Catechism

As basic training for the Christian life, catechism simply means “teaching.”

Catechism is a systematic and Scriptural way of fulfilling Jesus’ great commission: that as we go out making disciples and baptizing, we also teach others to obey all that he commanded. In Catechism, we learn what Christians believe, how they belong to Christ, and how they can grow in becoming like Christ.

In 2022 Catechism offered this teaching for three groups of people:

1. Newcomers and new believers: Catechism is how we orient people for a fruitful life in Christ. This year, we partnered with the welcoming and evangelism ministries of St. John’s to encourage all those “new” with us to take the opportunity for formation in Christ and preparation for baptism.

2. Youth: Catechism is how we help our young people grow into a mature adult faith. Our eight month youth confirmation course offered a chance to affirm the promises made at their baptism in confirmation and an invitation to fully own their faith and serve their church intentionally. In May, Bishop Dan joyfully confirmed 13 youth and 3 adults that had completed catechism. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

3. Equipping Members: Many members of our parish haven’t had a past opportunity for serious and systematic equipping in the Christian faith.

We see Catechism as an excellent foundation for serving, leadership, and mission within our congregation.

For 2023, we will put the finishing touches on our annual Catechism curriculum, developed over many years. This course runs in three terms, and is designed to provide an opportunity for the slow, intentional formation in Christ everyone needs. Our goal is that everyone in the church would have a chance to complete Catechism. There is a clear hunger and appreciation for this work within our congregation, and we are thankful to the many lay catechists and catechists in training that make it possible.