Introduction of Mass Materials and an Intercession for Each Sunday
Jan. 28, 20074th Sunday in ordinary time
Introduction
As we begin this catechetical year initiated by our Bishop last weekend, let us remember that we are called to be prophets in our day like Jeremiah was in his time.
Intercession
That we may all have the courage of our convictions and not be afraid to speak out for those in need, we pray ………
Feb. 4, 20075th Sunday in ordinary time
Introduction
As followers of Jesus we are called to be catechists by truly living our faith in our daily lives, being fishers of men and women today.
Intercession
That we may be people who bring good news to others by the example of our lives, we pray ……
Feb. 11, 20076th Sunday in ordinary time
Introduction
During this catechetical year we are reminded that our faith is worthless if we do not believe that Christ has been raised from the dead.
Intercession
That those who work for justice and peace may be fortified by their faith in God and the Spirit, we pray …..
Feb. 18, 20077th Sunday in ordinary time
Introduction
As we celebrate this catechetical year, we can ask ourselves are we bearers of Good News to others in our community?
Intercession
That the members of this assembly gathered here today teach the values of the Gospel by word and deed, we pray….
Feb. 25, 20071st Sunday of Lent
Introduction
During this catechetical year, the second reading today invites us to proclaim with our lips and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord.
Intercession
For all the members of this community of faith in this time of Lent that we may be examples of fidelity and conviction, we pray ……
March 4, 20072nd Sunday of Lent
Introduction
In today’s gospel, we are reminded to listen to Jesus. As catechists, we teach our children to listen to God in their daily lives.
Intercession
For those here present and all the members of our parish, that we be attentive to the voice of God in our daily lives in this time of Lent, we pray…….
March 11, 20073rd Sunday of Lent
Introduction
The word catechesis means “to echo” to echo the Good News in our lives. The good news in today’s readings is each one is called to be liberated but liberation will not happen if we are not open to change.
Intercession
For those who are struggling to overcome addictions of any kind may find strength and courage to persevere, we pray……..
March 18, 20074th Sunday of Lent
Introduction
Catechesis implies knowledge but also means personal intimacy with Christ. Am I aware that God truly loves me and is willing always to forgive me?
Intercession
For those who doubt the loving mercy of God for each of us that we may be able to forgive and receive forgiveness, we pray ……….
March 25, 20075th Sunday of Lent
Introduction
Living our faith during this catechetical year implies that none of us can afford to judge another person or throw stones at one another. Jesus forgives us and invites us to be forgiving also.
Intercession
For our parish community that we may be open to welcoming the stranger without prejudice, we pray ……….
April 1, 2007Palm Sunday
Introduction
As we continue this catechetical year we can reflect today that suffering is a part of life. It is important to remember that Jesus is always present with us in our suffering.
Intercession
For the suffering church throughout the world , that by their faith in Christ they may rise also with him in the day of the resurrection, we pray……..
April 8, 2007Easter Sunday
Introduction
The basis for any catechesis is the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. With hearts full of hope we celebrate this event with thankfulness.
Intercession
For the newly baptized of our community, that they may find the joy of the resurrection alive within each member, we pray ……….
April 15, 20072nd Sunday of Easter
Introduction
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles today demonstrates for us what it means to be catechists. We are called to enable others to come to know Jesus by our words and actions.
Intercession
That we may, by the example of our lives, give hope and joy to those who are in need of both in their lives, we pray …….
April 22, 20073rd Sunday of Easter
Introduction
As we continue to celebrate this catechetical year the Gospel today reminds us that we are the Apostles of today who are invited to tend the sheep, especially those in need.
Intercession
For all believers, that by word and action we profess out faith in the Risen Lord and answer his call, we pray ………
April 29, 20074th Sunday of Easter
Introduction
As followers of Jesus today, we take time to listen to his voice and to follow him. This catechetical year invites us to reflect on how well we are listening and responding.
Intercession
That the example of the Good Shepherd inspire those in leadership to give the example of serving those in need, we pray ……..
May 6, 20075th Sunday of Easter
Introduction
In the Gospel today, we are reminded of the commandment to love one another as Jesus has loved us. Are we willing to do that?
Intercession
For all catechists and teachers that their willingness to be of service to others be an example of God’s love in our world today, we pray ………….
May 13, 20076th Sunday of Easter
Introduction
During this catechetical year the promise of the Father is that Jesus and the Father will come to us and make their home with us. Are we willing to let this happen?
Intercession
For all of us here present that we may be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all our decisions, we pray ……..
May 20, 2007Ascension of the Lord
Introduction
Today’s feast reminds us, because of Jesus’ Ascension to the Father, we now have someone of our own who sits at God’s right hand enabling us to be a true witness of His.
Intercession
For all who proclaim the Word of the Lord, especially missioners that they may persevere in faith, hope, and love, we pray………
May 27, 2007Pentecost
Introduction
During this catechetical year let us invite the Holy Spirit to inspire us to use the gifts that we have been given to strengthen our Parish community---the church.
Intercession
For the members of this assembly, that with hearts full of the Spirit , we may proclaim in word and deed the Good News of Jesus Christ, we pray……….
June 3rd: The Most Holy Trinity
Introduction
As we prepare for our Catechetical Congress, let us remember that the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life.Catechesis shows the most intimate life of God with us - through Christ to the Father in the Holy Spirit.
Intercession
That God’s self-revelation given through his only Son, in the Holy Spirit continue to guide our catechetical ministries, we pray…
June 10th: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Introduction
St. Francis de Sales had special devotion to the Eucharist. Let us celebrate our Eucharistic Liturgy with the knowledge that the Eucharist nourishes the Body of Christ, the Church, and each individual communicant.
Intercession
That the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ nourish us and inspire us to share the truth of our faith as hopeful disciples, we pray . . .______
June 17th: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
This year is dedicated to the Ministry of Catechesis, may we learn to sit at the feet of Jesus, absorbing his words, receiving His love and returning love to Him. Human love suffused with Divine love – a disciple transformed by an encounter with Christ.
His/Her cup overflowing for others.
Intercession
That our motto “Live Jesus” inspire us to seek the more of Faith Formation which draws us to greater identity with Christ, we pray .. .______
June 24th: The Nativity of John the Baptist
Introduction
It is the entire parish that catechizes. John the Baptist calls us to announce the wonders of Christ. Let us claim our mission to herald and make straight the way for God’s true light, Jesus, our Lord.
Intercession
For our parish community, that we will respond to God’s call to announce the salvation of God, at home, in the parish and at work, we pray . . .______
July 1st: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Jesus, the true catechist, returns blessing for curse and love for hatred. Through life-long catechesis, we engage the continual struggle to bring about a new understanding of God and neighbor and to create a society based on this new understanding.
Intercession
That we may proclaim the Gospel with love, so that our faith is always shared with kindness and invitation, we pray . . .______
July 8th: Fourteenth Sunday in OrdinaryTime
Introduction
Jesus has handed onto to us the mission to share God’s revelation to the world. God is the sender of Jesus; Jesus is the sender of the disciples; the disciples become the sender of others. The story of salvation has survived because others have assumed their baptismal call to pass on the faith. During our year dedicated to catechesis, may we be the carriers, the visibility of God’s presence in our society.
Intercession
That we may alleviate fear and disbelief by proclaiming God’s saving message, we pray_
July 15th: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Catechesis leads people to enter the mystery of Christ, to encounter him, and to discover themselves and the meaning of their lives in him. The Samaritan is co-acting with God. He has obtained an understanding of the commandments that draws him to be Gospel.
Intercession
That all may live lives free from prejudice and discrimination, especially as we follow the example of St. Francis de Sales – Live Jesus, we pray . . .______
July 22nd: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary time
Introduction
St. Francis de Sales understood the story of Martha and Mary. The sisters symbolize side-by-side realities that are meant to be together. He knew the proper relationship and taught us The Direction of Intention by which we offer all our actions to God.
Intercession
That our service to others be rooted in a personal relationship with the Lord, we pray. . .
July 29th: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
When Jesus said, “When you pray, say. . .,” he began a tradition that continues to this day. Parents and catechists pass along the Lord’s Prayer by instructing others. The interiority of the prayer comes from attentiveness to the inner being of the human person in communion with God.
Intercession
That we will pray the Lord’s prayer attentively, allowing the Spirit to create a bond between the heavenly Father and us, we pray . . .______
August 5th: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
St. Francis de Sales was rich in his relationship with Christ. He was centered on Christ and deeply aware of his sacred dignity as a disciple. Live gratefully, graciously is our call today.
Intercession
That our highest goal may be to live gratefully, graciously, we pray . . .______
August 12th: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Our Christian experience in our cultural environment is guided by two catechetical principles: “compatibility with the Gospel and communion with the universal Church.” Do we find meaning and strength in worldly possessions, and human prestige? Or, does the hope of the Gospel, the power of the cross, and the promise of heaven enflame our hearts and give purpose to our existence?
Intercession
That we live vigilant, holy lives, we pray. . .______
August 19th : Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Our Baptism, like that of Jesus, is the call to sacrifice and reject all that refuses to be purified by God’s burning love. Catechesis is like the fire of God, it refines, purifies, and transforms us into the image of Christ.
Intercession
For our catechists that they will be on fire with the message of Christ, we pray . . .______
August 26th: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Jesus comes from a heart set on God that cooperates with the divine Spirit to love all people. This is the room where the banquet is being held, and the door to this room is narrow. Entering through the narrow door becomes possible with attention to life-long catechesis.
Intercession
That all may appreciate the working of grace in their lives, we pray . . .______
September 2nd: Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
St. Francis de Sales knew that self-love could blind us and he acknowledged the grace of God which enlightens us to know our abjection. Awareness of our limitations is a sign of conversion of heart which leads to intimacy with Christ, the goal of all catechesis.
Intercession
That we may concern ourselves about those not invited to society’s table, we pray. . .___
September 9th: Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Following Jesus is an all-consuming vocation. There are no halfway measures. Jesus is the way into communion with God and one another. This communion is needed for discipleship.
Intercession
That we may spend our life in service to others, we pray . . .______
September 16th: Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Jesus was a man of reconciliation in a world that had accepted, and even gloried in, division. He was struggling to put things back together that other persons were struggling to keep apart. We do not have to be pristine in order to approach Jesus. He proactively searches for us in order to bring us to Himself.
Our Catechists of the diocese will gather on October 27th to celebrate the joy, love and unity of mission which they experience as disciples of Jesus in the ministry of catechesis.
Let us remember all catechists in our Liturgy.
Intercession
That our catechists will have a profound understanding of being sent and nourished by the Church, we pray. . .______
September 23rd: Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Catechesis leads to conversion which is a lifelong task. Since “no one can serve two masters” the understanding of relationship with Jesus means striving to assimilate the values of the Gospel, which contradict the dominant tendencies of the world. Encountering the living Jesus Christ is the way which leads us to continuing conversion.
Intercession
That catechists will renew and invigorate their desire to serve the Lord when they gather at the Catechetical Congress, we pray. . .______
September 30th: Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Jesus calls creative disciples as catechists who can translate spiritual truths into social facts. Teaching and providing opportunity to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor is essential to faith formation. The real energy of God strives to rearrange the goods of the earth so all the people of the earth share in them.
Intercession
That the example of St. Francis de Sales, our diocesan patron, encourages us to promote simplicity and humility in all catechetical efforts, we pray. . .______
October 7th: Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Our faith is a gift, salvation is a gift, our very life is a gift. We cannot earn anything from God. Our acts of discipleship should be acts of gratitude for all God has given us. Let us be grateful for the catechists who unite themselves to Christ in the service of catechesis.
Intercession
That catechists may be inspired by the faith and ministry of St. Francis de Sales and
St. Jane de Chantal, we pray. . .______
October 14th: Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
The returning Leper in today’s Gospel focuses on the power of one and what seizing the second chance entails—praising God, thanking Jesus, and following his way of life. These three aspects are intertwined into the Catechetical endeavors ofour diocese. Together they constitute a transformation of consciousness.
Intercession
That our approaching Catechetical Congress will be a source of transformation of our catechetical ministries, we pray. . .______
October 21st: Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
The widow in today’s Gospel shows amazing persistence and focus on God. Faith is focusing on the promises of God with the expectation that they will be fulfilled. Catecheses focuses on the promises of God under the action of the Holy Spirit. With faithful persistence, we prepare for our Catechetical Congress.
Intercession
That our Catechetical Congress will increase the awareness that it is the entire parish Community that catechizes, we pray. . ______
October 28th: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
We rejoice in the many graces that were experienced at the
Catechetical Congress and we pray for the grace to renew ourselves as a parish that fosters faith formation for all.
Intercession
That we may be mindful of the mercy and gifts that Christ gives us so that we can be a parish alive with the message of Christ, we pray. . .______
November 4th: Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
The dynamic of Zacchaeus seeking Jesus and then Jesus taking the initiative and inviting himself into Zacchaeus’s house is a catechetical moment. Jesus wants to dwell within him, to shape his mind according to his own. The goal of all catechesis is to lead the person to intimacy with Christ.
Intercession
That all catechists will be inviting with the message of Christ and foster knowledge of the faith and transformation in Christ, we pray. . .______
November 11th: Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Our knowledge of God illumines a relationship. But there is always more to the relationship than we know. At the heart of the knowledge of faith is a humble desire for the more. Let us continue to strive for more in our ministries of catechesis.
Intercession
That all may grow in knowledge and appreciation of the many expressions of the faith we pray. . .______
November 18th: Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Jesus prepares us to witness to the a way of thinking and acting that brings hope and joy to our world. No matter what the future holds, Christ is with us.
Intercession
That all catechists will bring the healing Word of God to our world, we pray. . .______
November 25th: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
Introduction
“Remember me” is met by “you will be with me.” The moment of openness becomes the moment of fulfillment. Christ the true King reconciled the world to himself.
A profound catechetical moment when human receptivity and divine initiative become Paschal Mystery.
Intercession
For the courage to be Christ for others through the ministries of catechesis, we pray. . .______