Catechesis (/ˌkætəˈkeesis/), from the Greek word κατήχησις, meaning "instruction by word of mouth" or generally "instruction," is the word historically employed to describe the basic Christian religious instruction of children and adults.

Catechesis is an ancient Christian word describing the transmission of the Christian faith from one person to another. It is what Jesus talks about in Matthew 28:20 when he tells his disciples to go to all nations, baptizing them and “teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches” (Gal. 6:6). The Greek word for “the one who is taught” is katechoumenos one who is catechized.

Once a catechumen, always a catechumen. No one ever “graduates” from catechesis,we are life-long learners being formed into the image of Christ to enjoy deeper union with God until he returns to make all things right.

Learn About Kids & Youth Formation.

Foundations

  1. Getting to Know the Fathers (PDF). Selected readings from the pre- and post-Nicene fathers demonstrate the patristic origins of Anglican ecclesiology, liturgy, and sacramental theology [St. Benedict’s].

  2. A Light to Lighten the Gentiles: Historical, theological, practical understanding of the Advent Season (PDF). [St. Benedict’s].

  3. For the Life of the World (PDF). [St. Benedict’s: Adapted from Alexander Schmemann's book of the same title].

  4. The Language of Worship: Developing a Biblical-Theological Foundation of Anglican Worship (PDF). [St. Benedict’s.

  5. The Celtic Way of Evangelism (PDF). [St. Benedict’s: Adapted from George Hunter's book of the same title].

  6. What Is A Woman? (PDF). Developing a biblical understanding of womanhood [St. Benedict’s].

  7. The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion: An Exposition (PDF). [The Very Rev. Canon Dr. C. Camlin].

Biblical Studies

  1. Old Testament Studies: Genesis, Ruth, Esther, Song of Solomon, Jonah.

  2. New Testament: 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Mark, Matthew, Romans, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2-3 John, 1-2 Peter, 1-2 Timothy, Jude, Philemon, Titus, James, Hebrews, and Revelation.

Christian Living

  1. Ashes to Ashes: On Death & Dying. Understanding Mortality and Death in the Christian Tradition [St. Benedict’s].

  2. Theology of the Home [St. Benedict’s Wine, Women, & Psalms].

Spirituality

  1. Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean Pierre de Caussade  [St. Benedict’s: Book Club].

  2. Every Day Monks: A Prayer Book Life. Reinforces the 1928 Book of Common Prayer as Regula; historical, theological, and practical prayer book spirituality [St. Benedict’s].

  3. Enchiridion by St. Augustine [St. Benedict’s: Book Club].

  4. Beholding God: In Pursuit of the Beatific Vision. Introduces the catholic teaching on the beatific vision [St. Benedict’s].

  5. Confessions by St. Augustine [St. Benedict’s: Book Club].

  6. Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence [St. Benedict’s: Book Club].

  7. Seeking God by Esther de Waal [St. Benedict’s: Book Club].

  8. The Age of Ugliness. Recapturing beauty in the Christian life [St. Benedict’s].

  9. The Domestic Church. Cultivating domestic spirituality [St. Benedict’s].

  10. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis [St. Benedict’s: Book Club].

  11. The Spiritual Life by Evelyn Underhill [St. Benedict’s: Book Club].

Baptism & Confirmation

  1. To Be A Christian: Preparation for Baptism & Confirmation. Online Study developed by St. Benedict’s Anglican Church to prepare confirmands and baptismal candidates.