Certificate-of-Commissioning.pdf
“Lord our God, sanctify those who love the beauty of your house, glorify them in return by your divine power, and do not forsake us who HOPE in you.”
Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
“Always be ready to give an explanation for a reason for your HOPE.”
1 Pet. 3:15
“Christian hope is like an anchor that grounds our hearts in the promise of the Lord Jesus. The theme of HOPE encourages us to be prepared to share the basis of our faith, the Lord, and the HOPE he provides. Sharing should be done with gentleness and respect.”
Pope Leo XIV
SUGGESTED SAMPLE BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Week before “Catechetical Sunday”
Next Sunday, an important event will take place in our parish. The importance of religious education will be emphasized. Special prayers for the beginning of the catechetical year will be included in the Divine Liturgy. Special blessings will be given to our catechists, parents, guardians and students. All those involved are asked to be present as we implore God’s wisdom upon them.
“Catechetical Sunday”
Today we are pleased to celebrate an important event in our parish life as we begin our new catechetical year. What does the word “catechetical” mean? The root word “catechesis” is from a Greek word meaning “to echo or resound.” The role of every baptized person is to share and become witnesses of their faith. We thank, honor and bless all those who have responded to God’s call to grow in a deeper understanding of their commitment to the Lord Jesus. May 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.
- 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 2025-2026?
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
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.
