The Program

The Christian Education Program at Christ Church Cathedral uses lesson plans that follow the Revised Common Lectionary developed as a cooperative venture between ECCE (Episcopal Council for Christian Education) and the Ministries with Young People Cluster of the Episcopal Church.  The Lectionary is a schedule of readings designed to take us through a complete reading of the Bible on a three year cycle.  Year A, Year B, Year C. Our Sunday lessons are based on the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), Revised Common Lectionary (RCL).  The Lower Elementary group (grades K-2) also uses Godly Play curriculum whereby children experience the stories of our faith through sacred stories, parables and liturgical exploration.

The Schedule

During the school year, on Sundays at 9:15 a.m., after a brief child-focused worship service with clergy and instructors in the Chapel of the Ascension, children in grades K-5 move to their classrooms for the remainder of the session.  This group is released at about 10:30 a.m. to join their families at the exchange of the “peace” during the 10:00 a.m. service. Those in grades 6 and above go directly to their classrooms at 9:15 a.m. and are released at 9:55 a.m. to serve as acolytes or otherwise join their families at the start of the 10:00 a.m. service. 

Adult Christian Education meetings are typically scheduled to begin shortly after 9:00 a.m. and release before the start of the 10:00 a.m. service.

The People

Our Christian Education instructors include laity and clergy volunteers who bring their gift of ministry to our young people.  They are provided with teaching resources that include An Anglican Approach to Scripture, In Dialogue with Scripture; information on teaching styles, learning styles, and child development; bible study methods for teaching children, older children, and adults; ways to begin teaching; a basic supplies list, and a small church bibliography.

The children’s class groups are divided according to school grade; K-2 (Lower Elementary), 3-5 (Upper Elementary), 6-8 (Middle School), and 9-12 (High School).

The Reason

An Anglican Approach to Scripture is taken from Called to Teach and Learn: A Catechetical Guide for the Episcopal Church.  We believe the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God.  That is, they contain the revelation of God. God inspired their human authors and God still speaks to us through them. We understand their meaning through the aid of the Holy Spirit who guides the Church in their true interpretation. While not accepting the Scriptures as our sole authority or guide, we do believe they provide the Church with the primary criteria for its teaching and the chief source of guidance, in terms of principles and norms for its life. These Scriptures, however, were intended to be interpreted and reinterpreted over and over again in the light of contemporary knowledge and experience within a believing and worshiping community open to the leading of God's Spirit into new truth.

The Contact

New students and volunteer instructors are welcome to join our Christian Education community at any time.  For additional information, please call the Cathedral.