honor of St. Francis. Or make Bird feeders in honor of St. Tryphon (Feb 1st)
March: Feed the Hungry. Stock the rectory pantry with soup kits, staples for those who come to the door in need. Stock with cards of encouragement to accompany the gift.
April: Visit the Sick and Imprisoned. plant flower bulbs or make Easter Cards(or maybe even paschas?) for nursing homes, shut-in parishioners,
May: Welcome Strangers. Offer a Free Car Wash for the neighborhood. Give away a schedule of your parish’s services and Liturgy times as a gift to all who attend.