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April 7, 2022
St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle
Office of Catechesis
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The Liturgy and Catechesis

Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, who served as the Holy See's Secretary of State under Pope Benedict XVI, once wrote that

in as much as it is the “the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit”, the liturgy can be called the permanent catechesis of the Church, the inexhaustible source of catechesis.

This may seem confusing at first -- we don't pull out a textbook during the Mass, and we don't lecture during Baptism. We're used to catechizing with words. But this isn't the only type of formation the Church recognizes!

While the liturgy utilizes words (prayers, readings, hymns, etc.) it also catechizes through a whole language of symbols, gestures, postures, and patterns. Through holy water we reflect on our Baptism, in which we died and rose with Jesus. By kneeling we enact our humility before the Lord and Creator of the universe, recognizing that we are mere creatures, while he alone is God. Through the liturgical year we enter into the rhythms of the Christian life, celebrating the feasts and observing the fasts. And in bread and wine we recognize the Body and Blood of our Redeemer -- really and truly present -- by which he won our salvation on the Cross.

In the coming days, as you celebrate Holy Week and the liturgies of the Sacred Triduum, pay attention to the prayers, gestures, hymns, rituals, and symbols. Reflect on their meaning and connection to Jesus' life, death, and Resurrection, and allow yourself to be drawn in to the reality they present. Pray that, in the liturgy, you will be transformed and brought closer to Jesus so that your ministry will reflect him and his love for the world.


Jonathan F. Sullivan
Manager of Catechesis
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana

Responding Compassionately to Families Whose Children Are “Out of Sequence” for Receiving the Sacraments

"We find an innate rhythm in this sequence of celebrating Christ reaching out to us and the outpouring of his grace sustaining us through the stages of natural and spiritual life. To us, it makes sense.

"So when we encounter parents who opt to delay the sacraments for their children—and contact the parish whenever the time seems right for them—it sometimes challenges our sensibilities. A feeling of angst may lead us to begin our conversations with a list of what families are to do. Instead, we should lead with an attitude of Gospel-inspired joy."

Reads more from Catechist's Journey...

Upcoming Young Adult Retreats

Two retreats opportunities for young adults in our diocese are coming soon:

The Pastoral Juvenil Retreat (May 6-8) is for Hispanic young adults ages 18-35. There will be talks, sacraments, prayer, and opportunities for fellowship.

Arise (June 10-12) is open to all young adults ages 18-39 and will include talks, prayer, sacraments, music, conversation, meals, and relaxation.

Be sure to let the young adults in your pastorate know about these exciting opportunities!

New VLCFF Cycle Starts Soon!

Did you know the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana is a partner with the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation from the University of Dayton?

Students from our diocese can take online courses for as little as $40. Courses are available in English and Spanish and are a great way for catechists, Catholic school teachers, pastorate staff members, and interested adults to be formed more deeply in our Catholic faith.
Nourished and Prepared: Praying the Mass in Lent
Jonathan F. Sullivan, manager for catechesis, offers a talk to pastorate staff members on the liturgical prayers of Lent at the St. Joseph Retreat and Conference Center.

Upcoming Events

Quinceañeras Retreat
Saturday, April 23; 9a-3:30p
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Lafayette)

Pastoral Juvenil Retreat
Friday, May 6 - Sunday, May 8, 2022
St. Joseph Retreat and Conference Center (Tipton)

Catholic Youth Ministry Campference
Friday, May 13 - Sunday, May 15, 2022
Camp Rancho Framasa (Nashville, IN)

Arise: Young Adult Retreat
Friday, June 10 - Sunday, June 12, 2022
St. Joseph Retreat and Conference Center (Tipton)

Day of Reflection for Attorneys
Saturday, June 11, 2022; 8:30a-5:30p
St. Joseph Retreat and Conference Center (Tipton)

Summer Scripture Institute
Tuesday, June 21 - Thursday, June 23, 2022; 6p-9p
St. Joseph Retreat and Conference Center (Tipton)

National Gathering on Christian Initiation
Wednesday, July 13 - Thursday, July 14, 2022
Loyola University (Chicago, IL)

Youth Ministry Summit
Saturday, August 13, 2022
St. Joseph Retreat and Conference Center (Tipton)
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