The Rev. Joseph Esper of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Ira Township stressed the importance of the education of faith to children and grandchildren, especially on Catechetical Sunday each year, the Sept. 20 bulletin said.

Esper shared the story of a priest who was standing at the pulpit when playing cards fell out of his sleeves and he asked the children attending the church service to gather them up for him. When the children did so, the priest asked them to tell him what each card was. They did so; however, they were not able to then answer his questions regarding the catechism.

"Mounting the pulpit once again, the priest said to the adults, 'That's what I have been trying to tell you,'" Esper said in the bulletin. "'Your children know the names of all the playing cards, but not the answers to the important questions about their Catholic Faith. You need to spend at least as much time teaching them what they'll need to know for their eternal salvation as you do on worldly amusements.'"

Esper noted that it is vitally important to educate children and grandchildren regarding their faith, and Catechetical Sunday emphasizes that. He stressed that all Catholics recommit themselves to sharing their Catholic faith by words and actions.

He also remarked in the bulletin that the upcoming Thursday was a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for America, and he asked parishioners to offer prayers and sacrifices for moral and spiritual renewal, which he emphasized was desperately needed. Additionally, he pointed out that the upcoming Saturday was the National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance, and that the Pray and Fast for America 2020 initiative is ongoing.

Fr. Esper reminded parishioners that they can unite together and offer prayers and sacrifices on Saturday for the day of prayer, as well as every day throughout the year.