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PARMA, Ohio — Soon after the start of the new pastoral year Sept. 1, the Catholic Church in the United States will observe Catechetical Sunday Sept. 15. The national council of Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education (ECED) has issued resource materials to Eastern Catholic parishes across the country in preparation for the launch of their respective Eastern Christian Formation programs this fall.
The catechetical theme for all Eastern Catholic Churches in the United States this year is “The Journey to Emmaus,” from the Gospel of Luke (24:13-35).
“In this Gospel, Jesus the Master Catechist brilliantly takes advantage of a pedagogical opportunity,” the ECED materials explain. “He attentively listens to Cleopas and his companion relate everything they have seen and heard about Jesus. When they finish speaking, Jesus begins to explain to them what they do not understand. His lesson plan has three goals: break open the Scriptures, deepen their appreciation of his presence in the Eucharist, and rekindle their hope.”
Priests of the Eparchy of Parma received an email July 31, with resources for Catechetical Sunday, including bulletin announcements and certificates for catechists. Catechetical Sunday is still not uniformly observed throughout the eparchy. Rather, pastors and administrators observe the day on the start date of the catechetical program in their respective parishes.
Caption: The poster for Catechetical Sunday 2019 for all of the Eastern Catholic Churches in the United States. Catechetical Sunday is observed Sept. 15 this year. (Poster: Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education)
As published in Horizons, Aug. 25, 2019.
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