By Maria Huemmer, Communication Director, Texas Catholic Conference

A few weeks ago, Churches across the country joined together to celebrate Catechesis – the joyful sharing of our faith.

Catechists, those who teach our faith, are prime examples of those who illuminate Jesus’ life to others. The US Bishops have set the theme of the 2011-12 Catechetical year as “Do this in memory of me” which reflects the call Jesus gives to His disciples during the Last Supper. On Catechetical Sunday, which was celebrated in September, parishes were invited to reflect on the role that catechists, and indeed all parishioners, play in spreading the Gospel. Without our catechists’ time, talent, patience, and other gifts, our young (and not so young) would not be so blessed with the knowledge and truth of our Catholic faith. In classrooms and youth groups across our state, the light of Christ is being lit in our youth and our parishes.

However, it’s important to remember that not all catechesis happens in the classroom. As faithful citizens, we also bring our call as catechists, as teachers of the faith, to the public square. When we fulfill our civic obligations, guided by our faith, we serve as an example to others on how our faith informs our participation in the democratic process. We enlighten policy makers and our communities to the needs of the poor and vulnerable, the migrant, the unborn, and all who are voiceless or ignored. We lift up the memory of Jesus, who is ever present in the least of our brothers.

Jesus, the divine catechist, spent hours patiently teaching. Are we patient in explaining the teaching of Christ and why the truth and fullness of the Gospel must be brought to the public square? Jesus also dined with tax collectors and sinners, calling patiently for repentance. How do we treat those who encounter who are advocating against the positions of our Church? Is the loving call to repentance present in our words? Do our actions show that we recognize their dignity as a beloved child of God?

A contemporary Christian song lyric calls listeners to “Shine, make them wonder what you got, make them wish that they were not, on the outside looking in.” Let us pray that all that is good, all that is true, is conveyed through us when we advocate as faithful citizens, and that the loving light of Jesus is always a torch and a sign that we come in order to “remember’ Him who sends us to speak for His people.