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Church of St. Matthew

A visible expression of God's love

Church of St. Matthew > Faith Formation

Faith Formation for Children and Adults

Opportunities for worship and religious education are an integral part of parish life at the Church of St. Matthew. Many programs are organized by parent volunteers, and additional volunteers are welcome. The time commitment is flexible, and the volunteering has great impact on our young Catholics.

Classes for Faith Formation (Religious Education) are available to public school students in grades K to 10. These classes help children learn about and grow in their Catholic faith. They also help children and families prepare for the sacraments of First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Faith Formation classes are held in the Parish Center (490 Hall Avenue) most Wednesday evenings from late September through early May. Registration for this school year program for public school students  is available from August to early October. For more information on this program, send an email to or call the parish office.

Baptism: The first sacrament that children receive is baptism. If your child has not yet been baptized, see st-matts.org/baptism/ and complete the Baptism registration form. The completed baptism registration form should be emailed to . Public school children preparing for baptism are welcome to also be in our Wednesday evening Faith Formation program.

First Communion: Families with children in 2nd grade and up may register their child from August to October to be prepared for this sacrament. First Communion preparation occurs during the Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes; class is from 6:30 to 7:45. Parents attend four meetings as part of preparing for this sacrament. First Holy Communion is usually celebrated at select weekend Masses following Easter Sunday and before Pentecost.

Community of Saints (COS) Regional Catholic School students in grades 2 and up are welcome to join our St Matthew First Communion program. School parents register their children for First Communion at the Church of St Matthew between August and November. Classes for students and meetings for parents are held four times during the school year. Community of Saints students preparing for First Communion will receive First Reconciliation at St Matthew before they receive First Communion.

First Reconciliation/Penance: Before children receive First Communion, they receive First Reconciliation. Families with children in 2nd grade and up may register to prepare for this sacrament. Preparation occurs during the Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes. Students will receive this sacrament in a ceremony that includes the family and takes place during Advent.

Confirmation: Students in grades 8, 9, 10, and 11 who would like to be confirmed must be registered for Faith Formation. Weekly Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes are held from 6:45 to 7:50 PM in the Parish Center from late September through April. They then participate in the Confirmation Mass, usually held at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

Community of Saints (COS) Regional Catholic School students in grade 8 are welcome in our St Matthew Confirmation program. Between August and October, school parents register their 8th grade student for the St Matthew Confirmation program. COS students attend class once a month in the St Matthew Parish Center during the school year, and parents attend two meetings. Eighth graders who have completed the requirements receive the sacrament of Confirmation at a Mass held at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults & Children (formerly RCIA and RCIC): This is the process of formation and initiation for older children who have not been baptized and for adults who have not been baptized who wish to enter full communion with the Catholic Church. Those interested in learning more and seeking a class schedule are invited to contact the parish administrative assistant .

Youth Group: The St Matthew Youth Group is a program for students in Grades 5 to 12 that involves social gatherings, fellowship, and service to others. Youth group meets on occasional Sunday afternoons. Contact the parish office for details.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a school year program for children ages 3 to 7. Young children who attend the Sunday Mass with their family are invited to the chapel during Mass to hear the Gospel and do crafts and activities related to the Gospel, led by a catechist. They return to the main church shortly after the homily.

Also, St Matthew provides learning packets for children ages 3 to 7 at the Saturday and Sunday weekend Masses. The Children’s Liturgy of the Word learning packets are on a shelf in the back of church near the hymnals and on a table in the center back area of church. Children take the packets home after Mass.

Early Childhood Family Faith Formation: St Matthew is starting an early childhood program for parents to attend with their child/children, infants to age 3. If you are interested, please send an email to .