Diocesan Resources
Commissioning Service
This ceremony for the blessing and commissioning of catechists is intended to take place at the Eucharistic liturgy on Catechetical Sunday. If this is not possible, the blessing and commissioning may be celebrated at Mass at another time, or it may be used outside of Mass, perhaps with the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours or at a simple commissioning service. The rite of blessing that follows is from the Book of Blessings, chapter 4, section I, “Order for the Blessing of Those Appointed as Catechists.” In the homily, the celebrant gives an explanation of the celebration of catechesis that is based on the sacred text. Following the homily, the celebrant, deacon, or other suitable minister calls the catechists to come forward, either individually by name or as a group. The celebrant may then introduce the blessing, using the following or other similar words.