Share the HOPE we find in God

“Who are catechists? They are people who keep the memory of God alive; they keep it alive in themselves, and they are able to revive it in others.” (Pope Francis, Homily, Sept. 29, 2013). (Unsplash photo)

“Who are catechists? They are people who keep the memory of God alive; they keep it alive in themselves, and they are able to revive it in others.” (Pope Francis, Homily, Sept. 29, 2013).

On Catechetical Sunday, the Church invites us to affirm and bless our catechists — all those who share faith with children, young people and adults in our parishes and Catholic schools. We thank them for saying “yes” to God’s call, and we offer our prayerful support as they carry out this most important ministry.

To keep the memory of God alive is to remember all that God has done for us. Throughout the Scriptures, God is always seeking us with persistence, loving us with the tenderness of a parent, and inviting us into the fullness of life with Him and with one another. This is still true today!

To keep this memory of God alive is to tell a story of hope. In recent reflections, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Christian hope is about trusting that God is always near, most especially in the challenging moments of life. Knowing that God is near frees us, so that we have “the strength to persevere in love, aware that life offered freely for love cannot be taken away by anyone.” (General Audience, Aug. 27, 2025) Love always wins!

This, of course, is exactly what Jesus did. In a world filled with violence, hatred and division, he preached peace, love and forgiveness. For that, he was questioned, ridiculed and despised. Ultimately, he endured suffering and death on the Cross. Yet, even there he prayed, “Father, forgive them.” His love knew no limits, and His love saved all of us! 

To quote Pope Leo again: “This is what true hope consists of: not in trying to avoid pain, but in believing that, even in the heart of the most unjust suffering, the seed of new life is hidden.” Such a demanding message for us to live! Such a wonderful message our catechists (and all of us) are called to share in a world so in need of hope!

The theme for this Catechetical Sunday — and the catechetical year ahead — emphasizes our call to share the hope we find in God: “Always be ready to give an explanation…for a reason for your hope” (I Peter 3:15) So, we invited several people, who serve as leaders in faith formation in their parishes, to reflect on this year’s theme by sharing what gives them hope, and to explain why (link to the reflections here). As you read through their reflections, I invite you to also pray about these questions yourself: What is the reason for my hope? Why? How will I share hope with others each day?

May God help our catechists — all of us — to be tireless pilgrims of hope and faithful disciples on mission!

David Amico is the director for the Office for Discipleship Formation for the Diocese of Albany.