Regardless of our age or how long we have been Catholic, we are always in a state of continual formation in the faith. The Word of God, the sacraments, the Church community, and the responsibilities of Christian discipleship never cease calling out to us and inviting us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Lifelong engagement in catechesis helps us better to know, celebrate, and contemplate the mystery of Christ. The six fundamental tasks of catechesis are promoting knowledge of the faith, liturgical education, moral formation, teaching to pray, education for community life, and missionary initiation. As a parish, we strive to foster a culture of learning and encounter that touches on each of these six goals.
Faith formation at Christ the King includes all parish activities and initiatives that seek to educate and strengthen people in the Catholic faith. Formation of our children and young people happens each and every day in our school, and for those not attending Catholic school, our Religious Education Program provides catechesis and sacramental preparation. Ongoing formation for adults takes the form of various learning opportunities and prayer experiences, within both special interest groups and the parish at large. For those interested in joining the Catholic faith, RCIA and RCIC classes provide the chance to learn, grow, and journey toward the Sacraments of Initiation.
Faith Formation at Christ the King
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Christ the King offers quality catechesis for all children, including those who are not currently enrolled in a Catholic school. Classes in our Religious Education Program meet on Sunday mornings from 8:45 until 10:00 AM.
OCIA & OCIC
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the formal process by which an adult becomes a member of the Roman Catholic Church. The Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) is also offered at CTK for children over 7 who have not been baptized.
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a hands-on Montessori-based approach to teaching our faith to parish and school children ages 3–9. This unique, highly interactive approach emphasizes Scripture and liturgy while encouraging children to develop a deeper understanding of our faith and their relationship with God.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
At Christ the King, we offer many opportunities for adults to gather together in prayer and accompaniment to further their journeys of discipleship.
The disciples followed the Lord Jesus in his ministry of proclaiming the kingdom and healing the afflicted. Jesus also spent long days alone with his disciples, speaking to them of the mysteries of his kingdom and forming them to the point when they too could be sent on his mission. Later they would return for his comment and for a deeper hearing because of what they had experienced. Later still they were visited by the fire of his Spirit, who transformed their understanding of all he had ever taught them. We too are sent to his mission as men formed and in need of lifelong formation for his service.
Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, 6.56.