S.W.E.E.P.
The Ministries of St. Catherine's
The many ministries of St. Catherine's are organized under the five types (or commissions) outlined for us by St. Paul in Ephesians. We pray that each member of our parish will find the special ministry that he or she is called to do. The commissions generally meet on Wednesday evenings.
Christian Education
The Education Commission works with and advises the Director of Christian Education and the Rector in all areas of Christian Education. Kristin Murray represents the staff on the Commission and the Vestry Liaisons are Jeanne Scruggs and Tiffany Grant. The Commission also helps to coordinate the church calendar, working with other commissions to incorporate Christian Education into various events.
There are many opportunities for participating in Christian Education at St. Catherine's, as well as many opportunities for teachers. Please contact the people listed for additional information. If you have any ideas for Christian Education, please feel free to suggest them to the Commission.
Church School
(Kristin Murray)
Pre-School through High School
Church School classes are provided on Sundays at 9 AM, for ages 3 through High School. (Nursery is provided for younger children.) There are lots of fun activities, including artwork, music, and story telling.
The teachers are adult volunteers. Volunteers usually share the duties, so that no one person is required to be there every Sunday. The Bible-based curriculum is provided and Kristin is available to assist with advice and training.
Children's Church School Classes are listed below:
| Age 0 - 3 yrs | 9-11:30 AM | Childcare is available throughout the morning, for this age group. Older children will attend worship with their families, at 10 AM (after Church School). |
| Age 2 - 3 yrs | 9:30-11:30 AM | These children will enjoy stories, songs, and finger plays. |
| Age 4 - K | 9-9:50 AM | The children will learn stories and special themes through interactive hands-on learning: puppets, figures, and flannel board telling and retelling, arts and crafts, music, and games. |
| Grades 5-8 | 9-9:50 AM | Topics include Church Calendar, Holy Days, Saints, Episcopal Traditions, Books of the Bible, and the Book of Common Prayer. The children will explore these through art, drama, research, games, and special projects. |
| Grades 9-12 | 9-9:50 AM | Students will explore Episcopal Traditions and the Bible, including Women of the Bible, through book studies, Bible study, special projects, and discussions. Preparation for Confirmation is also included in this class. |
Adult Education on Sunday Mornings
9 AM
Rector's Forum
(meeting in the St. Stephan's Room)
This class discusses the lectionary readings for that Sunday.
St. Cathy's Kids (ages 6-12) and
St. Cathy's Teens (Ages 13 and up)
& Friends
(Kristin Murray)
Children from St. Catherine's and their friends meet regularly for fun outings. The children and teens also have the opportunities to work on service projects.
Week Day & Evening Bible Study
Bible Study
(Rivers Tyler)
Adults meet for Bible Study at the church on Tuesdays (9:30 - 11 AM). This group is under the direction of Rivers Tyler. For more information, contact Rivers.
Rector's Bible Study
(Fr. Ed Rich)
Fr. Rich meets with adults for Bible study on Wednesdays (10:45 - 11:45 AM), for an in depth study of one of the books of the Bible.
Evening Class
(Fr. Ed Rich)
Fr. Rich leads study of various special topics on various evenings.
Teacher Training
These classes are scheduled just before each new season, to assist our Sunday School teachers in preparing to teach about each season. All Sunday School teachers are encouraged to attend, but these classes are open to any interested people. Watch the calendar for details of date and time, or call the church office for information.
Special Events & Programs
Special events are sponsored throughout the year. On Wednesdays during Advent and Lent, there are short programs, for all ages, teaching about these seasons. These are usually combined with a covered dish supper and a short worship service. During Lent and Advent, there are quiet days for adults, designed to better prepare us for the coming holiday.
Our annual Mite Box donations take place during Lent and are given to the Balm
Mission to help support migrant workers and their families. In Advent, the Education Commission sponsors a hay ride, with caroling to shut-in parishioners, followed by a party.
 |
 |
| Christmas Carolers on the Hay Ride | Elizabeth, One of the Accompanists |
Inquirers' Class
Foundations of Faith
(Check with Fr. Rich to find out when the next class will be offered.)
The purpose of an Inquirers' Class is to provide newcomers to the Episcopal Church an introduction to our faith and practices. In addition, the class can provide long-time Episcopalians a refreshing look at our faith. The combination of newcomers and long-time Episcoplians, along with Fr. Rich's leadership, can lead to some interesting and exciting discussions. Participants may choose to be confirmed (or received) after the class, but there is no obligation to do so.
An Inquirers' Class is usually offered in the fall and in the spring, depending on the need. The Bishop comes a couple of times a year and confirms people from the Tampa area churches. If you are interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church or in Confirmation, see Fr. Rich for more details.