St. Matthew's Inquirers' Class

Session 10: Church Membership

In this final session, Fr. Hayden Butler discusses what it means to be an active member of a parish—how our participation in the sacraments ushers us into a community in which we are formed by the Holy Spirit. He then responds to participant questions.

Session 9: The Duties of a Christian

Mr. Carl Swanson discusses Christian duty as it pertains to all aspects of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit during baptism. He then explains how the Christian life does not compete with our secular and natural endeavors, revealing a holistic approach to ministry and vocation.

Session 8: The Life of Prayer

Fr. Hayden Butler discusses the 'life of prayer,' the rhythms by which Christians encounter God and inhabit the Gospel. He then discusses the relationship between Holy Communion, fixed times of prayer each day, and personal devotions.

Session 7: The Church Calendar

Bp. Stephen Scarlett discusses the Christian sense of time and story, articulating its differences with faith lived according to the world's time and story. He then stresses the importance of living a life of prayer according to the time and narrative of the Church calendar, citing it as the foundation for long-term spiritual formation and the cultivation of hope.

Session 6: Liturgy of the Eucharist

Fr. Hayden Butler discusses the Liturgy of Holy Communion: the structure of the service, and how it orients us toward participation in Christ's sacrifice. He then discusses how the ritual gestures and words lead us into offering our whole selves to God for His blessing, commissioning us into the work of God in the world.