SAN DIEGO — The Diocese of San Diego appreciates its catechists.
That’s the message behind the diocesan Commissioning Mass held each year shortly before the annual observance of Catechetical Sunday.
In September, Bishop Robert McElroy will celebrate two Commissioning Masses, one each for teachers of the faith in San Diego and Imperial counties. The first will be celebrated Sept. 9 in the diocesan Pastoral Center’s chapel, the second on Sept. 13 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Imperial. Both Masses will include a special blessing for the catechists.
“This is a moment to come together to reaffirm and celebrate the vocation of catechists,” diocesan Chancellor Marioly Galván said of the annual event, which will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with the Mass followed by a presentation by Bishop McElroy and a small reception.
Galván also serves as director of the diocesan Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry, which organizes the Commissioning Mass each year.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important to be together, to be and feel as one community,” Galván said.
Linda Arreola, one of the diocese’s master catechists, said that attending the Commissioning Mass is “a way of renewing and deepening, not only our baptismal call but also our call as missionary disciples to serve God and one another.”
“It is important to attend this beautiful celebration because the pastoral activity of the Church needs many lay people from our communities,” said Vicky D. Jiménez, who serves as religious education director at Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Pacific Beach.
“The ministry of the catechist is irreplaceable,” she said, “and we ask the Holy Spirit to give us the grace to continue in service.”
For more information about the Commissioning Mass or to register, visit sdcatholicdisciples.net.
