EASTERN CHRISTIAN FORMATION PROGRAMS

Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church

 

2235 Galahad Road;   San Diego, California  92123-3931

Office:  858-277-2511;  Website:  holyangelssandiego.com (click “calendar” to confirm schedule)

 

2007 - 2008 Overview and Schedule

 

As we sojourn on our earthly pilgrimage as Christians, let us recognize formation as the process by which we conform more and more to the likeness of God.  Our faith teaches us that Awhat we pray is what we believe.@  Therefore, the primary classroom for Christian formation is the church and, with the Eucharist as our most necessary nourishment, the primary guides in formation are the prayers and hymns of our tradition, especially those that are written in Sacred Scripture and proclaimed in the Liturgy of the Word.  We need, however, a less formal environment for reading, studying, questioning, and discussing.  Religious Education or Eastern Christian Formation (E.C.F.) at our parish seeks to provide for this need and includes seven programs:

1)                  Adult Enrichment is held on selected Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 noon or from 7 to 9 pm or on Fridays from 7 to 9 pm. On scheduled days, the program begins with prayer in church and then, following a ten minute break, continues in the E.C.F. Center with video or lecture presentations and discussion.

2)                  Adult Catechism is a seven month program for those discerning God’s call to fullness of Christian life and membership in the Catholic Church through Baptism, Chrismation, and/or Divine Eucharist.  Inquirers about the basics of the Catholic Faith are also encouraged and most welcome to attend.  Adult Catechism culminates in the Christian Initiation Rites at Pascha.

3)                  Online Certification Program is intended for college students, catechists, and other interested adults.  Please see Father for further information on this distance learning program.

4)                  Safe Environment Review is necessary for all new catechists and new parents in our parish.  It is highly recommended that all adults review the Eparchy’s policies yearly.  Training and review sessions are held in August along with catechist in-service.

5)                  Youth Classes are for our youngsters age 4 through High School Seniors.  Classroom Days are scheduled regularly along with occasional Group Days for combined classes.  All take place on selected Sunday mornings from 10:45 to 11:30 am.

6)                  Dinner and Discussion on the Spiritual Life follow Vespers on the last Saturday evening of the month outside of Fasting seasons.  All present at Vespers are welcome to attend.

7)                  Liturgical Practicum is held for altar servers, readers, head cantors, and members of our school of cantors.  Practices, when needed, are generally scheduled on the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 am and/or on the third Saturday of the month at 3:00 pm.

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ADULT CATECHISM

Basics of the Faith for Baptism Candidates, Converts, and all interested persons

Required seven-month program for those wishing to become members of the Catholic Church

 

Series II                      BYZANTINE Church BACKGROUND & WORSHIP

Wednesdays              7:00 to 9:00 pm

28 November             One Church, Communion of Churches, Parish

5 December                Christian Asceticism  (special audio presentation)

12 December              Christian Lifelines and Theosis

19 December              The Divine Eucharist and Sacramentals

 

Series III                    LIVING the CHRISTIAN MYSTERY

Wednesdays              7:00 to 9:00 pm

9 January                   The Notion of Happiness

16 January                  Fighting the Good Fight

23 January                 The Last Things

 

Final Class                  CONCLUSION

Friday                         7:00 to 9:00 pm

1 February                  Final Review and Ritual Preparations