What We Believe

     What We Believe

We Believe

      • in the one true God, the Holy Trinity, as confessed in the three ecumenical creeds, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

      • that Scripture is God’s inspired, holy and perfect Word and the source and norm of doctrine and faith.  This Word of God is divine revelation of God’s love and mercy to all people.

      • that all people are in bondage to sin, death, and the devil, and are unable to free themselves or make themselves right with God by their own powers.

      • that Jesus Christ, true God and true man, lived a perfect and holy life for us, shed His blood for us on the cross to atone for our sins, and rose from the grave on the third day to conquer Satan and the grave for us.

      • that the Holy Spirit delivers Christ’s forgiveness, life, and salvation to us, fully and freely, through the preaching of the Word and the holy Sacraments of Baptism, Absolution, and the Eucharist.

      • that Christ is working in us to lead lives of faith toward God and love toward one another, that is, He works good in us.

      • that Christ will come again on the Last Day to judge the living and the dead and give eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Saint Stephen, First Martyr

“When you are baptized, partake of Holy Communion, receive the absolution, or listen to a sermon, heaven is open, and we hear the voice of the Heavenly Father; all these works descend upon us from the open heaven above us. God converses with us, provides for us; and Christ hovers over us–but invisibly. And even though there were clouds above us as impervious as iron or steel, obstructing our view of heaven, this would not matter. Still we hear God speaking to us from heaven; we call and cry to Him, and He answers us. Heaven is open, as St. Stephen saw it open (Acts 7:55); and we hear God when He addresses us in Baptism, in Holy Communion, in confession, and in His Word as it proceeds from the mouth of the men who proclaim His message to the people.”

– Martin Luther (1538)

Catechesis is learning for life – the life of faith

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) “Catechesis” means instruction in or the hearing of God’s Word. For Christians catechesis is a life-long hearing or instruction in God’s word. Our faith in Christ is always in need of being fed and nourished. God blesses us through the hearing and study of His Word and the reception of His grace in the Holy Eucharist. In the Holy Mass we are strengthened in faith toward God and love toward the neighbor.

All that corresponds to “catechesis” or, the teaching and learning of the holy faith, is provided for those who desire and are regularly attending the Mass where the faithful are gathered to hear God’s Word and receive the Sacrament of the Altar, or Holy Eucharist. “Catechesis” is connected to all aspects of life in the Church and in the Christian life in the world.  By God’s grace through faith in Christ we come to know and enjoy the love of God’s love and mercy from beginning to end as we come to know and live in the life of God the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Confirmation

Instruction in the holy catholic faith for baptized children, youth and adults.  Confirmation teaches the faith received in the grace of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and confessed by the church and leads the catechumen to membership in the congregation.

First Communion

Instruction for baptized children in the Holy Scriptures and the Christian faith as confessed in the Small Catechism with focus on God’s gift of Holy Communion. First Communion may be prior to, but is not a replacement for, Confirmation.

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