Spiritual Formation

Classes resume September 13, 2009
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CHILDREN

Children between three years old (as of October 1) and sixth grade participate in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. The aim of the program is to create an environment that supports children’s spiritual development. This program uses hands on materials for children to explore parables, stories of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, prayers, music, sacred art and liturgical events. The motto of the program is “help me fall in love with God by myself.”

YOUTH

The Youth Sunday School Program is comprised of grades 7 through 12. Students in 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades will follow the Cathedral Youth Curriculum, which is based on the Bible and enhanced by materials written by Cathedral members and from the Episcopal Curriculum for Youth. The program features a six-year rotation of lessons and topics. The curriculum's mission is to equip young people with the necessary tools and experiences that will encourage a deeper understanding of Christianity and the Episcopal faith. Over the course of 24 lessons, youth will experience God in the Bible, theology, liturgy, history and through the joy of being part of a strong Christian community. The Youth Confirmation Program for 11th graders is a year–long preparation that leads youth toward the personal decision of receiving Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. The curriculum, My Faith, My Life: A Teen’s Guide to the Episcopal Church is “an introduction to the essentials of what Anglican Christians believe.” After Confirmation in the spring, the class will follow the last few lessons in the Youth Curriculum. The Senior Class spends the year after Confirmation exploring their new role as confirmed adults in our Church and discerning God's call for them. The 12th grade will follow certain lessons from the Youth Curriculum and also from the book Soul Tending. Various class times are also enhanced by guest speakers from the Church community sharing their faith stories.

SUNDAY ADULT OFFERINGS

Focused and Faithful Forum – This class features lectures by a variety of speakers on Biblical, social and spiritual themes. Speakers will include priests, rabbis, and professors. The primary speaker for this class will be our new dean Timothy Kimbrough. (Parish Hall)

Journey in Faith –Led by the Rev. Anne Stevenson. This class is a modern adaptation of an ancient church process by which adults were prepared for entry into Christian faith and life. The fall will focus on inquiring into the Christian faith as it is lived out at Christ Church Cathedral, the Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communion. Participation in this class may also prepare adults for Confirmation in the Episcopal Church; Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows for those already confirmed; or Reception from the Roman and Eastern Catholic Churches. (Wheeler Room)

Contemplative Prayer Class – Led by the Rev. Geoffrey Butcher. The Contemplative Prayer Class practices Centering prayer - a prayer of the heart, a prayer of simplicity, a prayer of faith, a prayer of simple regard; a method of reducing the obstacles to the gift of contemplative prayer and of facilitating the development of habits conducive to responding to the inspirations of the Spirit. The principal text for those interested in contemplative prayer is Thomas Keating’s book, Open Mind, Open Heart. (Chapel)

Young Adult Bible Study – Led by the Reverend Gene Manning. This informal class provides fellowship and group discussion around the Sunday lectionary texts. Participants delve into the meaning of the scripture and see connections to their daily lives. (810 Broadway Bldg.)

WEEKDAY CLASSES

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Leader Training – this adult learning experience encourages participants to explore their own faith in preparation for working with children from age three to six or children six to nine. This class meets for eighteen weeks on Tuesdays from 9am to 2pm. Registration required. Lunch and childcare provided.

Contemplative Prayer Class – meets year-round every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30pm and Thursdays 12:15 – 1:00 pm.

Companions in Christ – meets weekly for two hours. Participants prepare for their small group by reading, journaling and practicing various prayer disciplines. This experience is characterized by a deepening of spiritual awareness and a sense of fellowship. New groups form each fall. Registration required.

EFM – a four-year study of scripture, theology, church history, ethics and ministry that meets weekly throughout the academic year. Blending academic and experiential learning, the course offers students a broad-based foundation of Christian faith and the tradition of the Church. It is an extension course of the School of Theology at the University of the South. Registration required. Fee.

Wednesday Evening Program – beginning September 16, dinner 5:30, program 6:30 pm. Reservations required for dinner. Upcoming lectures will feature Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, Sigourney Cheek and Victor Judge. Childcare provided.


SACRED SPACE FOR THE CITY EVENTS
EDUCATION SYMPOSIA
“LIVING OUR FAITH – AT HOME, AT WORK
AND IN COMMUNITY”

J. Philip Newell – (Internationally acclaimed poet, scholar and teacher on Celtic Spirituality) – Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17.

Dr. William Countryman – (Retired Sherman E. Johnson Professor in Biblical Studies at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkley) – Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27, 2010.


All Sacred Space Events begin with a Friday night reception at 5:15, dinner from 5:45 and lecture from 7:00 – 8:30.
The event continues on Saturday from 9:00 to noon.
Cost is $25 for the full event and reservations are required for dinner.