To be a Christian is a lifelong commitment. We are being sanctified wherein, by the work of the Holy Spirit, our minds, wills, and desires are progressively transformed and conformed to the character of Jesus Christ. What helps does the Church offer for our sanctification?
The Church's teaching, sacraments, liturgies, seasons, ministry, oversight, and fellowship assist my growth in Christ and are channels of God's abundant care for my soul. (Ephesians 4-6; Philippians 3; Colossians 3; Ascensiontide Collects)
To Be A Christian, An Anglican Catechism Q. 343
Christ Church seeks to join with the Holy Spirit in the work of sanctification in each individual's life. In this vein, we strive to help form individuals through our worship, fellowship, ministries, and teaching. We offer the following to aid in that formation:
Catechesis (from the Greek catecheo, meaning "instruction") is the Church's ministry of instructing Christians and those coming to faith for the first time in those truths by which Christians are called to live, as well as how to live by them. Catechesis is not primarily a Bible study - it is in-depth formation in:
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The Creed (Faith)
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The Lord's Prayer (Hope)
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The Ten Commandments (Love)
Every Sunday at 9:30 am, we gather for Catechesis prior to our worship together. A list of all classes can be found here.
The primary adult course is a study of To Be a Christian: an Anglican Catechism. Concurrent to the adult course, our youth and children's catechists lead separate courses at the same time, forming them in the Creedal Faith, Prayer, the Liturgy, and the Scriptures.
This Catechesis course starts in August of each year and is how we:
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Form non-Christians prior to Baptism.
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Prepare parents who would like to have their children baptized.
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Prepare new members for Confirmation and reception into the Anglican Church.
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Disciple those seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Make mature disciples.
Catechesis
Sunday Mornings
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Catechesis & Adult Education
Children
Nursery
Children's Catechesis & Nursery
In Children's Catechesis, we aim to create a spiritually nourishing environment for the child to come close to God and to participate more fully in the life of His Church. We have an excellent team of trained catechists who look forward to serving your children!
Parents, please register your child(ren) ages 6 weeks–9 years by following this link.
The nursery is for children 6 weeks–2 years old and is available during the service and Catechesis.
Catechesis is available for children ages 3–9 Sunday mornings from 9:30–10:35 during the Catechesis hour in our children’s atrium which is the room closest to the playground door.
Please note that if the service goes longer than usual, Children’s Catechesis may be delayed in order to allow children and catechists time to receive communion.
In addition to the Catechesis hour, the nursery is also available during the Eucharist service. Parents may drop their child off 10 minutes before the service begins and are asked to pick their child(ren) up from the nursery during the passing of the peace.
At your earliest convenience, please register each of your children so that we can better prepare for them. We look forward to serving them!
Please contact Brandi Guel with any questions.
Pictures by Eric Guel
Middle Grades, Junior High & High School Catechesis
The Middle Grades catechesis class is led by Thom and Lindsay Hunter. The goal of this class is to familiarize students with the narrative arc and themes of Scripture, and to build their confidence reading and asking questions of the Bible. During the Spring 2021 they will be picking up the Biblical narrative in 1 Samuel and placing particular emphasis on how Christ is everywhere in the pages of the Old Testament.
This class resumes February 7th and will meet at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall
Steve and Jean Watters lead the youth catechesis class at 9:30 am for students in 7-12 grades on Sunday mornings. The class meets in the St. Benedict room. This class resumes January 23rd.
The youth group gathers together every other Sunday evening at 5 pm. This is an hour long meeting with discussion, games or outdoor activity, and prayer. Locations vary, please contact Dr. Todd and Allison Buras for more information.
Adult Education
Adult education classes are made available for those individuals who have completed Fr Lee's catechesis class.
Most of us have experience reading or studying the Bible—but how can we learn to hear God speaking through His written word? This spring join Fr Jonathan and Dr. Toby Coley as we enter together into an ancient Christian practice called lectio divina or “holy reading.” The steps are simple, but the reward is profound.
No preparation is required, and you can jump in any week. Join us at 9:30 in the Saint Augustine Room.
Graduate Anglicans
A monthly gathering of graduate students and families, this gathering is dedicated to the cultivation of Christian scholars through conversation, fellowship & reflection. Once a year, we also invite a scholar whose writing and teaching we take to embody the intellectual and pedagogical virtues we value to give a talk for our community and the public.
All these events are for both graduate students and their spouses. We are very intentional about making these activities a space for the whole family, and we greatly value the contribution non-student spouses bring to the group and the richness they add to our conversations together. Childcare is provided for our monthly gatherings.
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Graduate Anglicans
Spiritual Direction
Brazos Fellows
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is a historic practice of the church. It involves prayerfully discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit, and seeking to cooperate with the Spirit’s work in our lives. Spiritual Direction is appropriate for all those who are not fully satisfied with their current relationship with God, who seek to know God’s presence in daily life, and who desire to receive and respond to Christ’s love. It is also valuable for those who want guidance in cultivating the spiritual disciplines or developing a rule of life. The goal of spiritual direction is the Lord Jesus himself, and growth toward Christian maturity in Him.
Mens & Womens Groups
Christ Church is committed to the building up of parishioners through prayer, study, service and fellowship to further equip them to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ and all others in their daily lives. This has included prayer retreats, spiritual direction (individual and groups), book studies, ladies’ nights out, men's Sunday evening gatherings, and service projects among other events.
Brazos Fellows
Brazos Fellows is a nine-month fellowship for college graduates and others considering future work in the academy, church, or other areas of ministry and service. Through a unique combination of theological training, spiritual disciplines, vocational discernment, and shared life, fellows gear up for future study, work, and ministry. Learn more here.