Christ Lutheran Academy has faithful Lutheran catechesis as its central task.  The entire catechetical program for all grades falls under the jurisdiction and oversight of the pastors of the congregations.  Catechesis takes place in the academy’s worship and prayer life, music program, and daily integration of the faith into academic subjects.  For this reason, the faculty receives ongoing instruction in Lutheran doctrine.  “Religion” as an academic subject is replaced with daily Matins, Morning Prayer, or the Divine Service in the church, and catechetical instruction by the pastors, reinforced by the teachers.

Listening to Bible stories, discussing what is heard, praying the Catechism and liturgy, and singing the hymns of the church is part of the daily life of the academy.  Children learn the entire Catechism by heart by the end of the third grade.  Children learn a three-year cycle of important Bible passages and hymn verses by heart.  By the request and consent of their parents, confirmation is granted to those member children who have been instructed in the Catechism and examined by their pastor.  Children grow in the Christian faith and life through the integration of that faith into all the academic subjects of the academy.  They learn to evaluate the real world and our society and culture on the basis of the Word of God and the Christian confession.  Children learn the faith by doing those things that will be a part of their Christian life as long as they live.

Foremost in the process of catechesis is the involvement of parents in the catechization of their children.  This requires the ongoing catechesis of parents through the Divine Service, adult instruction, Bible classes, and special topic presentations, so that the Word of the Gospel becomes the foundation for their faith and life.  This catechesis assists parents in living their Christian vocation, understanding the Divine Service and the church’s liturgy, teaching their children to listen to the Word of God, praying the Catechism in the home, and practicing confession and absolution within the family.

All parents and/or guardians are required to attend Adult Catechesis Class each year in the fall.  Each year, two of the six chief parts of the catechism are covered.  This takes six to eight sessions.  This will allow new and returning parents a chance to hear and learn the Word of God together each year.