CAT(echism)
Catechism class at Bethel Lutheran Church for 4th and 5th graders began in 1991. A Joint Confirmation Committee made up of staff and lay leaders from Bethel, St. John’s and St. Peter’s Lutheran Churches in Northfield spent many months and hours examining the then current confirmation practices at all three churches and how they might be enhanced.
As a result of the work of this committee, Catechism classes for grades 4 and 5 and a Catechism Retreat for grade 6 were implemented at all three churches.
At Bethel our 4th graders study the Ten Commandments, 5th graders study the Apostles’ Creed and 6th graders have 3 retreats on the Lord’s Prayer.
Currently at Bethel, CAT classes for grades 4 and 5 are taught by Pastor Tim McDermott and Pam Vig, Director of Children’s Ministries.
Classes are held in one 4-week session and two 6-week sessions throughout the school year in conjunction with BAM, our weekly after school program. A student may attend CAT class without staying for the entire Wednesday afternoon program. See the Children’s Ministry Calendar for details.