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 Catechetical Sunday will be celebrated on Sept. 21. On this day, parish religion and Catholic school teachers are called forth and commissioned to do their ministry for the 2008-09 academic year. This year's theme is “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.”
The word "catechetical" is derived from the root "catechesis," which comes from a Greek word meaning, "to echo or resound." Therefore, catechesis is the act of echoing the Catholic faith. A catechist is one who teaches in the name of the Church.
 All Catholics, by virtue of their baptism, are asked to echo the Church's teachings and be witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus. A special collection will be taken up in parishes to support catechetical ministry.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers tips to help parishes observe the day and organize catechesis for the year. To download these resources, go to "Celebrating the Catechetical Year."
Catholic Charities assisting Gustav evacuees
Hurricane Gustav evacuees may go to most parishes in Arkansas to get assistance, said Sister Mary Lou Stubbs, DC, director of Catholic Charities of Arkansas. To learn more, go to Disaster Response Services.
Parishes will be reimbursed by CCA, which is using the diocese's Disaster Relief Fund to support these services. This fund is used exclusively to help those affected by disasters. If you would like to make a donation to this fund, mail your check to: Diocese of Little Rock, Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock, AR 72217.
Senior Day is Sept. 14 at St. John Catholic Center
The ninth annual Day for Seniors will be Sunday, Sept. 14 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Registration begins at noon. Jimmie Lou Fisher, a consumer education instructor for the Office of the Attorney General, will speak on identity fraud at 1 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. followed by a light supper. There is no cost but donations are accepted. The reservation deadline is Sept. 10. For more information, contact the Family Life Office or download the reservation form.
2008 Catholic Charities golf tournament is Sept. 28-29
 The 14th annual Bishop McDonald-Catholic Charities Golf Classic will be Sept. 28-29 in Little Rock. It includes a kick-off party, Mass and silent auction at St. John Catholic Center on Sept. 28. The tournament follows on Sept. 29 at Maumelle Country Club. To be a sponsor, download the sponsorship flyer. To register a team, download the player's registration form. For more information, contact Catholic Charities of Arkansas.
Order your 2009 Diocese of Little Rock Directory
 The Catholic Diocese of Little Rock Directory 2009 will be available at the end of September. This great resource is a Catholic phone book for all parishes, schools, diocesan ministries, clergy and religious in the diocese. Directories are $10 and are reserved from Arkansas Catholic. Download the reservation form to order your copy today!
"This directory has been of tremendous benefit to me as a newcomer to the diocese, and I would be lost without it ... I am grateful to have this resource at my fingertips." — Bishop Anthony B. Taylor |
