Faith Formation for Children and Adults
Faith Formation classes for the 2022-2023 school year have started. Registration is open a few more weeks for students in grades K to 10 who attend public school.
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.
To register your public school student for Faith Formation, download this form, complete it, and email it to .
The COVID-19 prevention plan for Faith Formation is here. Parents should review this before completing the Faith Formation registration form.
Community of Saints (COS) Regional Catholic School families may register 8th grade students for Confirmation by completing this form. The first Confirmation class for COS 8th graders is October 26 from 6:45 to 7:50 in the St Matthew Parish Center.
Community of Saints (COS) families may register students in grades 2 and above for First Communion and First Reconciliation by completing this form. The initial First Communion class and parent meeting for COS children is on November 16 from 6:30 to 7:40 in St Matthew Church.
The COVID-19 prevention plan for Community of Saints families at St Matthew is here.
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 .
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a school-year faith formation program for children ages 3 to 7. We use the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies Seeds curriculum (www.pflaumweeklies.com/seeds/). For the 2022-2023 school year, St Matthew will provide a learning packet for children 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. Children may use the packets during Mass and take the packets home with them.
Program information: Faith Formation and Sacraments
Opportunities for worship and religious education are an integral part of parish life at the Church of St. Matthew.
Classes for Faith Formation (Religious Education) are available to public school students in grades K to 10. They are held 2-3 Wednesday evenings a month from late September through early May.
First Communion: Families with children in 2nd grade and up may register their child to be prepared for this sacrament. First Communion preparation occurs during the Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes; class is from 6:30 to 7:40. First Holy Communion is usually celebrated at select weekend Masses following Easter Sunday and before Pentecost.
First Penance/Reconciliation: Before children receive First Holy 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 ceremony, usually held at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults & Children (RCIA and RCIC): This is the process of formation and initiation for children 7 years of age and older 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 administrator or administrative assistant.
