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Faith Formation for Children and Adults

Registration for Faith Formation classes for public school students in grades K to 10 is open for the 2023-2024 school year. 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, download this form, complete it, and email it to . Or bring the completed form to the first class.

The first evening of class for public school students is September 20 from 6:30 to 7:45. Classes are held in the St Matthew Parish Center, 490 Hall Avenue. There will also be a parent meeting in the church that evening.

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 11 from 6:45 to 7:50 in the St Matthew Parish Center.

Community of Saints (COS) Regional Catholic School 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 in November in St Matthew Church.

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 program for children ages 3 to 7. We use the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies Seeds curriculum (www.pflaumweeklies.com/seeds/). 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 are returned 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. Children may 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 2-4 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. Parents attend three to four meetings as well as part of preparing for this sacrament. 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.