On Catechetical Sunday, catechists receive affirmation in their ministry
October 1, 2025 at 1:20 p.m.
Joining their counterparts from throughout the nation, some 2,000 catechists serving in the Diocese of Trenton stood up before their parish communities on Catechetical Sunday 2025 where they were recognized for their vital work in passing down the faith to the next generation.
The annual observance of Catechetical Sunday unfolded in Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, when the community’s volunteer catechists were celebrated by their pastor, Father John Czahur, and Barbara Kane, parish catechetical leader.
Noting that the word catechist is derived from a Greek term meaning “to echo,” Kane said, “Our catechists echo the teachings of Jesus, passing on his Words, his love and his example so that others may hear and respond.”
In our parish, those echoes are powerful,” Kane said. “They ring out in the classrooms, where children laugh while playing games to help learn about the liturgical year or Mass. They shine in moments of kindness, such as when our youngest students colored pictures and made paintings for people who need encouragement and a smile. They resound when our OCIA [Order of Christian Initiation of Adults] team walks alongside teens and adults in search of Christ and longing to grow in faith. Every lesson, every prayer, every story shared is another way our catechists echo the voice of Jesus.”
Cindy Cullen recalled serving as a catechist almost 20 years ago when she taught her older son’s third grade religious education class. Although she stopped in order to tend to household and career responsibilities, she returned to her ministry last year after she retired and wanted to do something to “give back to my community.”
Cullen, who is currently a second grade catechist, noted that it’s a ministry that involves interaction with others and how “Teaching and learning are paired activities.”
“What I hope to learn from being a catechist is seeing my faith through the different lenses of others: the children, their families, fellow catechists,” she said. “I look forward to learning from others to deepen my faith.”
Yadira Hernandez, is excited to serve as second grade catechist’s aide for the first time.
While her two young sons are in the religious education program, she said she also “felt a special call to help our young people to know more about Jesus and our Catholic faith.”
“Catechetical ministry is important because it’s a way to mentor and help the children to develop a special connection with Jesus and our community through love, faith and kindness,” Hernandez said.
For four years Julie Joseph has alternated between serving as a catechist’s aide for the first and second grade classes.
“I always wanted to serve God and realized this is my chance by supporting the children” in their faith journeys,” she said.
“Children, from an early age, should understand the meaning of Christianity, Christian values and way of life, she said, and religious education “is an important channel to offer these insights to the children, apart from the living life example that the children experience.”
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Joining their counterparts from throughout the nation, some 2,000 catechists serving in the Diocese of Trenton stood up before their parish communities on Catechetical Sunday 2025 where they were recognized for their vital work in passing down the faith to the next generation.
The annual observance of Catechetical Sunday unfolded in Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, when the community’s volunteer catechists were celebrated by their pastor, Father John Czahur, and Barbara Kane, parish catechetical leader.
Noting that the word catechist is derived from a Greek term meaning “to echo,” Kane said, “Our catechists echo the teachings of Jesus, passing on his Words, his love and his example so that others may hear and respond.”
In our parish, those echoes are powerful,” Kane said. “They ring out in the classrooms, where children laugh while playing games to help learn about the liturgical year or Mass. They shine in moments of kindness, such as when our youngest students colored pictures and made paintings for people who need encouragement and a smile. They resound when our OCIA [Order of Christian Initiation of Adults] team walks alongside teens and adults in search of Christ and longing to grow in faith. Every lesson, every prayer, every story shared is another way our catechists echo the voice of Jesus.”
Cindy Cullen recalled serving as a catechist almost 20 years ago when she taught her older son’s third grade religious education class. Although she stopped in order to tend to household and career responsibilities, she returned to her ministry last year after she retired and wanted to do something to “give back to my community.”
Cullen, who is currently a second grade catechist, noted that it’s a ministry that involves interaction with others and how “Teaching and learning are paired activities.”
“What I hope to learn from being a catechist is seeing my faith through the different lenses of others: the children, their families, fellow catechists,” she said. “I look forward to learning from others to deepen my faith.”
Yadira Hernandez, is excited to serve as second grade catechist’s aide for the first time.
While her two young sons are in the religious education program, she said she also “felt a special call to help our young people to know more about Jesus and our Catholic faith.”
“Catechetical ministry is important because it’s a way to mentor and help the children to develop a special connection with Jesus and our community through love, faith and kindness,” Hernandez said.
For four years Julie Joseph has alternated between serving as a catechist’s aide for the first and second grade classes.
“I always wanted to serve God and realized this is my chance by supporting the children” in their faith journeys,” she said.
“Children, from an early age, should understand the meaning of Christianity, Christian values and way of life, she said, and religious education “is an important channel to offer these insights to the children, apart from the living life example that the children experience.”