Becoming a Member

The Catechumenal Process

Making the Steps Towards Membership

cat·e·chu·men [kat-i-kyoo-muhn]: Ecclesiastical. a person under instruction in the first principles of Christianity

The Catechumenal Process is designed to help adults become more mature and responsible Christian discipleship and to become fully incorporated into the Body of Christ. The Catechumenal Process also provides quality learning opportunities for adults which will help them to become more effective disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Catechumenal Process is a requirement for the following:

Adults who are seeking to receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism
Baptized adults who are seeking to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
Adults who have been baptized and/or confirmed in other churches who seek to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
Adults who have been confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church who seek to be received into the Anglican Church (Reception)
Confirmed Anglicans who wish to reaffirm their Confirmation vows (Reaffirmation)

The Catechumenal Process is strongly recommended for the following:

Confirmed Anglicans who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Christian faith
Any adult who wishes to deepen his or her faith

Must complete 3 out of 4 required classes:

Alpha or Simply Christian
Introducing Anglicanism
Network

Three Phases of Membership

Phase 1: What does it mean to be a Christian?

Alpha or Simply Christian

Alpha
Sundays @ 6:15 - 8:30 pm (coming in the Fall 2010)
An introduction to the Christian faith for people who are exploring Christianity, new to the Christian faith or want a “refresher course”. Each video presentation, by Nicky Gumbel of London’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church, focuses on a single topic in an informative and engaging way. Alpha evenings begin with fellowship at dinner in the parish hall which is followed by the video presentation. After the presentation, discussion takes place in small groups facilitated by trained leaders.

OR

Simply Christian
Sundays: February 14- April 25, 2010 @ 6:30- 8 pm
N.T. Wright is one of the most fertile minds in the Church today. After teaching New Testament at Oxford for many years he was appointed Bishop of Durham, England. Wright’s most recent book Simply Christian is an attempt to update C.S. Lewis’ classic Mere Christianity. Simply Christian makes use of Bishop Wright’s book and video teaching segments featuring Bishop Wright. This class is intended for those who wish to enter the Catechumenate but who already have some Christian background. Each evening of Simply Christian follows the same pattern. The class begins with Bishop Wright’s teaching and concludes with small group discussion led by trained leaders. Contact Katherine Nerona-Balog at 850.701-0664, ext. 15 or katherine@saint-peters.net to register.

Phase 2: What does it mean to be an Anglican?

Introducing Anglicanism

Introducing Anglicanism
Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 pm:
March 4 - April 15, 2010
Designed to introduce people to the Anglican tradition of belief and worship. It is especially helpful for those who are wanting to understand what Anglicanism is and the events and people which have shaped it. The class is also helpful for people who have come to St. Peter’s from other Christian traditions. Contact Fr. Michael Petty- mpetty@saint-peters.net, 701-0664, ext. 19 to register.

Phase 3: How can I build up the Body of Christ?

Network

Network
Saturday, 9:00-Noon: April 17, 2010
Designed to help each person discover his or her own spiritual gifts so that those gifts can be used in the life of the parish. Having discovered their God-given skills, participants can then become effectively involved in meaningful ministry. Contact Katherine Nerona-Balog at 850.701-0664, ext. 15 or katherine@saint-peters.net to register.

You are eligible for confirmation after completion of the above phases. To apply for confirmation, download St. Peter's Confirmation Form (PDF).

Entering into a Communicant Covenant with Christ

Each stage of the Catechumenal Process involves a commitment to enter into a covenant and the whole process culminates with each person entering into a Communicant Covenant (a combination of the Alpha or Simply Christian, Introducing Anglicanism and Network Covenants) with Christ through St. Peter's Church.

Upon completion of Alpha or Simply Christian a signed Covenant indicates: Commitment to a discipline of regular study which includes some form of continuing Bible study. Join with other Christians in the study of scripture in the context of an Acts 2:42 group, Adult Bible study or Adult Sunday School Class.
Upon completion of Introducing Anglicanism a signed Covenant indicates: Commitment to the orthodoxy of the Anglican Church. Commitment to supporting the ministry of St. Peter’s by pledging to support the parish budget. Pledge cards given out after the completion of this class.
Upon completion of Network a signed Covenant indicates: Commitment to use the spiritual gifts in some form of lay ministry to build up the body of Christ. Commitment to be a gift based church.

Prior to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, reaffirming confirmation vows, or being received into the Anglican Church, participants will attend a Confirmation Conference at which they will enter into a Communicant Covenant which involves a commitment to living out the Baptismal Covenant as expressed in The Book of Common Prayer (pp. 304-305).

During Confirmation, all 3 signed covenants will be presented to the Bishop.

For more information or to register for Alpha or Network, contact Katherine Nerona-Balog at 701-0664 ext.15 or katherine@saint-peters.net. For more information or to register for Introducing Anglicanism, contact Fr. Michael Petty at 701-0664 or mpetty@saint-peters.net.