 |
|
A Christian catechumenate program at St. Paul for adults who:
Read Pastor Williamson's:   Lent BASIC Annual Retreat
"Receiving God’s Grace through Word and Sacrament" CLICK HERE to see
pictures
from the March 16-17, 2012 retreat. |
Going
on now in BASIC ...
Old Testament: Genesis
BASIC Spring 2012 Unit April 11 - June 6
Future Units in BASIC 2012-2013
|
|
|
|
The
Basics on BASIC
What’s a catechumenate? An ancient process, dating back to the second century, of becoming one with Christ and his church. Sometimes used as preparation for baptism, at St. Paul our catechumenate (from the word catechesis, which means teaching) will more resemble that period of intentional faith formation which for our youth we call “confirmation.” Is BASIC an acronym for something? Why, yes. It stands for Brothers And Sisters In Christ. What exactly will I be learning? Over the course of two years, in six units—two longer Fall units and four shorter Winter and Spring units (before and after Lent) — you’ll gain a BASIC competency in the overarching story of the Bible, Lutheranism, Prayer and other faith practices, Christian theology, and go more in depth in one Old Testament book and one New Testament Gospel. Who will teach these classes? St. Paul’s pastors, along with a team of lay catechists, will guide large group time (50-60min), but we’ll also be learning from each other through the friendships we develop in our 3-4 person small groups (30-40min, with new groups each unit). What if I’m not sure about jumping into a two-year process? BASIC is designed to be flexible. You can participate in a single unit without having committed to the whole. You can also enter the process at the start of any unit and still get all the BASICs, which are arranged in a two-year rotating cycle. |
When does BASIC take place?
 Wednesday evenings from 6:45 - 8:15 pm What about dinner? What about kids? A dinner hour from 6 - 6:45 pm—at which catechumens would periodically serve — is in the works. And kids’ vocal and bell choirs will shift starting in the fall to run concurrently with BASIC—a great chance for more kids to learn to sing and ring...and bond with their church friends. How much does it cost? Most units involve a $12-15 book or learner’s guide. All are encouraged to sponsor a Lutheran Study Bible for another catechumen. There is also a modest cost for a retreat each year during Lent. Assistance is available for any who have need. What happens at the end of the BASIC process? On Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013, our first BASIC class will have an opportunity to affirm their baptism and be “sent out” newly equipped for the various ministries for which God has gifted them. Some may continue into more advanced courses; others may serve as catechists for future classes of BASIC. How do I register?
(mwilliamson.stpaul@sbcglobal.net) 630 668-5953) or any member of St. Paul’s Adult Faith Formation Team. |
 |