God's Word lives on in the Church

September is a month of anticipation, hope and new beginnings as children and young people begin classes and activities and adults fill their calendars with plans, meetings and special events. In a few days it will be a red-letter day, Catechetical Sunday, the day set aside to honor the 500,000 catechists nationally and the 4,000 catechists locally who minister in our parishes, missions and schools. 

This year’s catechetical theme, “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church,” was chosen by the U.S. bishops and touches on our foundation and current age. It serves also as the theme for October’s Synod of Bishops, dedicated to the Bible. 

The bishops preparing for the synod will study the Lineamenta, which emphasizes that the Word of God is larger than Sacred Scripture alone: the Word of God is Jesus Christ.

The “Word of God” has many meaning for Catholics. Among them are: 

* the pre-existent Word of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son or God;
* God’s Word at creation, through whom everything that exists came into being;
* Jesus Himself, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us;
* Sacred Scripture, God’s inspired Word; and
* Church tradition which realizes the Word through worship, teaching and mission.

The study document for the Synod states that “Christians are eagerly seeking the Word of God as the source of life and as means of encountering the Lord in a personal manner.” The theme is an incredible gift to every Catholic child, youth and adult.
Catechetical themes are meant to be celebrated on Catechetical Sunday and lived out throughout the whole of the catechetical year. We need to embrace this gift with gratitude and commitment. 

Here are some suggestions for parish communities:

* Begin this year with reflection on the Word of God as a priority in parish life.
* Train and form all those who proclaim the Word of God.
* Recognize catechists on all levels.
* Help parents, grandparents and guardians to hand on the Word of God.
* Plan Scripture study for different age groups among parishes.
* Provide Scripture sessions for adolescents.
* Use Scripture at every gathering and draw on each Sunday’s Gospel.
* Plan an intergenerational catechetical event at least once in the coming year.

For help with any of these, you may contact the Office of Evangelization, Catechesis and Family Life for resources. Please plan to attend Spring Enrichment, May 11-14, dedicated to “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” 

We appreciate the faith, commitment and generosity of ministers of the Word who serve as priests and deacons, theologians and educators, catechists in parishes and Catholic schools, catechetical and youth ministry leaders, campus ministers, writers and editors, members of diocesan and parish staffs, pastoral ministers and leaders, and those who serve the poor, ill, bereaved, disadvantaged and forgotten. 

We recognize and support all parents, grandparents and guardians in their critical role as models and mentors of the Word of God in the home. We ask God’s blessing on everyone called to proclaim and live the Word of God in this Church and in these times. 

(Jeanne D. Schrempf directs the diocesan Office of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Family Life.)

(9/18/08)