Catechetical Sunday
CATECHETICAL SUNDAY – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
Greetings from the Department of Faith Formation!
This year, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has chosen
“Always be ready to give an explanation … for a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15) as the theme for Catechetical Sunday.
This theme calls each of us, priests, catechists, students, parents, and the entire parish community, not only to grow in
our faith but also to be prepared to share what grounds our hope in Christ. The St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago
encourages and recommends a diverse array of activities (listed below) for commemorating Catechetical Sunday in your parish or mission community:
Suggested Activities for Catechetical Sunday 2025
•Communication from Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt: Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt sent a circular regarding Catechetical Sunday to all parishes and missions.
Please read his message during the Sunday Holy Qurbana and make sure it is shared widely throughout your parish or mission community.
•Special Holy Qurbana: Dedicate the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, September 21, to faith formation and catechetical ministries.
•Teacher Appointments & Blessings: If not already done, formally appoint the Sunday School teachers for the coming year.
During or after Holy Qurbana, introduce them to the community and offer a special blessing for their ministry.
•Teacher Recognition: Honor the long-serving teachers, especially those with 10, 20, or 25 years of service.
If possible, present small tokens of appreciation (e.g., certificates, prayer cards, or modest gifts) to express gratitude.
•Engage Sunday School Students: Allocate 10-15 minutes of the Sunday School class session on September 21 to explore
with students and parents the meaning of the catechetical mission, including how teachers, the Vicar or Mission Director, and
the Church at large contribute to nurturing faith.
•Teacher Testimonials: Invite one or more teachers to share their personal experiences and insights with the congregation
after the Holy Qurbana. Hearing their journey can inspire others.
•Interactive Activities: Some ideas:
1.Let children create posters around the theme of hope, faith, and witness to be displayed in the church.
2.Invite children to write short articles or reflections for the parish newsletter on what it means to be a witness of hope.
3.Compose collective prayers from students and parents for the teachers, asking God to strengthen them.
•Community Gathering: Organize a gathering after Holy Qurbana - perhaps a potluck or parish-sponsored meal.
•Parental Involvement: Encourage parents to talk with their children about the importance of Faith Formation, Sunday School teachers
- identify teachers who have played an important role in their family’s faith journey, and to personally thank them on Catechetical Sunday.
•Dei Verbum Bible Quiz / CML Contest Certificates: Recognize and honor those who have achieved distinction in diocesan or
regional contests, e.g., winners of the Dei Verbum Bible Quiz or CML contests, by presenting certificates after Holy Qurbana.
May Catechetical Sunday 2025 be a deeply blessed and inspiring moment for all. for catechists, students,
parents, and for our entire Diocese. May we all grow in readiness to give the reasons for our hope in Christ.
Prayers,
Fr. George Danavelil Director, Department of Faith Formation