Prayers and encouragement to accept God's call to be Good Stewards from the diocesan administrator

September 16, 2004

Dear Friends in Christ,

"Stewards of God's Gifts" - This theme comes from the Sunday Gospel of this day when we celebrate national Catechetical Sunday. Catechetical Sunday is set aside by the Church for special recognition in the same manner as it does for vocations; for consecrated live; for worldly missionary work. Today our special recognition is for commissioning of parishioners who provide a very special parish ministry: CATECHESIS.

Catechesis fulfills the role of evangelizing in parish religious education programs and schools; in RCIA programs; in youth ministry and adult formation programs; in campus ministry program and prison initiatives. It fulfills the mission entrusted to us simply and profoundly, to make Christ known and loved!

While catechesis is one of the particular roles of the pastor, and parents are truly the primary catechists of their children, the entire faith community has an obligation to assist in this role. Catechists thus come forward from the laity to share this responsibility for handing on the faith to others.

When we hear the three readings of this day, the twenty fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Catechetical Sunday), together they help us to understand what it means to be good stewards of God's gifts. The prophet, Amos, leaving his home and his work responded to God's call to become a steward of God's Word. In Paul's first letter to Timothy we are reminded that the message of salvation, our greatest gifts, is meant for all. It also shows how Timothy would have learned from Paul, a true mentor, who was knowledgeable of this message. In the Gospel of Luke, although we may be confused about the steward's management skills and personal concerns, one thing is certain; his efforts "to make friends for himself" - was something that eventually, like almsgiving, would assist him in meriting a reward in the Kingdom of God. Those you teach in the faith, I believe, will become your friends.

I salute all catechists for responding to God's call to make Christ known knowing that the gift of faith is not only your own but one that is something that you are willing to share. I salute all catechists for resourcefully using whatever management skills you have, knowing that they are gifts from God to you, to boldly witness your faith by responding to the needs of others. It is not easy, but remember God is in charge and he will not fail you. Do not be frustrated. As you treasure your faith - with generosity you pass it on to others and you will be blessed in your efforts.

My prayers are that as you lovingly and willingly accept this role as Catechist you will be assured of the material and spiritual resources you adequately need for your tasks to be fruitful. Hopefully, these resources are readily given by your pastor and your parish family for the work of this crucial ministry.

Finally, to all catechists and all the faithful who support them, I express my deepest gratitude. You are the ones whom Christ is counting on to build His Kingdom. I also add thanks for all administrators of our schools, directors of Religious Education, RCIA and youth ministry team leaders, and all moderators of Catechetical initiatives in our Diocese of Sioux City for your good work. Let us continue to be good stewards of the gifts God has given to us.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Msgr. Roger J. Augustine Diocesan Administrator