Christian Education is a vital part of St. Monica’s ministry for all ages. Children are welcomed into a loving faith community beginning with the Rite of Baptism.
Adults
Adults meet Sunday mornings in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 9:45. Topics vary from historical figures of the church to current events and have included in-depth discussions of St. Monica and St. Augustine.
Children
Our children’s Christian education classes are held seasonally. Classes are tailored to give your children an interactive and memorable learning experience. Biblically-based lesson plans, creative crafts and activities are presented by trained volunteers and are relevant to their age and understanding. At St. Monica’s, we are committed to equipping the next generation with a solid spiritual foundation.
Vacation Bible School
VBS is an annual tradition at St. Monica’s. Usually held in July, a team of qualified and dedicated volunteers offer a week-long, half-day camp that features daily Bible study, songs, games, crafts and tons of fun! Children, ages six through twelve are eligible to participate and older children are invited to serve as helpers. Past VBS programs have included Discovery Canyon, ReNew and Son Harvest.
Adults
Adult opportunities vary and include Sunday school classes, Bible studies, book studies and marriage enrichment classes. Traditionally both laity and clergy lead adult classes.
An Inquirers and Catechumenal Program is offered by a qualified Catechist for those new to the faith, to St. Monica’s and/or the Episcopal Church. This program provides participants with knowledge about the Bible, Christ, the faith journey and the Church. This process is intended to prepare participants to make a public affirmation of their faith through Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and/or Reaffirmation.
Education for Ministry (EFM)
With a trained mentor, this four-year distance-learning program of the University of the South helps students discern their own personal ministries through study of the Old and New Testaments, Church History, Theology and Theological Reflection.
Cursillo
Cursillo
Cursillo is a three-day weekend designed to help Christians better understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders. More than 20 of St. Monica’s active members have attended Cursillo weekends in various dioceses and several members have served on staff. The local Curslillo Community is Coastal Pilgrims
The Cursillo experience does not end when the weekend is over. It is a starting point that lasts the rest of your life. and a springboard to a life-long practice of the Baptismal Covenant called The Fourth Day. The Fourth Day encompasses three major elements:
- The Group Reunion – a small group of Cursillo attendees who meet weekly
- The Ultreya – A “Reunion of Reunions” of sorts, usually held monthly at various churches in the Diocese. St. Monica’s hosts one Ultreya per year to allow the sharing of communal experiences.
- Spiritual Direction – An important element in the Cursillo movement committed to help persons deepen their union with Christ.
Saint Monica’s Reunion Group meets every other Thursday at 5:15 pm.
To learn more about the Cursillo Movement, click here to visit the Coastal Pilgrims website.