“What do you seek?”

These four words, which form a question of great significance, are addressed to those who are preparing for baptism, confirmation, reception, or renewal into Christ’s body, the Church. 

The given answer, according to The Book of Occasional Services, is “Life in Christ.” Intriguing, however, are the words added in parenthetical italics: (The seeker may expand on the answer in their own words.)

In their own words … There have been times during this past year, were I to be honest, where all I seek is a bit of respite from the craziness of these times: a break from breaking news, gun violence, continuing COVID concerns, economic inflation, racial injustice, and all the other issues that just seem so far beyond my control. 

The remedy for weariness, however, is not to give up and disconnect, but to reconnect with the source of what gives us life. Whenever I find myself weary and overwhelmed I find myself especially drawn to the promise of Jesus, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Paradoxically, the cross we are each called to carry as disciples of Christ is not intended to crush our souls and bodies. Yoked side-by-side with Jesus, we do not shoulder the cross alone. Learning from this gentle Jesus we find that this cross is “none other than the way of life and peace.” 

So, how might we lean into this life-giving promise? How do we come to Jesus, take up his yoke, and learn from him? How do we seek this life in Christ? 

This fall I would like to invite you into a new journey of faith at All Saints called The Catechumenate (pronounced kat-i-kyoo-muh-net.) This is an ancient process that has guided the church through times of plague and pestilence, the rise and fall of empires, persecutions, rebellions, and revolution. The Catechumenate is more apprenticeship than program, more journey than destination. It is an invitation to walk together the Way of Jesus. 

On Sunday, August 21 All Saints will be hosting a Christian Formation Open House at 9:45 in the Great Hall. Here you can learn more about the Catechumenate and all the other Sunday School classes offered for all ages throughout the fall.

We will begin the first phase of The Catechumenate on Sunday, September 11 in the Great Hall at 9:45am. This will include a 15-20 minute plenary session, small group table discussion, and summary. 

The Catechumenate is made up of four distinct phases, which roughly mirror the academic year: 

1. Inquiry - Throughout late summer and early fall we will focus on foundational narratives in Holy Scripture such as Creation, the Flood, the Exodus, and the Promise of the Prophets.
2. Exploration - This phase begins on the First Sunday of Advent (November 27) with the Admission of Catechumens and Renewers during the Sunday liturgy (renewers are those who seek confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation in the Episcopal Church). 
3. Preparation - On the First Sunday of Lent those who have been preparing for baptism, confirmation, reception, or renewal will be enrolled as Catechumens and Renewers. The season of Lent is traditionally called a period of enlightenment and includes the customary lenten disciplines as the intensification of their preparation. This all comes to a crescendo in the administration of Holy Baptism and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows at the Great Vigil of Easter (April 8). 
4. Reflection - Following the experience of Holy Week and the Great Vigil of Easter comes a period of reflection throughout Eastertide through to Pentecost. Those who have been preparing for Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation will publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows at the Bishop’s visitation in May. 

So, who is the Catechumenate for? In short, the Catechumenate is for all of us. Coming through this bizarre season of pandemic, it is my strong conviction that nearly all of us are longing for a sense of reconnection and renewal. Whether you have been at All Saints your entire life, or whether you have only recently discovered our church - the Catechumenate is for you. 

I hope to see you in the coming Sundays as we continue on this journey of faith and follow the Way of Jesus together. 

Grace & peace,