Catechesis Opportunities at St. Thomas

Catechesis means instruction in the Christian faith. The word comes from the Greek katecho, meaning “to sound back and forth,” and it refers to the historic method of teaching through questions and answers, repetition, and explanation. This approach has been used by the Church for centuries to form disciples and pass on the faith from one generation to the next.

At St. Thomas, we are committed to this rich tradition of Christian teaching—not only in our church, but also in our homes. We take seriously our responsibility to equip parents to provide their children with faithful instruction in Christian doctrine and to encourage regular participation in worship. Whether you're preparing children for Confirmation, deepening your own understanding, or walking alongside new believers, we invite you to explore the catechesis opportunities below and grow with us in the knowledge and love of Christ.

Religious artwork depicting a biblical scene with a man in robes surrounded by women and babies.

Beginning Catechesis

Beginning Catechesis is patterned after the historic Kinderlehre—children’s instruction—in the Lutheran Church. Each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., during the same time as Family Catechesis, younger children who are not yet receiving Holy Communion (typically ages 10 and under) receive focused teaching in the foundational elements of the Christian faith. Lessons emphasize the primary texts of the faith: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and Christ’s words instituting Baptism, Absolution, and the Lord’s Supper. Children also learn Bible stories and foundational hymns that help shape their understanding of God’s Word and prepare them for deeper catechesis in the future.

A religious painting depicting a figure holding a eucharistic host and a chalice, with a halo behind the head, set against a gold background.

First Communion

First Communion Catechesis is for baptized youth who have learned the Ten Commandments, Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and Christ’s words instituting the Sacraments. Once they demonstrate spiritual maturity and understanding, they enter a period of instruction focused on the Divine Service, Daily Prayer, and how the key Christian texts they have memorized apply to their daily lives. After an examination of their confession of faith and participation in Individual Confession and Absolution, they will receive their First Communion in a Sunday Divine Service. Click here to see the basic outline of examination questions and where you can find the entire Small Catechism for free.

Illustration of a man speaking to a large crowd from a boat on a river, with trees and houses in the background.

Family Catechesis

Family Catechesis meets each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., following the Divine Service. It is patterned after the historic Christenlehre—general Christian instruction for all ages in the Lutheran tradition. Households gather to pray, sing, and study God’s Word together, walking verse by verse through books of the Bible and addressing timely topics relevant to life in Christ. Each session connects our study with the Small and Large Catechisms, helping prepare those not yet confirmed and renewing foundational truths for those already confirmed. This time of shared instruction nurtures faith and fosters deeper understanding across generations.

For more information about catechesis opportunities related to Baptism, Confirmation, pre-marital counseling, or marriage enrichment, please contact our pastor. He would be glad to speak with you and help you take the next steps in faith and discipleship.

Catechesis is central to our life in Christ. To learn more about our congregation and confession, visit the St. Thomas homepage.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”