Author: bparker

Sunday, September 20

Catechetical Sunday, which is celebrated on the third Sunday in September each year, was established as a way for the Catholic Church to recognize and celebrate the gift that catechists bring to a parish community. It also provides us an 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. On Catechetical Sunday, parishes are encouraged to recognize the importance of catechesis and faith formation in building up the Church and in the life of the parish. Many parishes will call forward all those who work in faith formation, including religious education teachers, youth ministry coordinators, Bible study group leaders, OCIA coordinators, and others, to receive a blessing. The theme for 2026 is “The Spirit of the Lord us upon me…to bring good news to the poor” (Lk 4:18; cf. Is 61:1).

The Office of Evangelization & Catechesis in the Diocese of Rochester has created a special webpage for the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the sixth Bishop of Rochester (1966–1969). His cause for sainthood began in 2002. Declared Venerable in 2012 after recognition of his heroic virtue, and with a Vatican-approved miracle attributed to his intercession, the cause for Archbishop Sheen’s canonization as a saint continues with his beatification. His enduring legacy of evangelization and holiness continues to inspire Catholics around the world. You can find the webpage and resources for celebrating the beatification by clicking here.