Our new vicar

The vestry of Saint Joseph's is delighted to announce the appointment of the Rev. Karen C. Barfield as Vicar with effect from February 15th.

Karen, who needs no introduction to Saint Joseph's, celebrates her first Sunday Eucharist as vicar on February 20th.

Karen is married to Ray Barfield and has two children: Micah (15) and Alexandra (11). Karen has been ordained seven years and has served in a variety of settings: urban and suburban; Cathedral staff, campus ministry, and congregations of all sizes; as interim rector, associate rector and interim chaplain. Her greatest joys in ministry involve liturgy, prayer, pastoral care and issues of justice. She was born and raised in Memphis, TN where she served as priest until moving to Chapel Hill, NC two years ago with her family.

In her spare time Karen enjoys reading, gardening, travelling, and designing most anything, especially houses (kitchens and baths in particular). Ray, her husband of 20 years, is a pediatric oncologist at Duke and is Associate professor of Christian Philosophy in Duke’s Divinity School. Ray enjoys writing, playing classical guitar and running. Micah wrestles for Chapel Hill High School, and Alexandra enjoys everything artistic, especially singing and playing classical guitar. The whole family loves to cook together.

Prior to ordination Karen served on staff at St. Luke’s Community Kitchen in Atlanta, GA, and she was co-founder of a prison ministry there as well. In downtown Memphis she helped develop the Hospitality Hub, a non-profit organization which assists persons who are homeless connect with the resources they need. Karen has most recently been serving as Priest Associate and Administrative Assistant at the Episcopal Church of the Advocate in Carrboro.

Mick, Verger

Catechesis 2011

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church

2011 Catechesis

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina

J. David Belcher, Catechist

The word “catechesis” is derived from the Greek New Testament word, katecheō, which means, roughly, “to teach by word of mouth.” The process of the catechumenate – ancient in origin, its more formal structure stretching back to at least the fourth century – is made up of an entire series of such oral instructions, meant to prepare those instructed to receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation (or Chrismation), and Eucharist. The catechumenate is thus a time of study, deepening of faith, and intense preparation for incorporation into Christ’s body, the Church.

At St. Joseph’s, the catechumenate is such an intensive time of training and instruction for those not only preparing to be baptized (at the Great Easter Vigil), but also for those who either wish to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, or who simply wish to reaffirm the vows each of us takes at Baptism. However, all are welcome to participate in this ancient tradition, whether to learn more about and thus deepen one’s understanding of the faith or the Episcopal Church more specifically, or to join with others as one body in preparation for the reaffirmation of the vows each of us takes at Baptism. And we are all called to participate by our common prayers, remembering those who embark on this journey, lifting them up to God, and with the Holy Spirit welcoming them into the communion of saints.

Commitment and Preparation

Since Baptism is nothing short of a “new birth” (Jn. 3:3-8) and thus incorporates us into an entirely new way of life, traditionally there are certain expectations that accompany this journey each of us takes to the waters of Holy Baptism. At St. Joseph’s, the following commitments are vital to the catechetical journey:

Worship

Catechumens commit to attending communal worship in the form of the Sunday Eucharist on a weekly basis unless prohibited by illness or some other unavoidable obstacle. Baptized Christians are encouraged to receive the bread and/or cup on these occasions.

Study

Catechumens commit to preparing for and attending group sessions on various topics, including discussing the ongoing process and progress of catechesis. These meetings will take place over the course of roughly thirteen Saturdays beginning just after Epiphany and ending just after Easter Sunday, and will be led by the Catechist or other members of the congregation. Consult the schedule below to determine meeting dates. Catechumens who are unable to attend a session due to illness or another unavoidable obstacle are encouraged to notify the Catechist to receive the preparatory materials for that session.

Works of Supplication

Catechumens commit to praying the Morning and Evening Offices of the Book of Common Prayer daily. Each week, at least one of the Daily Offices should be prayed in community, preferably at St. Joseph’s, but possibly at another church, with one’s family, partner or friends, etc. In addition, catechumens are encouraged to take up the discipline of fasting, especially during the Lenten season (including Holy Week).

Works of Mercy

Catechumens commit to serving in a ministry capacity once per week. This may include attendance and service at morning breakfast fellowship, preparing, delivering, or sharing meals at the House of Hospitality, service at Urban Ministries, or another commitment to be worked out in consultation with Catechist or clergy.

Confession of Sin

Catechumens are encouraged to commit to confessing to a priest once a week during Lent using one of the forms in the Book of Common Prayer.

Schedule of Meetings and Other Important Dates

Weekly Meetings are Underlined, all other dates listed are mandatory Eucharists

Jan 6 – The Epiphany

Jan 8 – Introductory meeting

Jan 9 – First Sunday after Epiphany (Liturgy for the enrollment of catechumens)

Jan 15 – What is Catechesis? – with guest, Maria Doerfler

Jan 22 – No meeting

Jan 29 – The Holy Scriptures: The Old Testament – with guest, Joel Marcus

Feb 5 – The Holy Scriptures: The New Testament – with guest, Jodi Belcher

Feb 12 – The Nicene Creed/Apostle’s Creed/Baptismal Covenant

Feb 19 – Liturgical Calendar/Lectionary, with guest, the Rev. Nils Chittenden

Feb 26 – Works of Supplication: Prayer, Contemplation, and Fasting – with guest, Colin Miller

Mar 5 – Works of Mercy: Charity and Mission

Mar 9 – Ash Wednesday

Mar 12 –The Sacraments: Holy Baptism

Mar 13 – First Sunday of Lent (Enrollment of Candidates for Baptism)

Mar 19 – The Sacraments: Confirmation/Chrismation, Reception, Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows

Mar 26 – The Episcopal Church: Protestant and/or Catholic?

April 2 – Governance in TEC, with guests, the Vestry of St. Joseph’s

April 9 –The Anglican Communion and TEC’s place therein

April 16 – No meeting

Holy Week

April 17 – Passion (or Palm) Sunday

The Great Triduum

April 21 – Maundy Thursday

April 22 – Good Friday

April 23 – Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil

April 24 – Easter Sunday

April 30 – The Sacraments: Holy Eucharist

Durham Convocation-wide Confirmation Service – TBA

Contact Information:

Dave Belcher, Catechist

j.david.belcher@gmail.com

919 237-1179