Every year, since 1971, the Church celebrates the third Sunday of September as a special Sunday known as Catechetical Sunday. This weekend, at all masses, priests will especially bless all Catechists. Which means priests will bless all parents. The Bishops of the U.S. say in their letter about this year's Catechetical Sunday:

"Parents are truly the primary catechists of their children. They prepare the soil and plant the first seeds of faith. On Catechetical Sunday, we not only highlight the work of catechists in parishes and schools, but we also commend parents and guardians and encourage them to take seriously their role of making their Catholic households a place where faith is passed on to the next generation."

The focus or main theme for this year is "Teaching About God's Gift of Forgiveness." This is a great opportunity for all of us parents to recommit ourselves to grow spiritually in the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession, with the certainty, as the Bishops say, that:

"Even before anyone of us can consider seeking forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance, we know God is already at work in our hearts. God the Father pursues us down the byways of our life, intent to restore and share with us in greater measure a life of grace and union with him, which was secured at so great a cost through the saving death of his Son."

Faith Formation classes in English will start this week. Classes in Spanish already started. Several classes for adults will be available all year long. It will be a time of running from-school-to home-to church-to sports-to dinner-to music lessons; a very busy and at times tiring time. As we parents embrace our role as primary teachers of the faith to our children, Fr. Jack reminded me of the instructions of Yahweh to His people before they entered the Promised Land:

"Take these words of mine into your heart and soul. Bind them at your wrist as a sign, and let them be a pendant on your forehead. Teach them to your children, speaking of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest." Deuteronomy 11, 18-19.

Writing as a parent, I honestly confess that I tremendously love time off and it is easy for me to teach the faith while I am at rest. However, God's infinite love for me gives me the strength to teach the faith also in busy times. So, let's have a happy Catechetical Sunday and get ready for a great Faith Formation year!