“Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”

So encourages former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the latest Nike advertising campaign. Kaepernick is a polarizing figure for many, since in 2016 he began the practice of kneeling on one knee rather than standing while the U.S. national anthem is played before sporting events. Others took up the cause, which protests racial injustice, and the debate over the appropriateness of “taking a knee” during the anthem continues today.

We’re not entering that fray in this brief space. We’re not even going to dissect the advertising slogan, other than to observe that “something” seems a bit open ended.  And really, who believes in nothing?

But we’ll borrow the interest the campaign has generated to point out that this weekend is Catechetical Sunday — a time to recognize catechists, those who educate others in the Catholic faith.

These incredibly generous witnesses to Jesus Christ believe in Someone. And they sacrifice a lot to share Jesus with youth or adults in our parishes and schools. Many are volunteers.

You won’t see their faces on billboards or television commercials. Though their work has eternal consequences, most do it quietly and joyfully.

This weekend, if you are at a Mass where catechists are recognized or commissioned, take a moment after the liturgy to thank and encourage them. And by all means take a knee — make that both knees — and pray for our catechists and their students as programs begin anew. — Thomas J. Dermody