New Lay Catechist Program
This year, we launched our new Lay Catechist Program, a six-month journey designed to equip Lay individuals to support others in their faith development. Lay catechists walk alongside people in their spiritual journeys, planning, assisting, and leading opportunities for growth through prayer, scripture study, and community. We are proud to have six participants representing six different congregations across our Diocese: Grace Church in Yukon, Christ Church in Tulsa, Good Shepherd in Sapulpa, St. Luke’s in Bartlesville, and Trinity in Guthrie.
Kate Carney Bond, our Director of Faith Formation & Discipleship, who is leading the program alongside Teresa Phares, shared why Lay Catechists are essential in our congregations, “Lay ministry in general is essential to the vitality of our congregations. Lay Catechists are those people who are formally trained and licensed to lead Baptismal and Confirmation preparation as well as offer formation opportunities in our congregations.”
Kate also expressed her excitement about the program’s progress, “In the beginning, the most exciting part of this program is the building up of lay ministry throughout the Diocese. However, now it is getting to work with the group of lay catechist students who have absolutely blown me away with their spiritual insights and dedication to growing in faith and ministry. One of my most joyful moments so far in this program is the community the lay catechist students formed during their retreat at St. Crispin's in January. To see such a diverse group of people come together is a testament to the power of spiritual friendship.”
Kara Davis, a current Lay Catechist, shared why she chose to join the program, “ I joined the Lay Catechist program because I wanted more education and resources to assist me in training people as disciples. I love my career, but believe that my calling includes engaging in relationships and cultivating a faith community dedicated to spiritual growth. I have been a teacher for years in another faith tradition, and I see this as an opportunity to approach formation from a foundaton of Episcopal theology as we seek to learn and grow together. I see this as an opportunity for growth for me that I can take back and then invest in my church.”
Kara also encouraged others to consider the program, “This program will be especially meaningful for the person who is looking to more fully invest in training to equip the disciples in each congregation, particularly those who are in teaching positions and looking to develop a more robust formation practice within their congregations. The Lay Catechist program will also be useful for those established teachers as well, because they will connect with others walking the same path and have the chance to be challenged and learn new areas of growth.”
We will be launching a second cohort in January 2026. If you are interested, you can apply HERE.
