Today is known as Catechetical Sunday and the theme this year is “Living as Missionary Disciples”. “Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays by virtue of Baptism in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel.”

Catechesis is such a distinct and special Ministry that we set aside a day to highlight this ministry to honor and formally commission our Catechists (one who teaches in the name of the church). We invite the entire church community to think about their responsibility to share their faith with others. We also must remember; it is not just those who come to teach each week. Moms and Dads are truly the primary Catechists of their children. Although we are extremely proud of all who have stepped up to bring their own experiences, wisdom and knowledge to our youth, we commend our parents and guardians and encourage them to bring faith into their households and live as Disciples of Christ.

So, today I would like to personally thank all of my Catechists and parents of our Religious Education program as well as our Confirmation program, our RCIA program and everyone in a teaching role of Catechesis who is devoted to making our youth responsible, caring and loving children of God.

In Peace,

Dear Parishioners,

Jesus is basically telling his disciples that following Him to the fullest extent that we can does not always make for an easy life.  Self-denial and carrying crosses of many different shapes and sizes awaits us all.  However, it is in the very nature of being a disciple of Christ that we must consider and act upon what Jesus asks of us.

Jesus begins this gospel by telling His disciples this knowing that His cross will be the instrument of His death.  They are shocked to hear Him say this.  Peter, in particular will not hear of it, “God forbid, Lord!  No such thing shall ever happen to you”, but Jesus firmly reminds them that God has a plan for the salvation of human kind and nothing will stand in the way.

He ends the gospel by reminding them that nothing in the world is worth losing your soul over.  These are wise words for the times that we live in when people want so much from the world and have trouble giving anything back.  Generosity of heart is what this gospel calls us to.  Jesus gave His life for our salvation—what will we give in return?