We finished our last session of the Inquirer’s Class, and had a blessed time of learning and fellowship together. About 14 people in total consistently attended our classes, and there are 5 of the class who are considering reception or confirmation.

I decided to use the categories on our Diocesan Website as the main headings for the class. Each session lasted an hour and a half. Below are some highlights of what we covered:

Section I – We are Christians. (1 class)

• Introductions, Approach, and Information gathering.
• Intro to the Gospel (letter)
• Creation-Fall-Redemption-New Creation (handout)
• The Establishment of the Covenant People of God (Abraham)
• Oral Tradition – Narrative Stories in Family and Community settings
• The Recording and Writing of Holy Scripture
• Jesus – The Gospel
• Jesus – The Kingdom of God

Section II – We are Catholics. (2 classes)

• Three Main Catholic bodies today: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Anglican Communion.
• From Apostles to Church Fathers (Authority to establish, develop, and protect the Doctrine and Unity of the Church)
• Orthodoxy: If Christianity is anything, then Christianity is nothing.
• Three-fold offices of ordained clergy (Deacon-Presbyter-Bishop)
• Holy Communion and the Liturgy – Sarum Rite, developed from earlier liturgies.
• The Sacraments
• The Christian Year
• The Offices and Spiritual Disciplines

Section III – We are Anglican. (3 classes)

• The Reformation
• The English Reformation
• Archbishop of Canterbury and Anglican Authority
• Without authority and consequences, there will be no developing or lasting unity in any tradition, anywhere, or at any time in human history.

Section IV – We are Episcopalian. (2 classes)

• History and Development
• Characteristics: Strength and Weakness
• Our Historic Moorings guiding us forward

Section V – We are St. Matthew’s (1 class)

• Worship Together at St. Matthew’s
• Learn Together at St. Matthew’s
• Live Together at St. Matthew’s
• Serve Together at St. Matthew’s
• Being Received or Confirmed at St. Matthew’s
  • Our reception and confirmation liturgy and the commitment to Jesus and His Church
  • Meeting for an interview for questions and clarifications with Father Tom.
  • Bishop’s presence and celebration of Holy Communion on Sunday, July 2nd.

If anyone would like a more detailed Syllabus of what was covered in each class, I would be glad to provide it.

I would greatly enjoy running this class again soon! Let me know if you are interested.

Fr. Tom

Upcoming Schedule

Worship

Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM.

Saturday, May 13th, Men’s Breakfast, 8 AM to mid-day, in the Parish Hall