Catechism at Saint Peter
Our tradition of Catechism (a Greek word for “teaching”) offers young people a chance to study the faith, search the Scriptures, and discover what it means to be a follower of Jesus. It is our hope that during these years, they can grow in their relationship with God, and develop patterns of regular participation in Christian community — patterns that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. Involvement in a catechetical program isn’t easy.
If it is to make a difference in people’s lives, it demands a significant commitment. At Saint Peter, leaders, students, and parents work together to make this a meaningful experience — one that is worthy of the commitment we ask students to make to it. Through the years, we have discovered that participants (students and leaders alike) tend to get out of the program as much as they are willing to put into it.
Completion of Saint Peter’s catechetical program takes approximately three years (typically during the sixth, seventh and eighth grades). Each year’s program has four program components. They include:
1. Catechism Workshops — a gathering of all participants, twice monthly (on average), for worship, study and fellowship—using large group and small group formats
2. Sunday Church School — an opportunity for Middle School students to study God’s word on a weekly basis, at 9:40 am every Sunday morning
3. Servant Events — five opportunities each year for participants to reach out in service to our community and congregation
4. Retreats — generally, four times a year:
• Two Lock-Ins (retreats) at Saint Peter
• One week of summer camp at Rainbow Trail (students are expected to attend at least one week at some time during their two years of study)
• Optional Retreat at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp (with other students and leaders from around Colorado)—usually in October or January
We believe that Saint Peter’s Catechism Program offers a rich opportunity for parents who desire to fulfill the promises they made to God at their children’s baptism. It is also a chance for the whole congregation to share with these students a living and lasting faith.
Please keep the participants in this year’s Catechism Program in your prayers. They began the year’s journey at the end of September and will finish up the first part of May. Interested 6th, 7th and 8th Graders — or their parents — are invited to contact the Pastor for further information.
2009-2010 Catechism Ministries Schedule
September, 2009:
13 6:00 pm Leadership Huddle: Training (StPLC Fellowship Hall)
20 6:00 pm Orientation: Students and at least one Parent
October, 2009:
4 6:00 pm Leadership Team Huddle (in Ammons’ home)
11 6:00 pm Sunday Evening Workshop #1
18 6:00 pm Sunday Evening Workshop #2
November, 2009:
6 5:00 pm Friday Night Blast (Workshops #3-6)
14 12:00 Large Group Servant Event (Visit to Excelsior Girls Home)
15 6:00 pm Leadership Team Huddle (in Dehmlows’ home)
22 6:00 pm Sunday Evening Workshop #7
December, 2009:
6 6:00 pm Sunday Evening Workshop #8
13 12:30 pm Leadership Team Huddle (location t.b.d.)
20 6:00 pm Sunday Evening Workshop #9
January, 2010:
10 6:00 pm Final Year Students & Parents with Pastor Dave
10 6:00 pm Small Group Home Huddle (Workshops #10-11)
24 6:00 pm Final Year Students & Parents with Pastor Dave
31 6:00 pm Final Year Students & Parents with Pastor Dave
31 6:00 pm Small Group Home Huddle (Workshops #12-13)
February, 2010:
5 6:00 pm Friday Night Blast: (Workshops #14-17)
19-21 Retreat: Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp (optional)
21 6:00 pm Leadership Team Huddle (in Herholds’ home)
28 6:00 pm Sunday Evening – Workshop #18
March, 2010:
7 6:00 pm Sunday Evening – Workshop #19
14 6:00 pm Leadership Team Huddle (in Williams’ home)
19 6:00 pm Urban Plunge (ends on Sunday, at 1:00 pm)
21 6:00 pm Sunday Evening – Workshop #20
April, 2010:
16 5:00 pm Friday Night Blast (Workshops #21-24)
18 6:00 pm Leadership Team Huddle (in Dawn Brodin’s home)
25 6:00 pm Sunday Evening – Workshop #25
May, 2010:
2 6:00 pm Sunday Evening – Workshop #26
15 6:00 pm Banquet for the “Class of 2010” (at Saint Peter Lutheran Church
16 Affirmation of Baptism, for the “Class of 2010” (StPLC)
23 4:00 pm Leadership Team “Year End Celebration” (in Risendals’ home)
June, 2010:
13-19 Junior High Camp at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
(alternate date for RTLC Summer Camp: August 15-21)
campers must register by December 1, 2009 (refunds available through April)
Catechism Three Year Schedule of Emphasis:
2009-2010: Living Faith
The Ten Commandments
The Lord’s Prayer
Hot Topics
2010-2011: Living Scripture
The Old Testament
The New Testament
The Life of Jesus
2011-2012: Living Lutheran
Martin Luther, and the Small Catechism
The Apostles’ Creed
Lutheran Life
