Dear Friends,

I’m writing you to be a part of Good Samaritan’s upcoming Catechumenate, which is our intensive course for newcomers that runs each spring.

Catechumenate is an old-fashioned churchy word that we’ve intentionally kept because its meaning is rich: it means learning by hearing, geared especially for those ready to make a step of maturity in your Christian faith. For Good Sam’s folks, it is a way to do a deep dive into what it means to be an open-minded follower of Jesus in the Episcopal tradition who loves, serves, and includes all people, no exceptions.

We’ll cover topics such as Progressive Christian Basics, Episcopal Worship 101, How To Read the Bible As A Progressive Christian, Church History 101, What Do Episcopalians Believe?, How Do I Nourish My Faith and Grow?, and answer all your questions along the way.

We’ll be meeting on Monday evenings in April and early May on Zoom from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Monday, April 6 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
• Monday, April 13 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
• Monday, April 20 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
• Monday, April 27 (6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 4 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
• Monday, May 11 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)

The rule of thumb is to be present at more rather than less of these. If you have to miss one or two, that’s no problem. But, the essence of the gatherings is dialogue and conversation that build off of each other. So, if you’re not able to participate in this round, we’ll invite you again next year. Jesus will love you either way!

At the end of this time of preparation, you will be given the opportunity to become Confirmed (to make an adult profession of faith), to be Received (for those who have already been Confirmed in another church) or to renew your Baptismal Vows at a ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral with Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows on Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. (assuming we can gather again in person by that point.)  This is completely optional and you don’t have to decide anything until the end of our time together!

If you’re interested, please let me know you’re coming and I’ll see you on April 6.

-Father Gray