Catechetical Sunday - September 19 1982

Marie 9:30-37

Publication No. 834

Office of Publishing Services

UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

1312 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20003



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Catechetical Sunday-September 19 1982

Mark 9:30-37

Department of Education

UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

Washington, D.C.

xxxxxxxx



AUTHORIZATION

In its 1982 planning document, as approved by the general

membership of the United States Catholic Conference in

November 1981, the Department of Education through the desk

of the Representative for Religious Education was authorized to

continue its Catechetical Sunday Observance booklet. This

present document, Welcoming the Lord
,
has been prepared by

the Representative for Religious Education in consultation with

the entire staff of the USCC Department of Education, approved

by the Secretary for Education, Rev. Thomas G. Gallagher, and

authorized for publication by the undersigned.

March 1 5, 1982 Reverend Daniel F. Hoye

General Secretary NCCB/USCC

Title page may be used as reproducible art .

© Copyright 1982
UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

1312 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20005



Contents

1 . Preface 4

2. Setting the Theme 5

3. The Celebration 6

Preface to the Liturgy for Catechetical Sunday 6

Catechetical Sunday Commentary 6

Homily Suggestions 6

Commissioning Rites 7

Introduction 7

Rite during the Eucharistic Liturgy 8

Rite for Family-centered Programs 9

General Intercessions 10

4. Welcoming the Lord 1

1

Introduction 11

In the Primary Grades 11

In the Intermediate Grades 11

In Junior High School 12

In Youth Ministry 12

In Campus Ministry 13

In Young Adult Ministry 14

In Adult Catechesis 18

With Persons with Special Needs 19

In Justice and Peace 20

With Families at Home 22

With Catechetical Leaders 23

5. Coast to Coast Success Stories 25

St. Mary Parish, West Warwick, Rhode Island 25

St. John the Evangelist Parish, Little Canada, Minnesota 25

Church of St. Bede, Hayward, California 26

The Catholic Community of St. Francis de Sales 26

Houston, Texas

6 . Appendices 27

Banner Suggestions 27

Bulletin Announcements 28

Reproducible Art 29

Commissioning Certificates 33

7. Evaluation Sheet 37



4 -

1. Preface

here are many aspects to the reality

known as parish. Some would define a par-

ish by its geographical boundaries, while

others would identify a parish by pointing

out its buildings: the church, the parish

center, the school, the convent, the rec-

tory. On the other hand, others might

challenge these ideas and say that a parish

is people and the activities and programs that serve them. The

theme for Catechetical Sunday 1982, “Welcoming the Lord,”

was chosen to stress the parish as a welcoming community,

welcoming people into the life of the parish, and welcoming the

Lord into the lives of the people. It is hoped that this theme,

based on the Gospel of the day (Mark 9: 30-37), September 1 9,

1982, the 25th Sunday of the Year, Cycle B, will serve as a basis

for catechetical celebrations in parishes across the country as

well as a challenge to parishioners and catechists alike to set an

atmosphere of hospitality and warmth in every aspect of a

parish’s catechetical ministry.

The design of the 1982 Catechetical Sunday book is intended

to assist each of the 18,000 parishes of this country in planning

and implementing programs for Catechetical Sunday.

The liturgical and catechetical thrusts of the publication are

reflected in the annual commissioning ceremony and in the ac-

tivities sections of the book. The latter has been developed to

reflect the 1982 theme in welcoming the Lord in the lives of all

parishioners by suggesting related programs for children, youth,

young adults, adults, families, the handicapped, and catechetical

and school faculties.

A special feature of the 1982 booklet is the inclusion of a

section for Hispanic catechists and Hispanic parishes. It is hoped

that, in this way, the 1982 theme can be implemented in those

parishes which are bilingual, multicultural, or totally Hispanic

by population.

The section entitled “Coast to Coast Success Stories” shows

how selected parishes across the country celebrated 1981 Cate-
chetical Sunday. Perhaps some of these “how to” ideas might

aid in planning the same for 1982.

Please note that you may reproduce material from this book

to help you promote and celebrate Catechetical Sunday.

However, you may not reproduce materials for sale or general

distribution.

It is most important that you return the evaluation form to

this office for use in planning the 1983 booklet. Any ideas,

suggestions, or programs from your parish or diocese would be

most welcome.

It is the hope of all the staff of the USCC Department of

Education that each parish in this country will find these

materials helpful in welcoming the Lord in the lives of its

people.

Rev. Thomas G. Gallagher

Secretary for Education

USCC, Department of Education



2. Setting the Theme

ost local newspapers usually carry a

weekly feature section reviewing or high-

lighting an area restaurant. The reviewer

will creatively pass judgment on the art

and skill of the chef, the specialties of the

house, the style and ethnic flavor of the

food, the quality of the service provided,

the range of prices, and the ambiance or

setting of the dining room itself. Many times when reading such

reviews we give little attention to the quality of the ambiance

and more attention to the quality of the food or the range of

prices. Sometimes, howrever, after experiencing a lovely dinner,

we say that that place had “atmosphere.” In our American

jargon we usually mean that particular restaurant had warmth

and style, the diners felt comfortable, felt at home, felt

welcomed.

So many of us have had the experience of visiting friends, and

upon our arrival we are immediately offered coffee, snacks, or a

drink, depending on the time of day. The host person or family

will express a sentiment of “make yourself at home” either in

words or in actions. If the visit was a particularly pleasant ex-

change of friendship, we, as visitor, can say, “that was a nice

visit; I felt right at home.”

Wouldn’t it be exciting if each of the parishes in our country

were like the examples cited above. Wouldn’t it be exciting if

each of the parishes of our country were a place in which

people could experience an atmosphere of welcome and could

say: “At my parish, I feel right at home!” Many parishes across
this land have set for themselves a goal to strive to make their

Church a place of hospitality, a place of welcome. Parish staffs

and parish councils, liturgical and catechetical committees are

striving to develop a greater atmosphere of warmth, welcoming

people to a holy place of worship and welcoming the Lord into

the lives of the people of the parish.

“Welcoming the Lord” is the theme for Catechetical Sunday

1982. The purpose of Catechetical Sunday is to recognize and

commission catechists, volunteer and professional, who are

involved in the many aspects of parish-centered programs of

catechesis. A further purpose for such a celebration is to

challenge the catechists, indeed all the parishioners, to reflect on

the theme and to grow in faith by implementing the ideas and

programs that the theme engenders.

Contemporary catechetical ministry centers on sharing the

message, building community, leading people to service and

prayer. The National Catechetical Directory, Sharing the Light

of Faith, sets these goals as its principal theme. Renewal groups

and ministry to priests’ programs stress again and again the key

role of a support group for the atmosphere in which self under-

standing and growth in faith can happen. The renewal of the

catechumenate has as one of its thrusts, the role of the sponsor,

the role of the welcoming community, and the caring outreach

of hospitality. The signs of the times seem to point emphatically

to the importance of personal relationships, of the parish as

welcoming community as a foundation for growth in faith.

The Gospel for Catechetical Sunday 1982 (Mark 9: 30-37) says

whoever welcomes someone for my sake welcomes me, and

whoever welcomes me, welcomes, not me, but him who sent

me. Each of us comes to know the Lord through seeing the

Lord in others, and each comes to experience the Divine by

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experiencing the ministry of Jesus. It becomes our role, then, to

understand how others come to know the Lord by what we say

and what we do. It becomes our challenge, then, to continue to

build community and set the atmosphere for welcoming the

Lord in the lives of children, youth, adults, families, the elderly,

the handicapped and the needy, in fact, in the lives of all.

It is our hope that Catechetical Sunday 1982 and its theme of

“Welcoming the Lord” will be a cause to celebrate the cate-

chetical ministry in parishes across the country and become a

challenge to parish staffs to build an atmosphere of hospitality

and warmth in welcoming the Lord into the lives of the people

they serve.

Rev. David E. Beebe

Representative for Religious Education

USCC, Department of Education



6

3. The Celebration

Preface to the Liturgy

for Catechetical Sunday

he bishops of the United States have de-

signated the third Sunday of September to

be Catechetical Sunday. It is a day on

which the total parish community seeks to

focus on one of its most important

functions, the ministry of catechesis. The

theme for each year is chosen from the

readings of that Sunday so that the

liturgical action, and the ministry of the Word in particular, can

reinforce the theme in a prayerful setting. It is to be noted that

current liturgical law insists that the readings for a Sunday

liturgy can never be substituted by other readings, which shows

the importance and centrality of the annually chosen theme.

The 1982 theme “Welcoming the Lord” is based on the

Gospel reading assigned for Catechetical Sunday this year. It is

hoped that the theme will center on the person and role of the

catechist, both professional and volunteer, who is called in a

special way, first by baptism and then by the parish community,

to welcome the Lord by welcoming his people and sharing the

light of faith with them. The personal abilities, skills,

knowledge, and faith life of each catechist is the basis for

success in the ministry of catechesis.

During our celebration we will commission those whose

ministry this year will be teaching others. It is true that each of

us catechizes by what we say and do, but today we highlight

those who are called to welcome the Lord in a special way as

catechists/teachers in parish programs.

Catechetical Sunday Commentary

25th Sunday of the Year

-Cycle B

September 19, 1982

Before Mass

Good Morning (Evening): Today (Tonight) is the 25th Sunday

of the Year and also Catechetical Sunday. In today’s Eucharistic

celebration, we are reminded of our baptismal call to “welcome

the Lord” himself by sharing the light of faith with others by

what we say and do. This Sunday, as in previous years, we cele-

brate with hope and thanksgiving those among us who have

answered their call by ministering to others as catechists.

In a simple ceremony today, we will formally commission

those persons who teach in our parish catechetical programs

and highlight their role in the catechetical process of sharing the

light of faith.

Today it is good for all of us to remember that through bap-

tism we are called to welcome the Lord by opening our hearts

to God’s Word and sharing it with others. In that spirit of unity

and support, we begin our act of worship.

Before the First Reading (Wisdom 2: 12, 17-20)

Those who are innocent and just often bring discomfort to

those around them. That was true of Jesus, whose sufferings are

anticipated in our first reading. We are challenged to a similar
fidelity to God who has promised to uphold us.

Before the Second Reading (James 3:16, 4:3)

We live in a time in which human knowledge has been great-
ly expanded, but where that knowledge has not always been

effective in curing society’s ills. St. James reminds us that true

wisdom is God’s gift. Only that wisdom can bring lasting peace.

Gospel (Mark 9:30-37)

Homily Suggestions

for Catechetical Sunday

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)

+ Wisdom 2:12, 17-20

-i-James 3:16, 4:3

+ Mark 9:30-37

Theme

The theme, “Welcoming the Lord,” comes from today’s Gos-

pel reading (Mark), which ends with Jesus telling his disciples,

“Whoever welcomes a child such as this for my sake welcomes
me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes, not me, but him

who sent me.” A number of homiletic treatments are suggested
by this Gospel pericope, as well as by the other two readings

and the responsorial psalm. The homilist might choose to let the

Word of God enlighten our contemporary treatment of children
(Do we show genuine care for protecting our precious gift of

the world’s children and for fostering their physical, spiritual

and psychological growth?), or hospitality in the Church for all

the “little ones” of society— the poor and neglected, the
politically oppressed, those unsure in their faith, all who reveal

to us a facet of the hidden face of Christ— might be the focus of
the preaching event. Or the “way of wisdom” as the path for

the true disciples of the Lord might be the homilist’s approach.

What is most essential is that we do not weaken the Word of

God by trying to remove the message of the Cross— an essential
element of the full preaching of the Gospel— from the Lord’s
injunction to be hospitable, to “welcome the Lord” in his “little

ones.” Evangelization and catechesis have always been met by

contrasting responses: the Word has been rejected; it has also

received a joyful welcome. Today’s homily should, therefore,

encourage the assembly to continue in its acceptance of the

Word of God, despite the ever-present reality of hardship,

misunderstanding and rejection (the Cross).

Points for Development

1. Today’s Gospel reading contains Mark’s account of Jesus’

second of three predictions of his passion and death. (The

pattern of threes occurs throughout Mark: the three temptations

of Jesus in the desert, the three denials of Peter, the three

prayers of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. The aspect of

solemnity is enhanced through this use of threes.) Jesus is aware

of the political opposition which is arising against His Person

and teaching. Mark probes deeper, not satisfied to assign blame

for the Messiah’s rejection simply to the religious or political

authorities of the time: “The Son of Man is going to be



7

delivered into the hands of men who will put him to death.”

Thus, Jesus’ death is a constant reminder of the wickedness in

people’s hearts; however the power of God to nullify that

wickedness is also proclaimed: “Three days after his death he

will rise.”

The story of Jesus is a success story, but not of the variety

often held up for our imitation in contemporary society, the

kind that says, “Everything is going my way.” Mark makes the

point that if we want a similar success in life, we must live Jesus’

words and follow his example: “If anyone wishes to rank first,

he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all.” We
follow the Lord, in fact we meet and welcome him, in our very

acts of service to others.

2. The true disciple is called by the Lord to identify with the

little ones, the lowly. Jesus’ words in the last verse of today’s

Gospel should not be read as referring exclusively to the young.

Rather, it was the young child that Jesus took in his arms who

became the representative of all the anawim, the “poor of

Yahweh,” the poor in spirit. In the child Jesus points to the

identification of the Father’s love with all who are least and

most insignificant. The Gospel calls the faithful disciple to

actually become that poor, insignificant servant. For in making

ourselves little in the sight of God, we find our true identity

with Christ and with the Father.

3. A concrete question which arises from the Gospel is,

“How do I serve others and thereby ‘welcome the Lord?’” On

this Catechetical Sunday can we be satisfied in saying, “God

bless all these teachers and catechists who share the light of faith

with our children (and with us adults) year after year,” while

knowing that we may have talents in this area which have never

been used? Yet, it is in serving in this ministry as well as in all

other Church ministries that we make ourselves the least, and

therefore the greatest, in the Kingdom of God.

4. Early Christian writings, taking their inspiration from the

Psalms and the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament, often

present human life as the result of a choice between two con-

trasting “ways.” One style of living is set against an opposite

one, often through the use of metaphors. A contemporary form

of the “way of good versus the way of evil” teaching would be

some of our cowboy-western movies, in which the good guys

are dressed in white, while the bad guys are in the opposite,

black. The Scriptures use similar contrasting images. The just

person is like a highly productive tree growing at the edge of a

clear and flowing river. The evil person is like a plant withering

in a sun-baked desert land.

The readings from Wisdom and James relate to this teaching

of the “two ways.” James says that vice and virtue are revealed

through the fruits produced by a person’s life. The fruits of a

good life, a life of true wisdom, are peace, meekness and com-

passion toward others. The harvest of evil, on the other hand, is

jealousy, strife, hatred and unfaithfulness of every kind. The

reading from the Book of Wisdom points out the folly of at-

tempting to live the way of the unwise. Both of these readings

remind us that we are often divided even within ourselves. Set-

backs and sufferings often contribute to our losing a sense of

direction. But faith can also allow us to transcend those pains in

human life.

5. All three readings today challenge us to be at peace within

ourselves. Jesus sacrificed his life, thereby giving us not only an

example but the actual assistance of His Spirit to live our lives

according to the way of wisdom. Those who remain faithful to
this teaching stand in opposition to the many manifestations of

evil around us. They also enflesh the Gospel with their very

lives, and serve to invite other men and women, boys and girls,

to “welcome the Lord” in their midst.

Rev. Ronald Krisman

Associate Director

NCCB, Bishops’ Committee on

the Liturgy

Commissioning Rites

Introduction

Parish catechists, many of whom are volunteers, may be en-
gaged in catechizing adults, young people, children, or those

with special needs. Theirs is a particular way of carrying out the

promise which the Church makes at every baptism: to support,

pray for, and instruct the baptized and foster their growth in

faith. The fundamental tasks of the catechist are to proclaim

Christ’s message, to participate in efforts to develop community,

to lead people to worship, and to motivate them to serve

others (NCD #213). Indeed, each catechist is called to

welcoming the Lord into the lives of others.

The special ceremony or commissioning rite, in which we call

forth catechists and officially recognize them to carry out the

ministry of the Word, is of special importance in the celebration

of Catechetical Sunday. This ceremony is one of recognition

and support for the catechist, as well as a conferral of the pro-

found responsibility of sharing the light of faith.

The rite of commissioning usually takes place within a Euchar-

istic liturgy, but may be scheduled at another time more

convenient to those involved. Maximum parish participation is

desirable since the very nature of Catechetical Sunday is to cele-

brate within the parish community. It is suggested that represen-

tatives of different parish committees, the parish council, the

parish DRE and the school principal, and other leaders take an

active role in the rite itself. This will give a more complete sign

of the dedication of the parish to total religious education.

In adapting these rites for use in your parish, it is important to

remember that each catechist should be called by name, and

each catechist should receive a recognizable symbol of the

responsibility he/she now assumes. In parishes where family-

centered catechetical programs are flourishing, care should be

taken to emphasize the role of the parents as catechists. Some

dioceses adapt the commissioning rite into a large ceremony

held in the cathedral with the bishop. Your parish planning

group should be very creative in making this ceremony as

vibrant a celebration of catechesis as is possible in your locale.



8

Rite of Commissioning

During a Eucharistic Liturgy

Entrance Rite

The entrance song should have a community theme or be

related to a theme taken from the Scripture reading of Catecheti-

cal Sunday. The catechists can rightly be part of the entrance

procession along with the liturgical ministers. In greeting the

assembly, the celebrant should announce the theme of the day

and indicate the kinds of catechetical ministries represented in

the community. The penitential rite and liturgy of the Word

proceed as usual. When a Sunday Liturgy is celebrated, the
Sunday readings must be used.

Homily

Suggestions for the homily are found elsewhere in this book.

After the homily and creed, the priest should describe the pur-

pose and importance of the rite of commissioning.

The Rite of Commissioning

INSTRUCTION

Priest:

God, our Father, has given our parish a very great gift. This gift

is Good News which was embodied in His Son, Jesus. We share
the responsibility of ministering to others in our community and

extending the Good News of the Gospel which we have heard.

Some of the members of our parish have responded in a special

way to welcoming the Lord through involvement in the cate-

chetical ministry. We now call them forth and give them a com-
mission to be catechetical ministers of the Word of God.

CALL

Commentator

Let those who are about to be commissioned as catechists please
come forward.

(The president of the parish council, the director of religious

education, the school principal, or other appropriate parish

leader calls out the names of the catechists who then step
forward.)

PRAYER OF THE COMMUNITY (General Intercessions)

Priest:

As a sign of our concern and support, let us join in prayer for

these members of our community and for all who are called to

welcome the Lord. (Silent pause, after which the lector or some

catechists pray(s) the general intercessions. See page 10.)

COMMITMENT OF THE CATECHISTS

Priest:

(To catechists) My sisters and brothers, Jesus said to his

disciples, “Go into the world and preach the Gospel to all

nations.” Will you continue to grow as disciples of the Lord by

making every effort to hear the Word of God, integrate His

Word into your lives, and share His Word with others?

Catechists:

1 will.

Priest:

You have been called to become ministers among our people.

Do you promise to welcome Christ in our midst by bringing the

Word of God to our parish family through prayer, teaching, ser-

vice, and example?

Catechists:

I do.

Priest:

Are you prepared to fulfill all the responsibilities which this

ministry requires in fostering the faith of those directly en-

trusted to your care?

Catechists:

I am.

Priest:

Then this community of faith gratefully accepts your willingness

to respond to God’s call and, on its behalf, I commission you to

be catechetical ministers in our parish.

COMMITMENT OF THE COMMUNITY

(To the community) My brothers and sisters of

parish, realizing that we all share in the ministry of catechetics,

do you pledge your support for these men and women called

by God -from out of our midst, and commissioned by you as

catechists in our parish school religious education program?

Community:

We do.

Priest:

Will you endeavor, through prayer, witness, and participation in

our parish programs, to continue to be ministers of God’s Word

to each other, so that we may grow together in sharing in the

work of the Lord?

Community:

We will.

Priest:

Then, on behalf of our parish, I accept your commitment to

participate in and support the catechetical ministry of our

parish.

SYMBOLIC GESTURE

Option A: Symbolic Gift

(At this point, the pastor or his representative gives each cate-

chist a sign of his or her office.)

Priest:

(Name)
,
receive this as a sign of your com-

mitment to the catechetical ministry of our parish community. It

carries with it a pledge of our support through witness, work,

and prayer.

Option B: Symbolic Blessing

(The priest blesses each catechist.)

Priest:

“I give thanks to my God every time I think of you— which is
constantly, in every prayer I utter— rejoicing, as I plead on your
behalf, at the way you have all continually helped promote the

Gospel from the very first day. I am sure of this much: that he

who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to

completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1: 3-7)



Community Response:

The lector or other appropriate person invites the community

to demonstrate its support and recognition by applauding or

singing a thanksgiving hymn. Catechists return to their places.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins, with members of the com-

munity and catechists having the opportunity to present the

gifts.

Rite Designed for a Family-centered Program

Introduction

This rite is designed to be used within a Eucharistic Liturgy. It

calls for the participation of a limited number of families and the

larger parish family.

In preparation for the Eucharistic celebration, it is suggested

that the families proceed in with the celebrant and sit together.

The rite is designed to take place after the homily. It is sug-

gested that all participants renew' their baptismal promises as an

introduction to the rite.

The Rite of Commissioning

INSTRUCTION

Priest:

Today, these families have come together with the community

to celebrate their promise to proclaim the message and serve the

Word. They have responded to the call to welcoming the Lord

into the lives of others.

CALL

Commentator:

We ask the following families (please name them) to come for-
ward and stand before this community as they make their

commitments to be active participants in our family-centered

religious education program. (The commentator calls out the

names of the families and invites them to come to the

sanctuary.)

COMMUNITY PRAYER (General Intercessions)

Priest:

Let us pray for these families as they begin their ministry. May

the Lord strengthen them inwardly through his Spirit. May

Christ dwell in their hearts through faith, and may charity be the

root and foundation of their family life. Let us also pray for all

who have been called to welcome the Lord.

(After a moment in silence the general intercessions, page 10,

are prayed.)

COMMITMENT OF THE FAMILIES

Priest:

In baptism, God’s Spirit has made you His disciples. Do you

commit yourselves to this baptismal service of the Word among

yourselves and in our parish?

Families:

We do.

Priest:

Do you pledge to do your work generously and perform your

service in charity and joy?

Families:

We do.

Priest:

As pastor of this community, I send and commission you to go

forth into the parish community as a witness of God’s own

Word.

Priest:

Do you accept this ministry of catechist to the families in our

parish?

Families:

We do accept it.

Priest:

Will you, the families of our parish, accept the catechetical

ministry of these families?

Community:

We will.

Priest:

Will you offer your constant prayers and support to these

families as they carry out their catechetical ministry among us?

Community:

We will.

Priest:

As members of this Christian community, we accept your com-

mitment and pledge our support. May God, the Father of us all,

bless you and give you strength.

May the Lord’s Spirit be upon you;

May He proclaim His message and help you grow together in

His Love.

We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who lives
and reigns forever and ever.

Families:

Amen.

(The lector or commentator may invite the community to

demonstrate its support and recognition by applauding. The

newly commissioned families might then participate in the

presentation of gifts which begins the Liturgy of the Eucharist.)

Rev. Ronald Krisman

Associate Director

NCCB, Bishops’ Committee on

the Liturgy



General Intercessions

Priest:

(This introduction is suggestedfor use at celebrations of the

Eucharist in which commissioning rites are not used. See other

introductions to the General Intercessions in the commissioning

ceremonies themselves.)

We have heard the Word of God and have been challenged to
share more deeply in the Lord’s work by opening up our lives

to others. Let us pray that the Lord may strengthen His Church

to live a life worthy of the Gospels.

Lector:

• For Pope John Paul II, our bishop
,
our

pastor(s)
,
our parish DRE

,

and all entrusted with the teaching responsibility of the

Church; that they may excel in taking on Christ’s cross in ser-

vice of others, let us pray to the Lord.

• For the world’s leaders in government; that they may seek

after neither personal power nor prestige but rather peace and

reconciliation among all God’s people, let us pray to the Lord.

• For our parish community, that we may welcome the Lord by

living lives of openness and hospitality to all people, especial-

ly the poor and the defenseless, let us pray to the Lord.

• For all who have welcomed us as they would the Lord him-

self: our parents and teachers, and the priests, deacons and

sisters who have contributed to our religious formation, let us

pray to the Lord.

• For all dedicated men and women, and especially for those of

our parish, who witness to their faith through their service in

catechetical programs, let us pray to the Lord.

• For children throughout the world; that their gifts of

simplicity and trust might be valued by all of us, and that our

efforts in the world might help to make it a better place for all

God’s little ones, let us pray to the Lord.

• For all the students of our parish, of whatever age, that they

may continue to open their hearts to the presence of the

Lord, let us pray to the Lord.

• Other intentions: the sick, the recently deceased or other

special or local intentions.

Priest:

(Conclusionfor use when the General Intercessions are notpart

ofa commissioning rite)

Father, we are the children born of your love. Hear us in our

needs and strengthen us with the power of your Word. Help us

to spread the Gospel of your Son, who lives and reigns with

You and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.



4. Welcoming the Lord
11

Introduction In the Intermediate Grades

n the past, Catechetical Sunday materials

have focused on the parish celebration on

Catechetical Sunday with suggestions for

the Eucharistic Liturgy, commissioning

ceremonies, banners, etc. In this issue, we

are suggesting activities for various groups

which may be used on Catechetical Sunday

or other days of the week following.

The following activities are suggested for celebrating Cate-

chetical Sunday with various groups who participate in parish,

school, campus or other catechetical programs.

XXXX
X XX X
X XX X
XX XX XX
XX XX XX
X XX X
X XX X

XXXX

In the Primary Grades

Materials Needed:

1 sheet of white construction paper for each child.

Crayons or magic markers.

Large multi-colored letters: “WELCOMING THE LORD,” posted
on bulletin board before class.

Talk with the children about friends and how happy they

make us. Discuss what we do when we see our friends. How do
we look? How do we act? Then explain simply that Jesus is our
best friend, and we want to welcome him into our hearts. Talk

about ways they can do this.

Then have each child draw a picture of himself/herself with a

happy face, how he/she would look welcoming Jesus. Be sure

they print or write their name on the picture. If the Church is

not too far from the classroom, have them make a visit. Let the

children stand around the tabernacle, singing “JESUS LOVES

THE LITTLE CHILDREN,” or any other suitable song. En-

courage the children to talk to Jesus in their own words,

welcoming Him into their lives. The teacher might want to

begin the praying. After the prayers, all could sing or listen to

the song: JESUS, MY LORD IS WALKING WITH ME (from 2nd
grade record album, Jesus Is with Us, Sadlier) or any other

appropriate song. On the way out of the church, have each

child post his/her self portrait on the bulletin board containing

the words: WELCOMING THE LORD!
(Instead of going to church for the visit, the children could sit

in a circle in their classroom, singing, praying and posting their

pictures as suggested above.)

Sr. Margery, DRE

St. Joseph’s CCD School of Religion

Beltsville, Md. 20705

Materials Needed:

1 sheet of construction paper with six 2 }A inch circles for each

student.

Cardboard disc with a safety pin glued or taped on back.

Magic markers.

Talk with the students about welcoming. How do people wel-

come others? Who are some people that you welcome? On
what occasions? How do you welcome them?

Explain to them that, this week, the parish is celebrating the

religion classes. The celebration began on Catechetical Sunday.

The theme for this celebration is “Welcoming the Lord.” Dis-

cuss ways in which they and others can welcome the Lord in

their lives. Then have the students make buttons that would

show others that they welcome the Lord in their lives.

Samples of Buttons

X
weix Qr*i£

V

\

X Don*
’

/ QAA-just

CJticomc

i Q‘ G-

600
Close with an appropriate hymn.

Mrs. Sharon Dorak, 6th grade teacher

St. Joseph’s CCD School of Religion

Beltsville, Md. 20705



In Junior High School

Materials Needed:

Copies of LET US PRAY section of Prayer Service (Given below)

Introduction

St. Luke’s Gospel tells us that on the first Christmas night,

there was no room in the inn, no real welcome for Jesus when

he came to dwell as a person among humankind. Now he
comes to dwell among us, to gift us with his sacred presence, if

we but open our hearts and lives to him. Do we have room in

our little “inn?” Do we welcome him in as Lord and Savior. . .

or are we filled up with other things? Do too many things, not

of the Lord, mar the welcome?

Let Us Pray:

When I am filled with pride and stubbornness, let me welcome

in the humility of Jesus.

When lying keeps me from Jesus, let me welcome in the Spirit

of Truth.

When selfishness hurts another, let me welcome in your

compassion, Lord.

When I live in darkness, let me welcome in your spirit of light,

Lord.

When I refuse to forgive or ask to be forgiven, let me welcome

in your mercy, Lord.

When anger and fighting disturb our family, let me welcome in

your peace, Lord.

When I disobey and talk back, let me welcome in your respect

for authority, Lord.

When 1 dislike and talk against others, let me welcome in your

love, Lord.

When I fail to use my talents, let me welcome in your

generosity, Lord.

When 1 fail to pray and talk with you, let me welcome in your

sacred presence, Lord.

Closing Song:

Come UntoJesus (from Dallas Holm and Praise Album, Green-

tree Records)

Mrs. Margaret Mary Teague,

7th grade teacher

St. Joseph's CCD School of Religion
Beltsville, Md. 20705

In Youth Ministry

Behold!

I stand at the door and knock.

If anyone hears me calling

and opens the door,

I will enter that house

and we shall dine together.

Catechetical Sunday/Week can provide an excellent oppor-

tunity for youth to explore their own unique call to be servants

of the Word within the parish community. As the above adap-

tation of Revelations 3:20 points out, a crucial part of

welcoming the Lord is the process of listening to his invitation.

An interesting scripture study around a theme of recognizing

the call of God can be found in comparing and contrasting how

the voice of Yahweh came to four different prophets: Samuel,

Elijah, Jeremiah and Moses. Each of these prophets experienced

a degree of confusion or hesitancy in deciphering and wel-

coming the Lord’s call.

Process

After opening with prayer and creating a relaxed atmosphere,

divide the group into four presentation teams. Give each team a

typed copy of one of the following passages: Jeremiah 1:4-9;

1 Kings 19:5-3; 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Exodus 3:1-14, 4:10-16. While

giving each team ample time to become familiar with their

passage, distribute markers and five or six pages of newsprint to

each group. Instruct the groups that they will present the scrip-

tural story to the large group and that as a visual aid they should

create a pictorial flip chart to illustrate the basic plot. The charts

need not be artistic masterpieces; cartoon-type stick figures are

totally adequate. Encourage everyone on the teams to work on

the charts and remind them that they have only five or six pages

to outline the entire plot. Allow 20 minutes for each team to

prepare its presentation. Allow each group to decide how they

want to make presentations; they may wish only to paraphrase

the stories as one or more members explain the chart. After the

first team makes its presentation, take about five minutes to

process the story in the large group. Ask the entire group to

volunteer brief observations about the obstacles the prophet

encountered in responding to the call. Suggest that you are

looking for one or two word answers. Record the answers on

newsprint. Once the answers stop flowing, move on to the next

team’s presentation and repeat the entire process. Once all four

groups have finished, review the four sheets of newsprint from

the brainstorming sessions and ask if there are any common ob-

stacles which run throughout the four stories. Discuss how

these same obstacles might apply to youth today. To close the

session, read the above passage from Revelations, invite spon-

taneous prayer from the group and close with the Our Father.

John Farnsworth

Youth Ministry

USCC Department of Education



In Campus Ministry

The essay in this week's issue of Time magazine has great

poignancy. It is entitled, "The Man in the Water” and refers to a

hero of the air crash in Washington, D.C. Some of us will love

to such an heroic degree. Most of us will never be called on

directly to give our lives in this way. Today the pressing needs

of our brothers and sisters have never been more tangible;

however, we in campus and young adult ministry cannot expect

to answer all these questions. We'd be fools to try! The genius

of this apostolate rests in those wise ministers who call upon the

young to walk with us, shoulder to shoulder, and teach, by

word and work, the love of our God.

Recently, programs geared to young adult ages have begun to

spring up on campus, in dioceses and religious communities.

Their goal? To channel interested college graduates and other

young adults to the service of the poor and needy. Much of this

information has crossed our desks and the message packs a

wonderful possibility along the lines of the Peace Corps, Vista,

and similar programs conducted by the Church. For too long,

generalizations of universal apathy and neohedonism have stig-

matized young women and men.

On Catechetical Sunday we can educate to the issue by ad-

dressing especially our campuses and young adult programs.

Yes, youth are called to quiet heroism day after day. Thousands

of their peers are already living the Word of God by tutoring,

rehabilitating homes, visiting the poor and the aged and

becoming advocates of justice and peace in the local arena. Our

youth simply must be seven day “pulpits” in the areas we’ll

never reach, teaching people we'll not see in our lifetime.

My task and yours is that of encouraging mutual information

and inspiration. Why should we hesitate or fear? The Spirit of

the Lord is with us. He has chosen us. He has sent us. And the

time is now.

The following is a suggested prayer service for Catechetical

Sunday or during that week.

We Shall Speak and Work for Our Brothers and
Sisters

Leader:

Are we the people who live for others, who teach the good

news by our lives?

Response:

With God’s help, we will be that people.

(repeat after each verse . .
.

)

Leader:

Are we the ones who give the shirt off our back when our coat

is gone?

Leader:

Are we a community on campus and in the parish, recognized

and known for our love?

Leader:

Are we young adults who thirst for justice and peace?

Leader:

Are we men and women courageous enough to make peace?
Who are strong enough to be gentle?

Leader:

Are we the ones who take seriously our titles— “Salt of the
Earth,” “Light of the World”?

Leader:

Do we believe the Spirit of God fills us and sends us in our

dorms, apartments, jobs, and classrooms?

All:

With God’s strength we will be that people called by him to

open wide the great debate about our prejudices and lack of for

giveness. With God’s help we will be students of His word and

teachers of that love. We will give a new and richer meaning to
the words respect and care. Help our belief, Lord, and accept

our pledge to You and to each other. . .in Christ’s name. Amen

Leader:

Blessing.

Conduding Song:

IAm the Light by Ray Repp (from the recording and songbook
Sunrise, In the Dead of Winter)

Opening Song:

Abba, Father by Rev. Carey Landry

1977 NALR From the recording Abba, Father

Prayer:

We thank you Father, Teacher and Lord. We thank you for
the grace of being together and we boldly ask what is your wish

for us. We ask for your Spirit to challenge us again and again as
we make your word come alive, as we preach with our very

lives.

We pray this through Jesus, our life. Amen.

Reading:

Isaiah 61:1-8

Silent Reflection

Homily

(Shared reflections may be called for by homilist)

F. Stephen Macher, C M.

Director of Campus Ministry

Niagara University, N.Y.



14

In Young Adult Ministry

“We must now develop and strengthen our pastoral plan for

young adults . . . until very recently . . . little attention has been

given them. Theirs is a very diverse world which is not easy to

penetrate. Frequently they suffer from terrible frustrations

rooted in their family life, their work, or their feeling alone.

Many find themselves without true friends, with few opportuni-

ties for spiritual enrichment shared with others, especially

through belonging to an alive Catholic Community. They make

up one of the most abandoned groups from the religious point

of view. They are part of the ‘anawimof our time’” (November

12, 1979 address of Archbishop Jean Jadot to the National Con-

ference of Catholic Bishops).

It was just over ten years ago that Kenneth Kenniston began

writing about a period of life after adolescence, but before the

assumption of normal adult responsibilities that he called youth.

This new group was composed of those who couldn’t seem to

settle down the way their parents did, who refused to consider

themselves adults and who often challenged the existing social

order. In so doing, they had not settled the questions whose

answers once defined what it means to be an adult: questions of

vocation, questions of social rule and life style, questions of

relationship to existing society.

Kenniston’s preliminary observations were further amplified

by the research done by the Institute of Life Insurance’s report

on the life cycle (Trend Report #8, Trend Analysis Program,

Institute of Life Insurance). This research discovered that the

period of young adulthood was emerging with some definite

characteristics. It was characterized in this report as a time of

experimentation with life styles, relationships, vocational and

educational choices. Personal freedom and individuality were

seen as primary. Responsibility, particularly any long-range

responsibility, such as buying life insurance, was seen to be of

secondary importance. Options and opportunities were seen as

important, and resulted in frequent and spontaneous change.

Even though there is a tremendous diversity in the young

adult population— married, single, students, blue collar workers,
white collar workers, unemployed, military, ethnic minority,

etc.— this trend analysis and similar studies since then, have
pointed to a stage in life that is identifiable principally as a point

of transition from adolescence to adulthood. This period is one

in which fundamental areas of decision making are identified

and made, such as where to live; with whom to live; if and
where to go to school; what kind of work to do; what kinds of

relationships to form; how to spend free time, money, energy;
what to value and believe, etc. These questions and how they

are answered become the focus for how a person understands

him/herself and his/her world. With increasing cultural pluralism

the possible ways of facing these questions and answering them

have greatly increased. One result of this and a response to it is

highlighted in the phrase option shock-, it’s just too much to

handle.

In terms of young adults and their relationship to the Church,

“They are among the most likely to sever contact with organ-

ized religion”
(
Sharing the Light of Faith #182). Young adults

are the ones most likely to be at variance with what the Church

teaches in terms of faith and morals
(
Religious and American

Youth). According to Gallup 56% of young adults who have

been baptized Catholic don’t attend Mass
(
Religion in America

1977-78). The assumption held by some in the Church that

those who leave the Church during their early twenties return at

thirty is generally not borne out in recent studies (March-April

issue of Action Information
,
Alban Institute). One major diffi-

culty concerning young adults and the Church is that most of

them do not fit into one of the traditional ministerial groupings,

such as grade school children, youth, married couples, families;

so they tend to slip between the cracks of the Church’s pro-

gramming. The implicit hope has been that eventually they will

slip into one of the categories for which the Church has pro-

gramming. The difficulty is that during this period of young

adulthood crucial decisions are generally made concerning state

of life, choice of partner and career. It must be recognized that

many in this age group are alienated from the institutional

Church and may be lost if greater emphasis is not placed on

their evangelization and catechesis
(
Sharing the Light of Faith

#183).

One of the most interesting pieces of data regarding young

adults that has recently come out from the Princeton Religious

Research Center has to do with the emerging spiritual restless-

ness that characterizes the young adult population. It runs

contrary to the assumption held by some developmentalists that

the primary concerns of young adulthood have little to do with

the Church or the spiritual. In fact, one of the major criticisms

of the Church by young adults is that the Church has lost the

real meaning of the spiritual, as well as being cold and lifeless

(Gallup, Religion in America 1977-78). According to the Prince-

ton Research Center’s study, there are strong indications that

many young adults are searching for a level of meaning that

goes beyond the available options offered by much of our con-

temporary culture. This search is leading them into a variety of

movements and activities which promise to lead a person into

deeper, more significant levels of experience and meaning.

Some of these are “transactional analysis, zen, psycho-synthesis,

est., color psychology, astrology, Tarot cards, organic food, bio-

rhythms, auras, ego status, stroking, the human potential move-

ment, alcohol, self-assertiveness training, marijuana, psychic

energies, and so forth” (P.R.R.C., Emerging Trends, Vol. I,

No. 6); this is not to mention the rise of cults and auxiliary

Christian movements.

Faced with this rather incredible yet partial listing of activities

and movements that are attracting the interest of young adults,

it seems quite clear that the desire for something more than

what they have is deeply rooted. The major difficulty regarding

their relationship with the Church seems to be that they don’t

see the connection between what’s going on in their lives and

what’s going on in the Church. To state the obvious, if a person

does not see the connection between what’s of concern to him

or her and what’s of concern to the Church, there would be

little motivation for involvement. The primary task would be to

identify points of contact between what’s happening in their



15

lives and what’s happening in the Church, or to phrase it a dif-

ferent way, to identify points of contact between what’s of

concern to them and what’s of concern to the Church. This is

simply to state the principles found in the document Evangelii

Nuntiandi. “Evangelization loses much of its force and effec-

tiveness if it does not take into consideration the actual people

to whom it is addressed, if it does not use their language, their

signs and symbols, if it does not have an impact on their

concrete life” (#63).

Before going on to the next section, list five of the major

areas of struggles or concerns that you think young adults have.

After you have read this section, compare your list with the

ones offered in the article. Are they the same? different? Com-

pare your list with two other persons . Are they different or are

they similar? How do you account for the similarities, dis-

similarities?

A short time ago, I spent a weekend with one hundred and

sixty young adults. I asked them what was of concern to them,

what things they were struggling with in their lives. The

following items were mentioned: wondering who I am,

accepting myself, dealing with conflicting emotions, clarifying

values, deciding where to live, trying to find out what I’m good

at, sexuality, deciding how I’m to live, and what I’m to believe,

family problems, rejection, dealing with guilt, learning to be

alone, loneliness, dealing with conflict, fear of responsibility,

being afraid to take risks, dealing with love, expressing affec-

tion, accepting failure, drugs and alcohol, money, career educa-

tion, wanting to belong, competition, single or married facing

new situations, health problems, the future, establishing,

changing, ending friendship, hopelessness, and boredom. As I

listened to these areas of concern and struggle come into

expression, I was struck by how much is really going on in their

lives. And that the old bromide “young adulthood is the best

time of your life’ ’ is usually offered by those who aren’t young

adults. The picture of young adulthood that emerged from these

concerns and struggles is far different than the media and Club

Mediterranean suggests.

Generalizations about groups of people vary between false-

hoods and half-truths. Read over and mark these generalizations

according to your opinion, then discuss them with others. Put

an X after your agreement (A), disagreement (D), or indecision (?)

Young Adults

1. A D p Are usually happy with who they
are.

2. A D p Wish to assume responsibility for
their lives.

3. A D p Engage regularly in premarital sexual
activity.

4. A D ? Are generally carefree and light-
hearted.

5. A D ? Know what they want to do with
their life.

6. A D p Are mostly interested in themselves.
7. A D p Have low moral standards.
8. A D p Are apathetic about the Church.
9. A D p Have concern about important social

issues.

10. A D p Resist meaningful relationships with
others.

11. A D ? Feel the Church helps them lead
meaningful lives.

12. A D p Are more honest than older people.
13. A D ? Wish assistance in vocational

planning.

14. A D ? Have a lot of friends.
15. A D p Place success as the first priority in

life.

16. A D p Find traditional forms of worship
satisfying.

17. A D ? Resist pressure to conform to ex-
ternal standards.

18. A D ? Are lonely and in need of friends.

One of the difficulties older adults and congregations have has

to do with the image of young adults as swinging, carefree, ir-

responsible, unconcerned, etc. Despite the fantasy of young

adults as being this way, the vast majority simply aren’t. They

are faced with major decisions in each area of their lives. In

times past the passage through these decisions was negotiable

more easily not only because there were fewer options to

choose from, but because there were readily identifiable land-

marks that were established to guide a person through these

decisions. These landmarks were composed of commonly

accepted beliefs, values and ways of doing things. Without

them, or where there are conflicting landmarks, a person is free

to blaze his/her own way, or else he/she is free to flounder. To

push the last image a bit further, floundering can look like

frolicking to the observer, but most often to the person

involved, it is more a matter of staying above water.

As I talked further with those young adults about those areas

of struggle and how they were dealing with them, the thing I

heard again and again was how important it was to have a

person that they could turn to or be with as they worked it

through. So I asked them to describe what this person is like.

The summary of their composite description is as follows: a

person who helped me sort things out, gave insight, accepted

me, listened to me, trusted me and helped me to trust myself,

treated me like a person, respected me, was struggling as well,

was understanding, was affirming, asked questions, gave hope,

offered gentle correction, gave me the time and space to work it



16

out, was patient, had and shared a dream, was there for me, was

faithful, was thoughtful and sensitive. What deeply impressed

me was how clearly they remembered and described this person

who was there or is there for them. It also struck me what a dif-

ference this person has made or is making in their life. A second

reaction I had is that the person is more important than the

issue, the concern, or the struggle. After the issue is resolved,

what remains, what’s remembered, is the person. It seems so

easy to confuse the two so that the focus is on solving the issue

rather than on being with the person. The tendency both in the

Church and in our society is to reduce life to the level of solving

issues and problems rather than allowing the person to occupy

center stage, and yet, for most of us, it seems that what we’re

looking for is not just the resolution of the issue or the struggle,

but on a much deeper level we’re looking for a person who can

be with us, that is, for us, on our side, one who knows us and

has our best interests at heart. When we find such a person, our

lives are changed by being deepened and enriched.

We do not forget such a one nor does the collective memory
of the Church forget such a one. In fact, the Church is founded

on the memory of the one who is with us unconditionally. The

description of those one hundred and sixty young adults is a

composite portrait of the one whom we call Lord. It is this one
who has initiated so vividly the experience of being called to life

and growth through the personal. It is he who so clearly reveals

the meaning of the personal. The Gospels are composed of one

situation after another in which he refuses to treat people as

issues, or problems, whether they be lepers, tax collectors,

pharisees, children, or young adults. He calls them to see them-

selves and one another as persons who are sinful, broken, yet

much loved. And it is in seeing one another as persons that the

context is created for the issues and problems to be worked

through.

The task of the Church is to represent or to reflect the person

that Jesus is so that the world can find in the Church what it

found in him. The underlying need of young adults comes into

sharper focus as I realized their desire to find someone who

could be there completely for them, not so as to take their

struggles away, but to free them and work them through in

truth. The Gospel intersects their lives precisely at that point,

because the Good News is that there’s someone who is infinite-

ly and unconditionally there for them, that there is someone

who is with them, on their side, who wants the most for them.

A major task of the Church is to help them discover that person.

After all, it is that discovery that lies at the heart of conversion,

and conversion is what lies at the heart of the Gospel. Their

sharing of struggles and concerns brought into sharp focus that

what they’re looking for isn’t institution or an idea about a

person.

One of the difficulties today is that conversion, when it is

discussed within the context of the unchurched-churched

dichotomy becomes a matter of affiliation, that is of attending

Church services, contributing to the Church, etc. While this is a

dimension of conversion, the more important and underlying

one has to do with a conversion or turning to the personal God

within the context of those who have been drawn to the same

reality. It is interesting to note that recent studies on why some-

one becomes churched or unchurched indicate that most often

it is the result of a personal relationship which either draws one

toward or away from the Church. So ministry with young

adults, as does all ministry, takes as its “starting point the

person” (Evangelii Nuntiandi #20). The starting point is not to

get them straightened out, fixed up, on the right track, or put

back together. The starting point is that they are more than the

sum of their struggles and concerns. They are more than the

gifts and talents they bring to the Church. They are more than

the issues or concerns they raise. In their persons they are great

gifts to the Church because of the great value that our God has

written into their lives. This inestimable worth is grounded in

an awareness of and respect for the personal. Without that the

Church is one institution among many others, its life is in the

functional mode, and it offers no hope and no life. In a real

way, Jesus’ ministry was simply a process of opening up his

relationship with his Father and then inviting others into that.

What he experienced and knew he revealed to others, so that

they, too, might know the Father. The task of the local Church

is to do as he did, to be with young adults, to listen and to

touch them, to open up their experience so as to help them find

the Lord already present and working in their lives, and call

them together with those who have experienced and known of

his presence, to become Church. To do that is Good News. To

be that is welcoming them to something that can change their

lives and the rest of the Church as well. I would close with two

quotations that very ably express my hope for what young

adults find the Church to be, “In seeing the Church, people

should have at least a glimpse of the Kingdom, a glimpse of

what it will be like to be united in love and glory with one

another in Christ the Lord, King of Heaven and Earth” (Sharing

the Light of Faith #67). The second is from Evangelii Nuntiandi

#21 . “Take a handful of Christians who, in . . . their community

show their capacity for understanding and acceptance, their

sharing of life. . .with other people. Through this. . .witness

these Christians stir up irresistable questions in the heart of

those who see how they live. Why are they like this? Why do

they live this way? What or who is it that inspires them? Why

are they in our midst?” In the following sentence completions,

choose the ones you feel are appropriate, and discuss them with

others.



17

1. I think young adults need. . .

a) a good kick in the pants

b) some old fashioned values

c) time and space to work things out

d) someone who really is interested in them

2. My reaction to this article is that . . .

a) it’s right on target

b) it makes a mountain out of a molehill

c) it makes some sense

d) it has little to do with me; the pastor should read it

3 Our church is like. . .

a) a well-oiled machine, organized and efficient

b) a country lake, calm and deep running

c) a circus, too much going on

d) an attic, drab and dusty

e) a family, warm and inviting

4.

If I were a young adult, I'd attend this church because. . .

a) it’s a warm, accepting place to be where people really care

about one another

b) of all the programs and activities it has

c) the liturgy is so alive and vibrant

d) the homilies speak to the needs of young adults

e) it has the shortest Mass in town

5.

The most important thing our church could do to reach out

to young adults is to. . .

a) have someone to work with them

b) have more programs for young adults

c) sensitize the congregation to their needs

d) have a more alive liturgy

e) take a more personal interest in the ones who are

already coming

6.

The most important thing I could do to welcome young

adults is to. . .

a) pray for them

b) find one after Mass and shake hands

c) help plan a welcoming party after Mass for young adults

d) sponsor discussion groups for young adults

e) sit down and have a talk with a young adult I know from

my neighborhood, work, etc.

Often it is helpful in taking hold of an issue to ask some

questions. The following are some you can ask yourself:

Next Sunday, look around at those who are at Mass. Do you see

many young adults? Why do you think they came? If there are
only a few, what do you think the reason might be?

“I feel like a stranger. Nobody has ever said hello, or asked my

name here, or even if they do, that’s as far as it goes.” Would

any visitor or person attending your church ever say that?

Would you be surprised if they did?

Is there an atmosphere of friendship and caring between older

members of the Church and those in their twenties or thirties?

Do you think they have any common interests or problems to

talk about?

Do members of your Church seem to care for others without

regard to life style (single, married, divorced, single parent, well-

dressed, not as well-dressed)?

What issues, struggles, or needs do you think would lead an un-

churched person to seek out your church? What do you think

he/she might hope to find there?

What do you see young adults doing in or offering to your

church now? What do you think they could offer?

James C. Kolar

Director of Young Adult Ministry

St. Paul Catholic Youth Center

150 N. Smith Ave.,

St. Paul, Minnesota



18

In Adult Catechesis

The following is an outline of a program for adults that can be

used in conjunction with the parish’s observance of the 1982

Catechetical Sunday theme, “Welcoming the Lord.” The

purpose of the program is to help adult parishioners determine

the ways in which they can welcome the Lord into their

individual lives, into their family life and into the life of the

parish.

As participants arrive for the program, they should be warmly

greeted at the door. Representatives from the parish’s adult

education committee, serving as hosts, can see to it that the

participants are settled and introduced to one another. Name

tags may be necessary if the number of attendants is large.

A soft-lighted room with background music and the aroma of

fresh-perked coffee can quickly do wonders to instill among

those attending a sense that they are indeed welcome and that

their comforts have been carefully planned for.

At the designated starting time, invite the participants to take

their seats. Once again, greet them and explain the overall

purpose of the session. Tell them something about the process

that will be used and answer any questions they may have.

Begin the session with a brief prayer service, using song and

other symbolic expressions where appropriate.

One prayer form might be to simply reread the Gospel for

Catechetical Sunday (Mark 9: 30-37). After a brief reflection

period, conclude with a vocalized prayer by the leader. If the

participants are accustomed to spontaneous prayer, provision

can be made for them to offer their own prayers as well.

The availability of candles, flowers and an enthroned copy of

the Scriptures can help set the proper environment for prayer.

Begin the session by offering some reflections on the theme of

welcoming the Lord. You may wish to have an invited guest

speaker address the topic. This has the advantage of hopefully

stimulating the participants’ thinking on the subject as well as

serving as an attraction for the program. Some participants may

feel more compelled to come if they know that an interesting

speaker is part of the program.

However, any guest speaker should not talk at great length.

The main purpose of the program is to give the parishioners the

opportunity of exploring the ways in which they can welcome

the Lord into their lives.

If no speaker is present, you may wish to draw upon the

following vignette from this year’s White House Prayer

Breakfast: One of the speakers, a Senator, spoke quite movingly

of his understanding of love. He told the audience of some four

hundred that love is not a virtue that should be exclusively

spontaneous. Love, he suggested, should also be planned for. He

said that we should try to identify ways in which we can do

some loving thing for others and then plan to carry that out.

Transferring this idea to the theme of welcoming the Lord, we

might ask ourselves in what ways we can plan to welcome the

Lord in our lives, especially as he comes to us through other

people.

Following the presentation, invite the audience to reflect in

silence about the various ways in which the Lord comes to them

individually, in family life, and in the parish community. Ask

them to also plan how they can welcome the Lord in each of

those situations.

You may wish to have paper and pencils available for the

participants to use for this exercise. Perhaps the papers can have

the categories of personal, family and parish already designated

on them.

After a suitable period of time, invite the participants to join

with others in groups of six to eight to share some of their

reflections about the topic. Explain, however, that no one is

being asked to share anything they do not wish. But they are

most welcome to share to whatever extent they are comfortable.

A good technique is to model the kind of sharing that you are

seeking of the participants. Share with the audience some of the

ways in which you see the Lord entering your life and how you

plan to welcome him.

If the participants have already been sitting for some time, you

might wish to call a coffee break now. However, if this is not the

case, you can leave it to later in the program.

Allow the groups time to explore the topic in sufficient depth,

perhaps 40-45 minutes. However, if you notice that some of the

groups are beginning to wind down, it is better to call an end to

this phase of the program.

Invite the participants back to a large group and ask if anyone

has any comments or questions stemming from the sharing.

If there was a speaker present for the earlier part of the

program, this may be an appropriate time for him or her to

entertain additional questions or to comment on some of the

remarks of the participants.

You may wish to give particular emphasis to surfacing parti-

cipants’ thinking on how the parish can welcome the Lord

during the coming year. This can be done in several ways. First,

the groups themselves can actively address this question, and a

group report can be made during the feedback session. Or, if

you feel that the groups should be able to approach their task in

a less structured way, you could solicit this information at the

general session. In any case, as the comments are offered, it

would be advisable to list them on newsprint. These sheets

would then become a valuable resource for the adult education

committee and other ministry groups within the parish.

When you sense that the comments and questions have been

sufficiently aired, bring the session to a close with some

concluding remarks. A good technique is to summarize the

program, paying special heed to the comments and questions

offered during the general sharing session.

The evening should end with prayer. One suggestion is to

create a litany of prayers for help in welcoming the Lord. For

example: “Help us to welcome you in the poor and downtrod-

den ... we pray, O Lord; help us to welcome you in our

children ... we pray, O Lord; help us to welcome you in the

events that make up our daily lives ... we pray, O Lord.”

After the closing prayer, once again thank people for coming.

Bid them to go forth and welcome the Lord in the ways they

had identified today.

Neil Parent

Adult Education

USCC Department of Education



With Persons with Special Needs

The varied needs of persons who are handicapped challenge

us to be creative in involving them in the preparation and cele-

bration of worship experiences. With the proper planning and

adaptation, the breaking of bread in the Eucharist can be a

meaningful and enriching opportunity for the handicapped to

“welcome the Lord.”

To enhance the experience and to help prepare for it, the

Eucharistic Liturgy may be preceded by a learning/prayer experi-

ence during which the handicapped will have an opportunity to

explore the theme as it touches their own lives.

Begin by inviting the participants by way of bulletin inserts,

pulpit announcements, or a special invitation by mail to join in

“Welcoming the Lord” in a special way during the week to

prepare for Catechetical Sunday.

Designate the time and place of the meeting and take care to

create a welcoming atmosphere in the meeting room. This can

by done by an attractive “Welcome” sign and a record or tape

playing an appropriate song such as Enter, Rejoice and Come

In. The host or hostess should be on hand to welcome each

person individually.

Invite the participants to express how they felt about being

invited, being welcomed to the meeting and preparing to

attend.

Each is asked to reflect for a few minutes on how they would

go about inviting the Lord to a personal meeting. Sharing with

the group may be appropriate at this time.

After the discussion, read the excerpt Luke 10:38-42 (Martha

and Mary) which relates in very concrete ways how Martha and

Mary showed hospitality on the occasion of welcoming Jesus to

their home.

Preparation can continue, helping those present to select

appropriate songs and when possible, to formulate prayers of

petition.

The meeting can close with spontaneous prayers inviting the

Lord to be with us in a special way today and on Catechetical

Sunday.

Eucharistic Liturgy (on a day other than Sunday)

Theme: Welcoming the Lord

Opening Song:

Enter, Rejoice and Come In

Celebrate God

Play before the Lord

Opening Prayer:

Lord, Jesus, we wish to welcome you today into our hearts,
our homes. You know of our love for You. Help us to show by

our words and actions that you truly live among us. We ask this
in your name.

All: Amen

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading:

Luke 1 :39-45, The Visit: tells us of the joyous welcome

extended to Mary' by her cousin Elizabeth and how Jesus

responded to that welcome.

Responsorial Psalm

Other appropriate readings:

John 2:1-12

John 4:4-15

John 12:1-8

Matthew 21:29-34

Luke 24:13-35

Luke 1:39-45

Marriage Feast of Cana

Samaritan Woman at the Well

Anointing at Bethany

Blind Bartemeaus

Emmaus

The Visit

Ask the participants how Martha and Mary made Jesus feel

welcomed. What are some of the things they did to show they

were happy to welcome him?

After discussion it may be appropriate to role-play the story.

Follow-up discussions should include Jesus’ desire to be invited

and welcomed into their own lives.

An invitation should now be extended to those present to

take an active part in the liturgy for Catechetical Sunday. Volun-

teers may be solicited to be lectors (braille reading quite

appropriate), participants in the entrance and offertory proces-

sions, representatives offering prayer petitions, Eucharistic

ministers if any have been installed to this service and host or

hostess to welcome the congregation. Sincere effort must be

made to include as many as possible since the handicapped have

a right to full participation as contributing members of the faith

community.

Lector: I wish to walk among my people; I need to walk with a
friend.

All: Here I am, Lord.

Lector: I would like to tell of my love; I need someone to listen.

All: Here 1 am, Lord

Lector: 1 wish to comfort the troubled; I need someone to bring

them to me.

All: Here I am, Lord.



20

Gospel Acclamation:

Speak Lord, I love to listen to your voice.

See Lord, here I am.

Gospel:

Luke 10:38-43, Martha and Mary: alternate forms of proclama-

tion adapted to the needs of the handicapped may be appropri-

ate to consider: mime, role play, signed interpretation,

amplification, etc.

Homily:

Celebrant must be made aware of the necessity to adapt his

homily to the needs of this special congregation.

General Intercessions:

Response: Hear us, O Lord.

Offertory Procession and Song:

All That l Am
Into Your Hands

I Heard the Lord Call My Name

Simple Gifts

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Eucharistic Prayers for Children - 1

Memorial Acclamation

In Him we live . . .

Amen (from Lilies of the Field)

Our Father: recited with gestures

Sign of Peace

Lamb of God

Communion Hymns:

Welcome Table

We Come to Your Table

Only a Shadow

Meditation Hymn:

Here I Am, Lord - verses sung by soloist, response by con-

gregation.

Prayer After Communion

We thank you Lord Jesus for accepting our welcome today.
May your graciousness help us to welcome You again and again.

We ask this in your name.

All: Amen

Closing Hymn:

Great Things Happen When God Mixes with Us

Speak Lord, I'm Listening

Joy, Joy, Joy

In Justice and Peace

If you went to the airport to welcome Jesus, how would you

recognize him? A more important question perhaps is what do
we do so that when Jesus comes he’ll recognize us?

For a clue, we might observe with whom Jesus spent his time
during his life on earth. First of all there were his apostles, then,

the poor and the needy (the sick, the misunderstood), and the

well-intentioned, like Zacheus. Do we recognize ourselves in

this group? What did Jesus do, what kind of relationship did he

have with these people? He ate with them, celebrated with

them, talked with them, cried with them, and prayed with

them.

Focus: Jesus did a lot of things with people; he spent most of

his time with the poor, the needy, and those willing to listen to

him talk about his life with His Father. He was close enough to

people to know them and their problems first hand. His life and

his teachings showed people how to live and how to deal with

their problems.

Now, what, you may ask, has this to do with justice and jus-

tice education? To put the issue into a context, justice used to

be known as a “cardinal virtue.” That is, traditionally, it was

recognized as a hinge virtue on which the Christian life de-

pended for balance. It still does; if we do not pursue justice,

non-Catholics get a lopsided picture of Christianity and our

credibility as witnesses to the life of Jesus is suspect. It’s the way

Jesus was recognized by his associates; it’s the way we’d recog-

nize him. It’s the way Jesus tells us that he will recognize us

(Mt. 25:3 Iff).

In 1971, Pope Paul VI, appalled by the conditions of injustice

in modern times, asked the Bishops Synod of that year to advise

him on how the Church should respond. The result was a study
of justice and Church: the Synod bishops looked both inside the

Church structures and outside to its involvement in the rest of

the world. The bishops issued Justice in the World that spoke to

the pope, the bishops, and all the members of the Catholic

Church.

This document has an especially useful section for teachers

which formulates criteria for justice education. The bishops

start out by saying that educational methods today are often

among the obstacles to a more just society. Therefore, they say

justice education calls for a process that demands a renewal of

heart, “a renewal based on the recognition of sin in its indi-

vidual and social manifestations ... It will likewise awaken a

critical sense, which will lead us to reflect on the society in

which we live and on its values; it will make people ready to

renounce these values when they cease to promote justice for

all.” Such talk, surely, comes under the heading of “hard

sayings”!

Sister M. Justa Walton, IHM

Consultant for Special Religious

Education

Archdiocese of Baltimore



But they go on: the educational methods used today, the

document says, “very frequently. . .encourage narrow individu-

alism. Part of the human family lives immersed in a mentality

which exalts possessions. The school [your school?] and the

communication media, which are often obstructed by the estab-

lished order, allow the formation only of the person desired by

that order, that is to say, people in its image, not a new person,

but a copy of people as they are.”

Values in our society today, which determine the production

and distribution of resources (even the essentials like food,

shelter, education) are often not based on human need, but on a

system that benefits those who have the power and wealth to

accumulate them beyond need.

In this context, then, justice education is not a “subject” to

be taught. It is not an extracurricular activity. It is not a hobby,

we engage in after hours. As the Synod document says, “Ac-

cordingly, this education is deservedly called a continuing

education, for it concerns every person and every age. It is also

a practical education: it comes through action, participation and

vital contact with the reality of injustice.”

One example of this “vital contact” in the American Church is

the Campaign for Human Development. It is an education-action

program to combat poverty in this country. It is an opportunity

for American Catholics to learn the facts about poverty (educa-

tion), and then deal with them (action). In this process, self-help

projects are funded through an annual collection taken up in

Catholic parishes throughout the United States. The projects are

evaluated, funded and assisted by Catholics in each diocese. The

fundamental purpose of the program is to bring together

Catholics and low-income people who suffer the powerlessness

that impedes full human development.

The program is distinctly different from the Church’s chari-

table efforts, but at the same time it is a companion to the

works of charity. Whereas charity usually deals with emergency

needs, and people are asked to contribute a few dollars or some

food to assist the needy, justice deals with the roots of poverty,

asking people to evaluate the systems (as the Synod document

says) that cause people to lack the very essentials of human life

and to do something about it.

Justice in the World clearly integrated the doing of justice,

this working for a more just society, into the mainstream of the

mission of the Church. The institutional church (hierarchy) is to

defend and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the

human person. The members “should act as a leaven in the

world, in their family, professional, social, cultural and political

life.”

The Synod bishops call this “a constitutive dimension of the

preaching of the Gospel, or, in other words, of the Church’s

mission for the redemption of the human race and its liberation

from every oppressive situation.”

The “constitutive dimension” of justice education that is the

task for all Christians, to work for a more just society, means

developing this “critical sense” and preparing students for this

“action, participation and vital contact with the reality of in-

justices.”

In the context of Catechetical Sunday and the liturgy and

catechesis accompanying it, the Synod bishops closed their

section on education for justice in the world:

“The liturgy of the word, catechesis and the cele-

bration of the sacraments have the power to

help us to discover the teaching of the prophets,

the Lord and the Apostles on the subject of

justice. The preparation for baptism is the

beginning of theformation of the Christian con-

science. The practice ofpenance should empha-

size the social dimension of sin and of the

sacrament. Finally, the Eucharistforms the

community and places it at the service of men

and women ’ ’ (Justice in the World).

If the task is to aid students to become “new persons” not

mere “copies of people as they are,” the implications for

teachers to be “new persons” themselves are challenging.

Response to the challenge may better prepare us to recognize

Jesus when we meet him.

Rosemary Dilli, SSND

Field Services Coordinator

CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT



22

With Families at Home

In Pope John Paul IPs exhortation, Familiaris Consortio, it is

said that the Christian family fulfills its prophetic role by wel-

coming and announcing the Word of God. Thus it becomes

daily a believing and evangelizing community. The Word reveals

the Good News of the conjugal and family life being sanctified

and made a source of sanctity by Christ, himself. The marriage

and the family life become a meeting place of the loving cove-

nant between God and man, between Jesus and his bride, the

Church. Therefore, Christian spouses, parents and children

welcome the Word of the Lord in and through the events, prob-

lems, and difficult circumstances of everyday life. God comes to

them revealing and presenting the concrete demands of their

sharing in the Love of Christ, for in Church is the particular

family in which they find themselves. This discovery and

obedience to the plan of God on the part of the conjugal and

family community must take place in “togetherness” through

the human experience of love between husband and wife,

between parent and children, lived in the Spirit of Christ.

To the extend in which the Christian family welcomes the

Word of the Lord and responds to it, it becomes an evangelizing

community. The family, like the Church, ought to be a place

where the Gospel is transmitted and from which the Gospel

radiates. In a family which is conscious of this mission, all the

members evangelize and are evangelized. Parents communicate

the Gospel to their children and, in turn, from their children,

they themselves can receive that same Gospel. Such a family

becomes the evangelizer of many other families and of the

neighborhood of which it forms a part.

In order to help understand the meaning of this exhortation,

it is recommended that family members set time aside and come

together to pray the following.

WELCOMING THE WORD OF THE LORD

Opening Prayer

Dearest Father, you are always revealing your love to us. You

have revealed that your Word will be present in the events,

problems, and difficult circumstances of everyday life. Help us,

today, to listen and discover what you are asking of each one of

us. Give us the courage to share with the other members of our

family how you are working in our lives. We ask this through
Your Word of Love, Jesus Christ.

Lesson

1. Read opening exhortation aloud.

2. Spend a few minutes thinking in quiet.

3- Share the meaning of the passage.

Reflection

1 . Share how the Lord is revealing his love to you through any

event, problem or difficult circumstance in your life now.

What is the Lord saying about himself and what is he saying

about you ? What is he asking from you at this time?

2. Make something that will remind you of what you just

shared and place it where you will be reminded of what was

shared.

3- What friend are you going to share this with?

4. Snack: Have some food together.

Closing Prayer

Dearest Father, thank you for helping us discover the mystery of

your love. Thank you for the tremendous supportive love of

our family. Continue to bless each of us and to heal us in our

struggles.

Say together with hands joined— SLOWLY
The Lord’s Prayer

Blessing

Someone in family: Ask for the Lord’s blessing on the family

and then say the blessing:

May the blessing of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

be with each one of us.

Note:

Come together once every two months and do this exercise

again. The Lord’s love is always working and revealing itself.

A half hour is more than enough time. Make adjustments

depending on make-up of your family. Certain children may

only be able to do the reflection partly, especially when making

something. BE FLEXIBLE.

Rev. Thomas F. Lynch

Representative for Family Ministry

USCC, Department of Education



23

With Catechetical Leaders

An Evening Bible Service
Entrance Hymn:

Praise We Our God with Joy or any other appropriate hymn.

Enthronement of the Bible

Introductory Prayer

Lord we have come together to welcome you as Lord and re-

deemer. We know that if you had not loved us first and offered

your life for us when we were still in sin, we would never have

come to believe in you, to know you and to love you. Not only

have you freed us from sin, you have even joined us to yourself

and chosen us to be witnesses of your saving words and deeds.

Make us ever humble and grateful for your goodness. Help us to

grow in likeness to yourself and to be effective instruments in

drawing many others to respond to your love. We welcome

you with all our hearts. Amen.

Bible Service Theme: “Welcoming the Lord with Catechetical

Leaders”

To be desirous and capable of welcoming the Lord is already

proof that he has taken the initiative and has welcomed you.

What else is such an exchange of welcome if not an exchange of

love itself. In this we have his own assurance: “It is not you

who chose me, it was I who chose you to go forth and bear

fruit. Your fruit must endure”
(J
n 13:16).

First Reading - Genesis 18:1-14

This reading is concerned with a scene of oriental welcome

and hospitality. It is rewarded with a theophany and a most

welcome message of God’s mercy. Note the opening verse:

“The Lord appeared to Abraham. . .as he sat in the entrance to

his tent” but “looking up he saw three men standing nearby.”

One of them (10) turns out to be the Lord (13-14); Abraham

only comes to realize this when he hears the prediction of the

miraculous birth of a son to be born of him and Sarah. He is

richly rewarded for the welcome of his guests and his faith in

the Lord’s message. This benefit has enriched us all. Reflect on

the virtues of faith and obedience as basic and essential to the

people of God.

All recite or sing Psalm 27:1-4 or any other appropriate psalm or

hymn.

The Lord is my light and my salvation

whom should I fear?
The Lord is my life’s refuge;

of whom should I be afraid?

When evildoers come at me

to devour my flesh,

My foes and my enemies

themselves stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me

my heart will not fear;
Though war be waged upon me,

even then will I trust.

One thing I ask of the Lord;

this I seek:

To dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

That I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord

and contemplate his temple.

Second Reading - Acts 11:1 9-26

Comment: While giving first attention to catechizing children

and adults and grounding them in right understanding of doc-

trine, morality and worship, the mission of witness entrusted to

catechists extends even further: to witness by word and

example the Catholic faith among separated brethren and un-

believers because it is the will of God that all men be saved and

come to the knowledge of the truth. At least your example may

strengthen your associates in their own belief in God and in

Christ.

All recite or sing Psalm 85: 9-14 or an appropriate hymn, such as

Faith of our Fathers.

I will hear what God proclaims;

the Lord— for he proclaims peace.
To his people, and to his faithful ones,

and to those who put in him their hope.

Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,

glory dwelling in our land.

Kindness and truth shall meet;

justice and peace shall kiss.

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

and justice shall look down from heaven.

The Lord himself shall give his benefits;

our land shall yield its increase.

Justice shall walk before him,

and salvation, along the way of his steps.



24

Third Reading - John 15:9-17

Homily:

The height of the call to discipleship is to arrive at that ulti-

mate union with Christ through love to which he invites you. It

is a share in the very union which joins the Father with the Son.

To live thus in Christ’s love is achieved through “keeping his

commandments” (10). That is nothing other than living the

Gospel life. This too is further simplified in total love for God

and for one another. The power to do this comes from Christ

who first loved you and in you imparts the grace to love one

another and, indeed, all mankind.

A period of silent reflection should follow and, time permit-

ting, an opportunity for sharing the fruits of the reflection.

Action - Cultivate an abiding disposition and attitude of

welcome of the Lord to the inner sanctuary of your being so

that you can always be at home with him there and discuss with

him as the disciples did, your mission of witness among people.

Prayer

0 Christ you welcome the poor, the afflicted, the lowly,
indeed all people of good will. By your grace many persons

experienced the saving benefit of your mission and welcomed

you to their homes. Mary and Martha welcomed you, and you

raised their brother Lazarus to life. Zacheus the tax collector

welcomed you, and you brought salvation to his house. We
thank you for having taken up your abode in us and chosen us

to be witnesses of the love through which the Father dwells in

you and you in Him, that same love which both of you have for

us in the Spirit so that we in turn can keep your commandment

of loving one another and of abiding in your love. Amen.

Other suggested readings:

Luke 10:1-11,16, 10:38-41, 19:1-10

John 1:35-42,6:44-51, 14:23-29, 17:9-19

Acts 4:32-35, 11:19-26

1 Cor 3:10-15, 12:4-11,27-31

Phil 4:1-9; Col 2:4-8, 4:2-6

Environment - A throne should be prepared for a sizeable open

Bible with lighted candles on each side.

Procession - If feasible, an enthronement procession can take

place beginning from the rear of the church or chapel and pro-

ceeding according to the following order: catechists, lectors,

other ministers, acolytes, deacons, priests. The Bible is carried

and enthroned by a deacon or, in his absence, by a lector.

Rev. Stephen J. Hartdegen OFM
Director, U.S. Center for the Catholic

Biblical Apostolate

USCC Department of Education



5. Coast to Coast Success Stories
25

St. Mary Parish

West Warwick, Rhode Island

St. Mary's Parish in the Crompton section of West Warwick is

conveniently located in the geographic center of Rhode Island.

The town is unique in that it has nine parishes in a relatively

small area and most of these parishes have very strong ethnic

traditions.

It comes as no surprise that the parishioners of St. Mary's take

great pride in the fact that their church is the oldest church in

the diocese of Providence.

Of the approximately 800 families here at St. Mary’s, about

210 families are served by the Religious Education Program.

Because of the absence of a parish school, commitment of many

dedicated people and responsible leadership, Religious Educa-

tion is one of the top priorities both in time and money.

We, in Religious Education, however, are always looking for

new and different ways to involve the rest of the parish in our

ministry. While we announce all programs via bulletins, flyers,

and the pulpit this year we were looking for a creative way to

“advertise” religious education. During the spring of last year

we already had an eye toward Catechetical Sunday as the most

opportune time to foster awareness about religious education, to

encourage active participation and to assure them, in a sense,

they were “getting their money’s worth.”

In the past years, either the associate pastor or myself, as

director of Religious Education, talked about the program at all

Masses on Catechetical Sunday. This year the Religious Educa-

tion Committee decided that several of its members would share

this task. Their purpose was twofold: 1) we thought that the

parish family would be much more attuned to listening to “one

of their own” who felt strongly about the program and 2) they

wanted an opportunity to talk about a program to which they

were deeply committed. Many of the comments after the

various liturgies reinforced this idea as a good one.

In addition, there is a core group of eager and willing teachers

who take advantage of the many opportunities offered, at both

the parish and diocesan level, for enrichment and growth in

their teaching mission. Because the diocese offers various levels

of certification, catechists can advance at their own rate.

What better time to recognize these dedicated catechists who

have taken the time to further commit themselves to Jesus and

the Gospel than with the Rite of Commissioning at a special

liturgy.

Because the pastor is chief catechist of the parish, he com-

missioned me as director of Religious Education and Lynette

Gemma as assistant director of Religious Education by the

ancient symbol of the laying on of hands. I, in turn, posed the

questions of promise to my fellow catechists. After their
responses, the pastor sprinkled the standing catechists with holy

water as a symbol of our baptism which empowered us to share

the good news with one another. It was at this time that those

who had been through vaiious certification programs were
recognized, not only by their colleagues, but by the parish

community. Cognizant of the role that we all share in the cate-

chetical ministry, the congregation was asked to stand and

pledge their support, participation and prayers for the success of

our shared ministry. And again holy water was sprinkled as a

sign of our call to grow in faith together.

After the liturgy, the families of catechists were invited to join

the staff for coffee and refreshments.

We all felt that this was an excellent beginning for our
Religious Education program here at St. Mary’s and that the

parish community shared in a deeper way in the ministry of

catechetics. We continue to pray that the Spirit will "fall afresh
on us" during the year.

Marie F. Adamo

Director of Religious Education

St. Mary Parish

West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893

St. John the Evangelist Parish

Little Canada, Minnesota

To highlight the importance of commitment to service, St.

John the Evangelist Parish in Little Canada, Minnesota, annually

invites its catechists, aides, and volunteers publicly to acknowl-

edge their call to ministry. The staff feels this commitment

needs to be witnessed by the congregation, which offers its

support and prayers for God’s blessing.

Cooperating with the archdiocese’s request to observe Cate-

chetical Sunday, the staff initially studied various commissioning

models provided by the national office. Reviewing these, they

adapted and added their own suggestions and developed a

process suitable for their needs. With the approval of the liturgy

committee, this process has been accepted as the parish model.

Personal invitations to participate in the commissioning ser-

vice are mailed to all catechists, aides, and volunteers. On Cate-

chetical Sunday, close to 100 ministers walk in procession with

the celebrant to reserved areas in the front of the church. Here

they are the focus of attention during this special liturgy whose

readings, hymns, and homily highlight the special theme of

service.

After the homily, the celebrant invites each person individu-

ally to approach him for a special anointing of the hands. Before

this anointing, the individual presents a 3 x 5 card to the parish

director of Religious Education on which has been written the

specific, personal talent of ministry the person is offering to the

Lord and to the parish.

During these presentations and anointing, the musicians play

the Sabbath Prayer. The congregation sings the adapted words

with outstretched arms, blessing and accepting the ministry of

those being commissioned.

After the liturgy, a continental breakfast is served to which the

families of the ministers are also invited. A staff member gives a

short motivational talk to inspire them for the year ahead.

Half-way through the year, the director returns the “talent”

cards to each person. She invites them to reflect upon how they

have lived out their gift. Everyone then renews their commit-

ment for the rest of the year.

Loretta Girzaitis

328 W. Sixth St.

St. Paul, MN 55102



26

Church of St. Bede

Hayward, California

Catechetical Sunday in our parish is a very special event.

During the preceding weeks, our pastor, Reverend Monsignor

George J. Francis, uses various methods to revitalize interest in

total parish Religious Education programs after the lull of the

summer vacation.

There are approximately 2400 families in St. Bede Parish

which is located in a lower middle-class and, recently, a some-

what financially depressed area. The predominant ethnic groups

in order of highest percentage are: Hispanic, Filipino, Asian,

Portugese and Black Americans.

Ours is an active parish with many efficiently functioning

organizations: Women of St. Bede, Men of St. Bede, St. Vincent

de Paul, Christian Action, Catholic Daughters of America, Legion

of Mary, CYO, Choir Groups, Altar Society, Commentators and

Lectors, Marriage Encounter, Baptismal Catechesis, and Young

Peoples’ Group. The parochial school is filled to capacity from

kindergarten through eighth grade. The Religious Education pro-

gram for the public school students serves 340 families with

established programs from preschool through high school.

There is a highly organized athletic program and the two large

gymnasiums plus the ball field are in constant use.

Prior to Catechetical Sunday, announcements of the event

were made from the pulpit, cards were distributed which sug-

gested various ways in which all parishioners could take part

actively in the teaching ministry of the parish. Hundreds of

cards were returned. A staff meeting'for all those engaged in the

Religious Education program was held. Each potential teacher

was interviewed privately by the religious education coordinator.

The actual event on Catechetical Sunday was a real parish

affair. Those who would engage in the teaching programs

during the year were called by name from the congregation to

enter the sanctuary. Suggestions for planning and a somewhat

revised RITE OF COMMISSIONING DURING A EUCHARISTIC

LITURGY found in the booklet CALLED TO SHARE IN THE
WORK OF THE LORD. . .United States Catholic Conference
were used. The choir and congregation sang appropriate hymns

for the occasion. Both the teaching staff and the congregation

were very impressed by the Liturgy. There was a unity experi-

enced which was truly Christian. This, of course, is our focus: a

parish family united in Christ.

Sr. Christine Kaelin

Church of St. Bede

Hayward, CA 94544

The Catholic Community of St. Francis

de Sales

Houston, Texas

The 1981 Catechetical Sunday theme, CALLED TO SHARE IN

THE WORK OF THE LORD, is one which is emphasized in our
parish community because it is the basic philosophy to which

our pastor, Msgr. Vincent Rizzotto, calls each member of The

Catholic Community of St. Francis de Sales. We are a parish of

2100 families, having a Day School (K-8) and a CCD program (3
yrs.-12th grade) with an enrollment of 1 150 students and 85

persons involved in catechetical service.

In July the parish catechetical leadership staff consisting of

coordinators of the Day School, CCD and Youth Ministry pro-

grams, Religious Education office staff, the youth minister and I

attended a weekend retreat for catechetical personnel at a local

retreat center. This was a weekend which invited each of us to

reflect on our personal “calling” and then to spend time

together as staff reflecting on our “collective calling” to serve

our parish in a leadership capacity.

Using the theme and logo of Catechetical Sunday, bulletin

notices drew attention to the coming celebration of Catechetical

Sunday and, as an awareness tool, announced CCD registration.

The theme was also used in the parish mailing encouraging

parents to enroll their youth in Religious Education classes,

“
. . . together, parents and catechists, we are called to share in

the work of the Lord— the faith development of young
people.”

The Saturday before Catechetical Sunday was a day of prayer

for all persons involved in catechetical service. The day chal-

lenged all to reflect on the theme, specific scripture passages

recalling the way the Lord called others to “Share His Work,”

and then discuss this in their small group. Groups were a cross

section of preschool through senior high catechists. After this,

each person was asked to spend time alone with one of the

“Call” scriptures, and to remember their “story” of how and

why they said “yes,” and finally, to share “their story” with the

group. The final discussion was to state what they felt could

help them better “Share the Work ...” This final phase was our

needs assessment for catechist inservice for the year.

The day closed with a prayer service during which each

person was called forward and presented an 8 x 1 0 certificate

calling them to SHARE IN THE WORK OF THE LORD. They
were asked to sign the certificate as their acceptance of the call

to serve, prepare, pray and continue their education, and

present it to the pastor at the evening liturgy. Msgr. Rizzotto

received their “acceptance” and commissioned them to cate-

chetical service for the coming year. A parish reception honor-

ing the catechists was held after Mass. The pastor signed each

certificate and returned it to the catechist so that it could be

appropriately framed.

The inservice programs have assisted catechists to better share

in the work of the Lord through prayer, building skills, etc. My

correspondence to catechists continues to bear the logo as a

reminder that we are all CALLED TO SHARE IN THE WORK OF
THE LORD, together.

Joyce Dunham

Director of Religious Education

Diocese of Galveston-Houston

The Catholic Community of

St. Francis de Sales

8200 Roos

Houston, Texas 77036



6. Appendices
27

Banner Suggestions

(ateehetieal Sunday

September 19 1982

Mark 9.50-37

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wfelcorries

you

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A/\atthew/

10-40

Cfp

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WHOEVER
WELCOMES
A CHILD

SUCH AS THIS
FOR MY
SAKE,

WELCOMES
ME



28

Bulletin Announcements

Sunday, September 5, 1982

(Two Sundays before Catechetical Sunday)

In two weeks our parish will observe Catechetical Sunday.

The theme for this celebration will be “Welcoming the Lord.”

Catechetical Sunday, celebrated in each parish across the

country, is intended to remind all of us of the work of the

parish in welcoming the Lord into our life as believers. A special

liturgy for our catechists and staff will be celebrated.

Sunday, September 12, 1982

(The Sunday before Catechetical Sunday)

Next Sunday is Catechetical Sunday. It is a time set aside to

call to our attention the ministry of catechesis in our parish. It

also provides an opportunity to call forth and commission those

men and women of our parish who serve in the many cate-

chetical programs offered for adults, youth, children and

families. The 1982 theme “Welcoming the Lord” challenges us

to reflect on how we welcome the Lord in our lives and how

we welcome the Lord in the life of our parish through our

service to others.

Please consider participating in the special Catechetical

Sunday liturgy we have planned.

Sunday, September 19, 1982

(Catechetical Sunday)

Today is Catechetical Sunday. A special liturgy has been

planned based on the nationwide theme of “Welcoming the

Lord.” Today, our pastor will commission our catechists and

catechetical leaders for this coming year to minister to all of us

through the many catechetical programs offered in our parish.

During this special liturgy today, let us pray for guidance,

strength, and courage to grow together as a parish family in

welcoming the Lord in our lives. Let us pray especially for those

men and women who serve our parish family as catechists.



Reproducible Art for Promotional Materials
29

Catechetical Sunday

September 19 1982

Mark 9:30-37





CM
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On

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a

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V

7





Commissioning Certificate/Form A

As the Lord Jesus called His Apostles to spread the Good News, so are

you called to do the same.

you are called by the parish

community of to the ministry of catechist

during the 19 school year.

God the Father, Jesus, and the Spirit haue empowered and commis-

sioned you through baptism to share the Word with conviction, joy, love,

enthusiasm, and hope.

As pastor and in the name of our parish community, I welcome your

response to this call in service to God's people. I offer to share with you our

faith, our prayer, our support, and our cooperation. May Jesus Christ, the

Word of the Father, deepen your faith in Him and in His Church.

DRE Pastor

Principal Date

As a sign of my acceptance of this call to ministry and service, I agree to
share the Word of God by preparing lessons well, praying for and with my stu-
dents, and cooperating with my parish and diocesan catechetical programs.

I pray that the Lord will fill me with His Word and empower me to proclaim
Him to the members of His family.

Catechist





35

Commissioning Certificate/Form B

you are called by the parish

community of to the ministry of catechist

during the 19 school year.

God the Father. Jesus, and the Spirit have empowered and commis-

sioned you through Baptism to share the Word with conviction, joy, love,

enthusiasm and hope.

As pastor and in the name of our parish community, I offer to share

with you our faith, our prayer, our support and our cooperation. May Jesus

Christ, the Word of the Father, deepen your faith in Flim and in His Church.

Pastor

Date

As a sign ofmy acceptance of this call to ministry and service, l agree to
share the Word of God by preparing lessons well, praying for and with my
students, and cooperating with my parish and diocesan catechetical pro-
grams.

I pray that the Lord will fill me with His Word and empower me to pro-
claim Him to the members of His family.

Catechist





37

7. Evaluation Sheet

for the 1982 Catechetical Sunday Booklet

(Would you take a few moments to complete and mail this form? It will help us

do a better job next year. Use the back if you need more space. Thank you.)

1 . How would you rank the usefulness of materials in this booklet?

1 2 3 4 5

useless excellent

2. What did you find the most helpful in this booklet?

3.

What did you find the least helpful in this booklet?

4.

With a view to designing next year’s materials:

a. What aspect of this year’s booklet would you omit?

b. What would you add?

c. Would you or your staff be interested in contributing to the preparation

of the 1983 materials?

YES NO

d. If yes, what materials would you be able to contribute?

If your parish or diocese created any materials for this year’s observance of Cat-

echetical Sunday, would you please send them to us?

NAME POSITION

ADDRESS -

City State Zip Code

MAIL TO:

Representative for Religious Education

USCC, Department of Education

1312 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20005





Domingo Catequistico-Septiembre 19,1982

Marcos 9 : 30-3

7

Departmento de Educacion

UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

Washington, DC



Indice delContenido

1 . Prefacio 3

2. Reflexion 3

3. Apdndice 6

Sugerencias para estandartes 6

Arte reproducible para materiales de promocion .... 7

4. Hoja de evaluacion 11

La pagina titular puede ser reproducida.

© Copyright 1982
United States Catholic Conference

1312 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.

Washington, D C. 20005



3

Recibiendo al Senor

1. Prefacio

Ayudas para Parroquias Hispanas o Bilingiies

n el nuevo formato del panfleto para el

Domingo Catequistico se ha incluido esta

seccion en espanol para desarrollar el tema

seleccionado desde una perspectiva

hispana. La seccion contiene una reflexion

basada en el tema “Recibiendo al Seiior,” y

en las lecturas para el domingo 1 9 de

Septiembre. Esperamos que esta reflexion

pueda servir: a los sacerdotes en preparacion para la homilia del

Domingo Catequistico, especialmente para la liturgia en la que se

honren los catequistas; a los encargados de los programas

catequeticos para que puedan preparar una tarde de reflexion

con los catequistas y motivarlos a cultivar la cualidad cristiana de

la hospitalidad que nos presenta el tema; a los catequistas que

quieran profundizar en el tema de la hospitalidad con las

implicaciones que trae para su ministerio o sacar inspiracibn

espiritual y ensenanzas que enriquezcan su comprensibn de las

Escrituras y aumenten su identificacion con el mensaje de Cristo.

La reflexion va acompanada por preguntas y posibles

actividades que salen del tema para cada uno de los grupos

parroquiales que esta directamente envuelto en la celebracion

del Domingo Catequistico.

2. Reflexion

La Hospitalidad: Arte Social

Todos hemos tenido alguna vez la experiencia de visitar

amistades o amigos que desde el primer momento en que nos

abrieron la puerta nos hicieron sentir acogidos, bienvenidos,

comodos, como si estuvieramos en nuestra casa o hasta mejor.

Muchos piensan que ser acogedor y hospitalario es algo natural

que se hereda del ambiente familiar en que crecemos y nos

formamos y por lo ranto es un don hereditario que viene con la

sangre como el color de la piel o de los ojos. Pero el arte de la

hospitalidad no es hereditario, se puede aprender; y si tuvimos

la buena suerte de crecer en una familia hospitalaria lo podemos

perfeccionar y hacer mas nuestro practicandolo no solo por los

beneficios sociales que nos trae sino por su gran valor espiritual

y de testimonio cristiano que representa. Como arte social las

personas hospitalarias exhiben estas caracteristicas: el deseo de

compartir con otros; la apertura a todas las personas sin fijarse

mucho en su rango social, economico, profesional o su raza,

cultura y religion; la habilidad de hacer sentir al visitante que sus

preocupaciones y sus intereses ocupan el primer lugar en su

atencion; y la solicitud y el cuidado para asegurar que el

visitante pase un tiempo agradable y comodo y que sus

necesidades hayan sido atendidas.

La Hospitalidad: Cualidad Espiritual

El arte de ser hospitalario va mas alia de una caracteristica

social y tiene raices espirituales muy profundas en la religion

judeo-cristiana. El forastero, el viajante, o el mercader que

cruzaba el desertico medio oriente en busca de fortuna, se

desplazaba en busca de comida o escapando persecucion y

dependia totalmente de la hospitalidad que le brindaban los que

encontraba en el camino. Esta necesidad sirvio para hacer de la

hospitalidad una cualidad que se tenia en alta estima. Cuando un

forastero era recibido en una casa, su persona se consideraba

sagrada y aunque fuese un perseguido por la ley tenia pro-

teccion y amparo dentro de los limites de la casa y hasta de la

ciudad donde buscaba refugio. Esta costumbre es la base de

nuestra tradicion moderna de acoger y proteger a aquellos que

se asilan en iglesias y embajadas o que emigran a otros paises a

causa de persecuciones politicas o de leyes injustas.

La Hospitalidad Honra al Anfitrion

El Antiguo Testamento, en las historias de los patriarcas, nos

ofrece amplia evidencia de la alta estima en que se tenia la

hospitalidad. Esas historias tambien nos ensenan que es el

anfitrion quien recibe los beneficios que siempre traen los

visitantes. Abraham, por ejemplo, se postra al suelo pidiendo a

unos extranjeros que lo honren con una visita a su casa y les

promete agua para que se laven los pies y comida para recuperar

las energias. (Gen. 18: 1-15). Esos visitantes fueron los que

anunciaron a Abraham que su esposa Sara, a pesar de estar ya en

la ancianidad, tendria un hijo para el ano proximo.

La historia de Lot nos presenta a otros visitantes que bene-

ficiaron a su anfitrion y le salvaron la vida. Al igual que

Abraham, Lot se postrb ante los dos extranos para pedirles que

lo honraran con su presencia y cuando ellos rechazaron la

invitacibn, Lot tuvo que insistir hasta que los extranos no

tuvieron mas que aceptar y seguirlo hasta su casa. Los hombres

de Sodoma, la ciudad corrupta, se sintieron celosos de Lot

porque los extranjeros habian aceptado su invitacibn y fueron a

su casa para mostrar su ira y abusar de ellos. Era tal el respeto de

Lot por sus visitantes, que para aplacar la ira de los hombres de

Sodoma, les ofrecio a sus dos hijas virgenes para que hicieran

con ellas lo que quisieran y asi dejaran a los visitantes en paz.

Los hombres, enfurecidos, no aceptaron la oferta, para buena

suerte de las hijas, y trataron de maltratar al mismo Lot; pero

gracias a los visitantes Lot escapo sin ningun dano y los demas

hombres fueron momentariamente cegados. En recompensa por

su hospitalidad, Lot y su familia fueron los unicos que sobre-

vivieron la destruccion de Sodoma ya que los extranjeros

conocian lo que iba a suceder e insistieron con Lot para que

saliera de la ciudad.

La Hospitalidad Marca del Cristiano

Sabemos que Jesus no tenia donde descansar la cabeza (Mat.

8:20) y por lo tanto estaba constantemente recibiendo la

hospitalidad de muchos, entre ellos fariseos, como cuando fue

ungido por la mujer de Magdala (Luc. 7:36) y cuando enseno la

leccion de no apresurarnos a tomar los primeros asientos (Luc.

14: 1-1 1); Marta y Marfa donde Jesus retorno la hospitalidad con



la resurreccion de su hermano Lazaro (Luc. 10:38; Juan 11: 1-44)

o cuando visito la casa de Simon y Andres y euro a la suegra de

Simon que estaba en cama con fiebre. (Mar. 1 :29).

Como visitante vemos que Jesus no descriminaba en las

invitaciones que aceptaba: fariseos, Pescadores, ricos, mujeres

buenas, y otras no tan buenas, fueron sus anfitriones.

Pablo cons'dero la hospitalidad como parte integral de sus

ensenanzas y encontramos mencion directa a esta cualidad en la

Carta a los Romanos: “Con los creyentes necesitados, com-

partan. Con los que esten de paso, sean solicitos para recibirles

en su casa” (Rom 12:13).

Los muchos y frecuentes viajes de los apostoles por todo el

Mediterraneo deben haberles hecho conscientes de la importan-

cia de ese ministerio. Sin una acogida calurosa y dispuesta a

soportar las inconveniencias de tener en casa a alguien famoso,

la tarea de la evangelizacion y el anuncio de la Buena Nueva se

hubiese hecho imposible. Por eso Pedro motivaba a sus

comunidades diciendoles: “Sepan recibirse unos a otros en sus

casas, sin quejarse.” (1 Ped. 4:9).

La Hospitalidad para con los Pequenitos

En el evangelio para el Domingo Catequistico, Jesus enfoca

otro aspecto de la hospitalidad que tiene mucha relevancia en el

mundo de hoy. “El que recibe a un nino como este en mi

nombre, a mi me recibe; y el que me recibe no me recibe a mi,

sino al que me envib.” No pensemos, sin embargo, que Jesus se

referia mcramente a los ninos. En la mentalidad Judla el nino era

algo de poca importancia y no contaba mucho. S6lo contaban

las personas adultas. Recibir a un nino quiere decir recibir a los

que no cuentan mucho, a los que la sociedad desprecia porque

no tienen ningun status, educacibn, dinero, o no llevan ropa

con las etiquetas del dia. Es cuando recibimos a los que

pensamos son inferiores a nosotros que nuestra hospitalidad

tiene valor espiritual. Despubs de todo, si recibimos bien a los

que pueden pagarnos en esta vida con halagos, regalos o

promesas de retornar la invitacibn, ya hemos recibido la

recompensa. Es cuando somos hospitalarios con los invilidos,

los pobres, los despreciados por los dem&s, que recibimos al

Senor y nuestra recompensa ser3 El mismo (Luc. 14: 13-14).

Los hispanos somos conocidos como personas hospitalarias

por cultura y tradicibn pero aun as! tenemos la tendencia a ser

hospitalarios con los nuestros y no buscar a los que en verdad

necesitan de nuestra hospitalidad aunque no sean necesaria-

mente del drculo Intimo de la familia. Hoy dia con la gran

cantidad de hispanos y otros desplazados por falta de trabajo,

guerras en Centro America, y persecuciones politicas, encontra-

remos muchos que necesitan sentirse bienvenidos. La Iglesia

tiene una responsabilidad grande de tomar las medidas

necesarias para hacer de cada parroquia un faro hospitalario en

que todos los que buscan un poco de descanso y proteccibn

por las persecuciones puedan restaurar sus energfas y empezar a

construir su vida de nuevo. Para esta tarea, la Iglesia tiene que

motivar a todos los fieles que abran sus puertas, sus corazones y

sus bolsillos para hacer esto posible.

La contribucion del catequista en esta labor hospitalaria es de

suma importancia. En su labor formadora tiene la gran responsa-

bilidad de cultivar una actitud positiva y de profundizar con sus

alumnos, desde temprana edad, en la ensenanza cristiana de la

hospitalidad hacia los que son despreciados o estan en

necesidad.

Preguntas para Profundizacion y Actividades

Para sacerdotes y diaconos:

i Existe en mi parroquia un ambiente de hospitalidad que hace

a todos sentirse como en su casa?

i Que esfuerzos hago yo como ministro y servidor de esta

comunidad en crear un ambiente de hospitalidad para todos los

que vienen en busca de refugio, consuelo, comida o trabajo?

i Que se puede hacer para mantener el ambiente de hospitali-

dad que ya existe o para crearlo si no esta presente?

— Fomentar la creacion de un comite de hospitalidad que se
encargue de dar la bienvenida a personas que se mudan dentro

del territorio parroquial, sin importar su condicion economica,

racial o religiosa.

— Asignar a personas que tienen mucho tiempo en la
parroquia y conocen a todo el mundo para que esten atentos a

las caras nuevas en la misa dominical y les extiendan una

invitacion especial para compartir despues de la misa en el salbn

parroquial. Este ministerio puede ser muy fructifero y lo pueden

hacer personas ya mayores que quieren servir a la Iglesia pero

no tienen los animos necesarios para ensenar o ser ministros de

la palabra o de la eucaristla.

Para los Encargados de la Catequesis

dTengo una disposicion de hospitalidad para con los cate-

quistas que buscan mi ayuda?

i Ofrezco a los catequistas mi tiempo y mi atencion cuando

necesitan de ml?

dQue hago para sentir a personas que fueron catequistas en

otras parroquias o en otros palses para que se sientan como

parte de esta nueva parroquia o para usar sus talentos en alguna

forma?

— Examinar las practicas de la diocesis y de la parroquia en
cuanto a la incorporacion de nuevos catequistas se refiere. Si

consideran todo entrenamiento como sospechoso, iniciar

cambios que llevan a prdcticas mas hospitalarias hacia los

“extranjeros.”

— Con motivo del Domingo Catequistico, ofrecer una tarde
sociable a todas aquellas personas que en otro tiempo o en otro

pais fueron catequistas para compartir con los nuevos cate-

quistas, formar nuevos lazos y conocer mejor los recursos

humanos de la parroquia.

— Ofrecer una tarde de reflexibn para todos los catequistas
para reflexionar sobre el valor de la hospitalidad en la vida

cristiana usando los pasajes biblicos mencionados en la

reflexibn.



Para los Catequistas

<Que cualidades tengo que me hacen ser una persona

hospitalaria?

i Qud cualidades necesito cultivar para ser m£s hospitalario o

serlo en el sentido cristiano que recibe a todos sin importar el

rango que tiene la persona?

i Creo un ambiente en que mis estudiantes se sienten

atendidos, cuidados, queridos o importantes?

— Establecer la practica de dar un poco mds de tiempo
cuando un nuevo estudiante se integra a un grupo para que

pueda sentirse como parte de ese grupo.

— El di'a de la primera reunion o clase preparar alguna activi-
dad en que los estudiantes puedan compartir sus experiencias de

sentirse bienvenidos en otros grupos o en otras escuelas. Usar

esa conversacion para dialogar sobre la lectura del evangelio del

Domingo Catequistico y la importancia que tiene esa ensenanza

en la vida del cristiano.

— Buscar alguna historia o cuento apropiado a la edad de los
estudiantes en que se pueda ver c6mo la hospitalidad es

premiada cuando el anfitridn no tenia ninguna idea a quien daba

hospitalidad y lo hacia sin esperar recompensa.

Marina Herrera, Ph.D.

Evangelizacion-Catequesis para

Hispanos Organizados, Inc.



6

Apendice

Sugerencias para estandartes:

* *

Domingo Catequistico

Septiembre 19, 1982

Marcos 9-30-37

ELQUE
RBCIBE

A UN
NI5SO EN

MI NOMBRE,
AMI ME
RECIBE



7

Arte reproducible para materiales de promotion:

Domingo Catequiistico

Septiembre 19, 1982

Marcos 9:30-37

Domingo Catequistico- Septiembre 19, 1982

Marcos 9-'30-37









11

Hoja de Evaluation

Folleto del Domingo Catequistico de 1982

^Podri'a tomar unos cuantos minutos para llenar esta evaluation? Sus comen-

tarios nos avudaran a hacer un mejor trabajo para el proximo ano. Que Dios se

lo pague.

1
.

i,C6mo clasificaria usted la utilidad de los materiales en este folleto?

Inutiles Algo utiles Utiles Muy utiles

2. <,Que le ayudo mas en este folleto?

3.

i,Que le ayudo menos en este folleto?

4.

i,Que aspectos del folleto deben ser omitidos el ano proximo?

5.

iQue le seria de ayuda en su labor catequistica que no aparece en este folleto?

6.

i,Estaria interesado en contribuir a la preparacion de los materiales para 1983?

Si No Si su repuesta es afirmativa, <,Que clase de

materiales puede enviarnos? Liturgias Un encuentro para catequis-

tas estandartes reflexion sobre el tema catequistico

otro

Nombre _

Direccidn

Diocesis_

PEDIMOS QUE POR FAVOR ENVIE A:
Sr. Mariella Frye

Departmento de Educacion

CONFERENCIA CATOLICA DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS

1312 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20005



^ . i
>

*
•

'i

*

i

Domingo Catequistico

Septiembre 19, 1982

Marcos 9-30-37