Catechists Help the Church to be Evangelizing, Says Archbishop

Archbishop José Antônio Peruzzo disseminates post for the day of Sunday school teacher that will be celebrated on August 28

CNBB

Dom PeruzzoThe Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Biblical support of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) released a message for catechists from all over the country, on the occasion of the day that recognizes them, 28 August, in the context of the recognitions also celebrated this month. The text is signed by the Archbishop of Curitiba Paraná, Brazil and President of the Commission, Archbishop José Antônio Peruzzo.

“On behalf of the Brazilian Bishops want to serve you on this date giving a word permeated with sincere affection and immense gratitude. . Although it is not possible to be sufficiently grateful to such dedication, with great simplicity, I offer a  grateful reflection”, wrote the Archbishop.

In the message, the catechists are invited to remember memory their vocation, reminding them of steps and challenges before the call to evangelize through catechesis.

“Your yes helped the Church to be Evangelizing; to be more Church. Your dedication to the role of Catechist (the) reminds us that the Lord Jesus wants to be known more for his love than by doctrine, “Archbishop Don Peruzzo catechists.

Dearest sister , dearest brother Catechist.

The ways of the Church in Brazil indicate the month of August with a noble particularity. The vocational theme receives strong accentuation: father’s [of a family] day, father [priest] day, religious day, day of the Catechist. Scheduled for August 28.

On behalf of the Brazilian Bishops I want to serve you on this date by giving a word permeated with sincere affection and immense gratitude. Although it is not possible to be sufficiently grateful to such dedication, with great simplicity, I offer a  grateful reflection.

I start by calling you to recall a personal experience very singular: remember when someone addressed the invitation to become a Catechist. Certainly it is present in your memory, sentences and context.Remember also your own reaction. Maybe concern, or doubt, or fear for not feeling no being able It’s even possible that you have touched on the concern for the lack of time …

Even so, although with so many objections, you accepted. I’m sure the reasons that moved to accept are still well present  … And the Holy Spirit was there: you moved, you stood, you were nervous. And behold, from your freedom and from your ability to love there was a movement of loving affection through you, by the community, by “your” students being catechized.

Today, having already passed much good time, maybe years, I offer you two very simple questions: did you give more or did you receive more? Did you learn more than you taught? It is true that discouragement sometimes presented itself; also signs of the cross became pronounced. But how much did you grow! How many signs of the proximity of God! How many experiences of faith. Catechesis is a path, a discipleship, a meeting that lasts through the years. But the Lord is never outdone in generosity. How grace!!!

Your yes helped the Church be Evangelizing; to be more Church. Your dedication to the roles of Catechist reminds  us that the Lord Jesus wants to be known more for his love than by doctrine. That is why the Brazilian episcopate thanks you, dear Catechist. And on this day, we praise the Lord for your Ministry. That God may multiply in you blessings and that blessing You are to our Church.
Archbishop Jose Antonio Peruzzo

Archbishop of Curitiba-PR
President of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Biblical-Catechetical Support of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops. 

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