Introduction and Preface to the Catechesis Plan

To a significant degree, the Church rises and falls upon the catechesis of her members. The Church has seriously failed in this regard for quite a while, and this has contributed to a national apostasy and a cultural degradation in the 20th century that is historically unprecedented. We have the task of rebuilding the ruins of a Christian Culture, which is the purpose of Catechesis. Catechesis is far broader and essential than most people think. It never ends and there is nothing that happens in a church or home that does not have “catechetical force.” How we eat, educate, shop, joke, sing, dance, and relax teach and cultivate a certain way or culture, not only for us but for our children. The culture created in our parish and home is what communicates our beliefs and therefore is the real catechizing force. Doctrinal instruction, though not insignificant, can rarely reverse a contradicting culture in a home or parish. For this reason, the “Catechesis Plan” addresses more than Sunday School. The intention is to lay out the basic elements of a parish and home culture that is thick. We must incarnate a Way of being human that is distinctly Christian, and “walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise…for the days are evil.” (Eph 5:15-16) 

The basic structure of Parish Catechesis will be Morning and Evening Prayer, weekly Eucharist, weekly Catechesis, and an intentional cultivating of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty in all that we do, especially music, parish traditions, and art. BUT, the real magic of catechetical and cultural formation happens when the laity serves as catechists to their own children and neighbors. Replicating the catechetical ministry of the priesthood in the hearts and minds of parents and lay catechists is vital the the success of building a strong Church, faithful Christians, and a culture honoring to God.

To this end, I commend to you, the CTK Launch Team, this plan. Many things are yet to be developed. Many things will change as we collaborate and the Lord leads. But, this is the basic direction we will go together, and I look forward to the journey of conforming our minds to our Lord Jesus.  ~ Fr. Melton

Child (2-4)

Focuses

  • Learning Main Bible stories

  • Self Control, Obedience to Authority, and Genuine Participation in Prayer

  • Memorization of the Lord’s Prayer, Creed, and Responses in Liturgy

  • Knowledge of the Love of God for them as a Baptized Child

Strategies

  • Nightly Bible stories and Family Prayer

  • Sunday School with focus on participation in the Liturgy and knowledge of Bible

Youth (5-12)

Focuses

  • Biblical Knowledge & Basic Doctrine

  • Training in singing for Liturgy

  • Understanding of God’s Commandments

  • Patterns of Repentance and Forgiveness

Strategies

  • Children’s Catechesis (Sunday)

  • Consistent Family Prayer

  • Confirmation (as they near age 12)

  • Youth Choir

  • Home Visits with Whole Family

Young Adult (13-18)

Focuses

  • Dogmatics, Biblical Understanding, Apologetics

  • Service

  • Spiritual Direction

Strategies

  • Adult Catechesis (Sunday)

  • Basic Rule of Life

  • Theology and Games and Ministry Outings

  • Anglican Way Institute (Summer Retreat)

  • Monthly walk-n-talk with priest

Adult (19+)

Focuses

  • Doctrine and Bible

  • Ascetical Habits & Spiritual Direction

  • Ministry Equipping

  • Catechist Training for all parents and those called to be Lay Catechists

Strategies

  • Adult Catechesis (every Sunday)

  • Ministry Teams

  • Cell Group (twice per month)

  • Theology on Tap

  • Regular Spiritual Direction

  • Pilgrimage to Holy Land (every five years or so, as able)

  • Parent/Catechist Cohort