The joy of the gospel fill the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come. With these words, Pope Francis sets the tone for the call to live as missionary disciples.
The word “encounter” has been placed in my heart since I began serving the diocese as director of Evangelization & Catechesis a year ago. We all have encountered Christ. Now we are called to share this encounter, renew our faith, cultivate our communities and empower others to do the same.
I pray you will join us for this day of reflection, fun, food (of course) and faith on September 7th from 8AM to 2PM at the Catholic Life Center. The Fall Gathering is open to ALL catechists, including priests, deacons, religious, directors and coordinators of catechesis from parishes and schools, youth ministers and campus ministers, as well as RCIA leaders, volunteer catechists and parents who have children in schools or are home-schooled.
We will follow same theme as this year’s national Catechetical Sunday theme “Living as Missionary Disciples.” Our day will begin with Mass, followed by thought-provoking reflections focusing on encounter, journey, accompaniment, and community facilitated by Becky Eldredge, local mom, author and theologian. We will celebrate at the end with a closing Commissioning ceremony. Lunch is complimentary, so make sure to RSVP before September 1. [Space is limited]
I’ll closed with this quote, “With the help of the Holy Spirit, parishes that foster this renewal of faith and the formation of evangelizers can transform the world. Living as missionary disciples, therefore is a way of being Church.” [excerpt from Living as Missionary Disciples. Washington DC: USCCB, 2017. Print.]
Peace.
Dina D. Dow, M.A.
Director