CATECHUMENS
Three
levels or degrees of discipleship have been prepared for
The
First Level
involves an evaluation
of values. The Catechumen is encouraged to submit an enrollment
Application and then to thoroughly explore the
If the Catechumen manifests surprise or concern, it may indicate a lack of genuine familiarity and fundamental agreement with Grail doctrine. When the Catechumen demonstrates an understanding and sympathy for Grail doctrine, then it is appropriate to move to the next level of instruction.
Completion
of this Level will result in a Letter
of Recognition sent to the Catechumen. It is recognition that
many people will simply want to remain "Friends" of the
The Second Level involves an academic emphasis. It requires the Catechumen to read all of the books offered on the Grail Church website and to successfully complete any examinations they might contain. This level requires the Catechumen to master the rudiments of Grail theology.
At this level, Catechumens will require more supervision either through a residency program with the Overseer or participation with a Grail Study Group in their area. When resources are available, an Internet radio school is anticipated, which may, in the course of time, adequately meet these needs.
Completion of this Level will result in a Letter of Affiliation in which the Catechumen's ministry will be recognized as a diaconate within the Cambrian Episcopal Church. This level is designed for people with established ministries or other career commitments which do not permit them the opportunity to participate directly in the Church's mission.
The Third Level is the practicum and requires a Residency. It is designed to further the formation of family abbeys. The Catechumen will be asked to participate in a currently established abbey, with the goal of either becoming a part of an existing abbey or participating to form a new one.
Unlike other religious groups, the Grail Church does not evangelize or proselytize in the traditional sense. It does not start churches, synagogues, or other religious institutions. Rather, it operates within the family structure and promotes growth through the mission of planting family abbeys.
The time frame for completion of these three levels will vary from one Catechumen to another. The First Level will usually be completed between one to six months. The Second Level may take six to twenty-four months, and the Third Level from four to six years. Obviously, the Third Level is reserved only for Catechumens who have made a serious life decision to pursue this mission.
Specific questions may be directed to overseer@grailchurch.org
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