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Faith Formation classes are available for both children and adults at the Church of St. Matthew. These classes provide an opportunity for individuals to learn and grow in their Catholic faith, as well as prepare for important sacraments such as First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation.
Registration for 2023-2024 School Year
Registration for Faith Formation classes is now open for public school students in grades K to 10 for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. To register your child, simply download the registration form from our website, complete it, and email it to [protected email]. Alternatively, you can bring the completed form to the first class.
Classes for Public School Students
The first evening of class for public school students will be held on September 20 from 6:30 to 7:45 at the St Matthew Parish Center, located at 490 Hall Avenue. On this evening, there will also be a parent meeting in the church. These classes, which are held 2-4 Wednesday evenings a month from September through May, provide an opportunity for children to learn about their Catholic faith and prepare for the sacraments.
Confirmation for Community of Saints Regional Catholic School Families
Families with 8th-grade students attending the Community of Saints (COS) Regional Catholic School can register their child for Confirmation by completing the registration form available on our website. The first Confirmation class for COS 8th graders will take place on October 11 from 6:45 to 7:50 at the St Matthew Parish Center. Additionally, COS families with students in grades 2 and above can also register their child for First Communion and First Reconciliation by completing the registration form. The initial First Communion class and parent meeting for COS children will be held in November at St Matthew Church.
Baptism Registration
Baptism is the first sacrament that children receive. If your child has not yet been baptized, we encourage you to visit our website at st-matts.org/baptism/ and complete the Baptism registration form. Once completed, please email the form to [protected email].
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a school year program designed for children ages 3 to 7. During Sunday Mass, young children attending with their families are invited to the chapel to hear the Gospel and engage in crafts and activities related to the Gospel, led by a catechist. They are then returned to the main church shortly after the homily. In addition, we provide learning packets for children ages 3 to 7 at the Saturday and Sunday Masses. These learning packets can be found on a shelf in the back of the church near the hymnals and can be taken home by the children.
Faith Formation and Sacraments
At the Church of St. Matthew, we believe that worship and religious education are essential components of parish life. We offer a range of faith formation programs and sacraments to meet the needs of our community.
First Communion
Families with children in 2nd grade and above can register their child for First Communion. This sacrament is typically celebrated at select weekend Masses following Easter Sunday and before Pentecost. First Communion preparation takes place during the Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes, which run from 6:30 to 7:40. Parents are required to attend three to four meetings as part of the preparation process.
First Reconciliation
Before receiving First Holy Communion, children must first receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation. Families with children in 2nd grade and above can register their child for this sacrament. Preparation for First Reconciliation also occurs during the Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes. The sacrament itself takes place during Advent in a ceremony that includes the family.
Confirmation
Students in grades 8, 9, 10, and 11 who wish to be confirmed must be registered for the Faith Formation program. Weekly Wednesday evening classes are held from 6:45 to 7:50 PM at the Parish Center from late September through April. Following the completion of the classes, students participate in the Confirmation ceremony, which is typically held at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults & Children (RCIA and RCIC)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Children (RCIA and RCIC) is a process of formation and initiation for individuals who have not been baptized and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. This includes children aged 7 and older and adults. If you are interested in learning more about this process and obtaining a class schedule, please contact the parish administrator or administrative assistant.
In conclusion, the Church of St. Matthew offers a variety of faith formation programs for both children and adults. These programs provide an opportunity for individuals to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and prepare for important sacraments. Whether you are a public school student or a member of the Community of Saints Regional Catholic School, we welcome you to join our faith formation community and embark on a journey of spiritual growth and discovery.