The word ‘Catechesis’ means ‘instruction’. One of the most significant and problematic aspects of the modern Church is her failure to teach the content of the faith. We have generations of Christians who stopped their religious education at ‘Sunday School’ or ‘Children’s Church’. Christian education is a life-long mission - it never stops. Therefore, our task as Christians in the modern world is to build up the Church through education and formation. The life of the mind (education) and the life of the heart (formation). These two realities work hand in hand. Our philosophy for Christian Education at St. Stephen’s is that our lives and our loves are shaped by the Gospel. Because of this, we want to provide as many opportunities for our parishioners to grow in the knowledge and love of God. We recognize that not everyone is an academic theologian; however, this doesn’t mean we stop digging! We all need the heart of a theologian - a willingness to be curious, think critically, re-evaluate our assumptions, and dive into our faith's deep history.

What is Catechesis?

  • To begin with, our approach to catechesis is continuous and universal. Christian Education will be offered between the 9.00 am and 11.00 am Masses 3 Sundays a month. On the first Sunday of every month, we will gather as a parish community and enjoy a potluck lunch (everyone is welcome!). The following Sundays, adults will meet in the parish hall, and our rector, Father Creighton, will lead a general and/or topical curriculum for all adults (18 years old and up). Special topic classes, studies, and retreats will be announced and can be found on the Calendar page. Children’s catechesis will also be offered during this time. Father Samuel, our Spanish vicar, will offer opportunities for catechesis on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

  • At St. Stephen’s, we don’t have a ‘Children’s Church’ during Mass. Children aren’t the future of the Church; they are our present. As such, we want children to worship God as a part of the family of God. Separating children from the Church’s liturgical worship of God has created generations of people who missed the opportunity to learn, pray, worship, and grow alongside their fellow Christians. We see no biblical data that prohibits children from worshipping alongside the rest of the Christian community; rather, we see the opposite. Christ himself said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14). Here at St. Stephen’s, we encourage you to keep your children at Mass. We also understand that church with children can be difficult! We have a wonderful nursery and nursery coordinator (Meghan Nichols), which is open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. To find the Nursery, enter through the front doors of the church and go down the stairs to your left.  The nursery is on the right side of the church's undercroft. We will also have resources available for children during the Mass. An old saying captures our philosophy nicely: "If your mass isn’t crying, it’s dying.”

  • We will offer regular inquirers classes and confirmation classes for all who are interested. If anyone desires to be baptized or confirmed, we ask that you please speak with the clergy.

    Check announcements and the calendar for more information.

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