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
919 237-1179
