On the way to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” After the disciples enumerated some of the people’s understanding, Jesus asked them a more personal question, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter responded for them, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16) However, affirming a personal relationship with God — so precious a gift — begets a great responsibility. Jesus later would mission them: “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

We are all invited into this personal relationship with God so that we, too, can carry forth the “Good News to every sector of the human race” (“Evangelium Nuntiandi,” No. 18), for the Church “exists in order to evangelize.” (EN, No. 14) We evangelize by bringing the hearts of all people to a personal relationship with God as our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Son of the Living God. The General Directory for Catechesis states that the process of evangelization has several “‘essential moments’: missionary activity directed toward nonbelievers and those who lie in religious indifference; initial catechetical activity for those who choose the Gospel and for those who need to complete or modify their initiation; pastoral activity directed toward the Christian faithful of mature faith in the bosom of the Christian community.” (GDC, No. 49)

Our diocese clearly expresses this mission to evangelize in the pastoral initiatives of the Third Diocesan Synod. I am particularly pleased that we have a broad, shared concern for the ongoing Christian instruction and formation of our Catholic faithful In line with the Synod’s initiatives and the direction called for in the National Directory for Catechesis, we have made some changes in the Secretariat for Pastoral Ministry. We brought together the Department of Catholic Faith Formation and the Office of Evangelization to form the new Department of Evangelization and Catechesis. This change will give us a broader vision, help focus our ministry and direction as we continue to respond to the priorities of the Synod.

We have witnessed in recent times the dedication of several people in carrying on this mission in our diocese. I would be remiss if I did not mention Mr. John Rieschick, Deacon Antonio Ramirez, Sister Yolanda Gonzalez, and Sister Susan McCarthy who made sure that we continued to implement the Synod initiatives. On Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Diocesan Catechist Ministry Day, new leaders of the department were introduced: Rev. Loreto Rojas, pastor of St. Isidore Parish, Yuba City, now serving also as director; and Dr. Holly Peterson, coordinator of English catechesis. Both have much talent and broad experience and we are blessed to have them.

A large turnout of catechists and other pastoral ministers from various parishes — over 800 — gathered at St. Francis High School on Sept. 9 to launch a new year of handing on the faith. They did this by reflecting on their personal relationship with God. Echoing the question of Jesus, participants were confronted again, “Who do you say that I am?” Our catechists and other pastoral ministers are aware that only by a response that is faith filled and prayerful can they help lead their communities to know, celebrate, and contemplate the mystery of Jesus Christ. (GDC, No. 85)

Dear friends, I urge us all to encourage and help each other to promote and deepen our knowledge of the faith. Let us be creative in engaging people of every age, gender, ethnicity, and cultural background. (Synod, p. 6) The Church uses tools such as Little Rock Scripture Study, Disciples in Mission/Journey, as well as the Basic Catechist Certification classes offered at several sites by our Lay Formation Institute. As we lead our people to “the gradual grasping of the whole truth about the divine plan,” (DCG, 1971, No. 24) we also bring them to a fuller, more conscious and active participation in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist.

We celebrate National Catechetical Sunday on Sept. 17. This is an opportune time for all of us to reflect on our personal role in the teaching mission of the Church. What are we doing “to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ?” (“Catechesi Tradendae,” No. 5) Let Jesus’ final mandate to his disciples echo in the hearts of all of us, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

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