Confirmation and Formation Classes for Fall 2008 

St. Benedict's parish will begin its first comprehensive confirmation and formation class this Fall. Beginning on Sunday, September 14-the date of Bishop Alexander's visit-we will begin regular classes for both youth and adults who are interested in confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation. Many adults may want to attend the classes as a "refresher" course in the Episcopal faith and life.

The class series will last from Sunday, September 14 until Sunday, November 23. The eleven week schedule will give us ample time both to engage in deep spiritual reflection and also to get to know one another even better.

We want confirmation class and our formation programs to be engaging and connecting to all in the parish. To this end, we will be sending out a survey in the July newsletter on which you can ask any question about faith, the religious life, spiritual practices, prayer, etc. We will gather these questions and use them as a way to individualize our formation programs for St. Benedict's parish.

Also, the Cathedral Bookstore will be coming to St. Benedict's on Sunday, August 17. They will have several copies of all the books listed below-and many other items!-for your purchase. We encourage you to take this time to begin reflecting on what we pray are exciting, engaging, and deeply reflective programs for the Fall. As St. Benedict's continues to grow, we pray our faith and relationship with God grows as well.

Adults

All interested adults are invited to attend. We will be reflecting on two books during our time together: Conversations with Scripture and with One Another, by The Rt. Rev. Tom Shaw, SSJE, the Bishop of Massachusetts and a member of The Society of St. John the Evangelist, one of our Episcopal monastic orders; and Speaking of Faith, by Krista Tippett, host of the acclaimed NPR radio program. We are planning two "field trips" during the eleven week series. One will be held at St. Philip's Cathedral, and it will focus on liturgical spaces and worship. The other will be held toward the end of the confirmation program, and it will focus on practices of prayer and developing a Rule of Life. Those interested in seeking confirmation, those wanting to be received into the Episcopal Church, or those who want to reaffirm their baptismal vows are invited to notify the Rev. Stuart Higginbotham at Stuart.Higginbotham@MySaintB.org or 678-279-4303.

Youth

We are inviting all youth who are presently in the 7^th grade or higher to attend the youth confirmation class, which will be coordinated by Courtney Vaughn. Some youth who have already been confirmed may want to attend as a "refresher" course as well. We will be using the book My Faith, My Life by renowned author Jenifer Gamber, a confirmation leader at Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The youth will come together to reflect on what it means to live a life of faith within the Episcopal Tradition. Parents are encouraged to contact Courtney at Courtney@MySaintB.org or 678-279-4304 with any questions.

Confirmations 

The confirmations will be held at the Cathedral of St. Philip on Sunday, December 14, at 4 pm. What an exciting time to gather with so many from our diocese.