Religious Education Program

Mission Statement

The Religious Education Program at Saint Matthew Church has as its foundation the understanding that we as church educators are here only to assist the parents in carrying out their responsibilities for the religious formation of their children. We attempt to accomplish this goal by empowering each catechist with a formation program of their own that gives them the confidence and the practical knowledge to instruct the children entrusted to their care.

Together, we strive to develop an integrated program that appeals to the spiritual senses of our children providing for them a comprehensive and holistic faith experience. The catechists associated with the Religious Education program, together with the parents, work as a team to pass along Jesus' gospel message to our children.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: This program is for children ages 4 through 6. They meet on Sunday during the 10 AM Mass. Our volunteer coordinator, Sally Pauloz, uses a lectionary-based program. Each Sunday’s class is based on the readings for that particular Sunday which are geared to a child’s understanding. The children are dismissed at the conclusion of the opening prayer and return to their parents after communion.

As a registered member of this parish, your children have the opportunity to grow in faith in our Religious Education Program. We encourage you to attend Mass with your children and teach them simple prayers: The Sign of the Cross, The Lord's Prayer (Our Father who art in heaven…), The Hail Mary, The Glory Be, and Grace Before and After Meals.

Who should register for Religious Education?

Children Age 4 through Grade 8 not attending a Catholic school.
Those registering for the first time should attach a copy of their Baptismal Certificate to the Registration Form.

We're starting a program for 4-year-olds for 2008-09. Those not attending a Catholic school are eligible for Religious Ed classes if, as of Sept. 1, they are age 4 for Pre-K or age 5 for Kindergarten.

ALL students entering Grade 9, no matter where they attend high school, in order to be eligible for Confirmation in Grade 10.

Grades 7 through 10 meet weekly in small groups in their teachers' homes. Teachers for Grades 7, 8, and 9 will be calling their students in September. They will give you their name and the place, day and time of your class, which will begin in early October.

• Welcoming of Confirmation Candidates - Monday, October 6th at 6:30 PM
• Rosary and Fatima - Sunday, October 26th
• Presentation of Candidates - Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 11:30 AM Mass and Sean Forrest Retreat - Sunday, January 25, 2009 from 1 to 5 PM in the school gym. Classes for Confirmation Candidates (Grade 10) begin in January.

We also offer the option of Family Catechesis, in which you teach your child/children at home. However, Family Catechesis is NOT available for sacramental years: Grade 2 - First Communion; Grades 9-10 - Confirmation.

Tuition for 2008-09

• One child $ 70
• Two children $120
• Three or more children $150

($30/child for Family Catechesis)

Students returning to our Religious Education program who have not yet returned their Registration Form are asked to do so ASAP. Registration Forms are available in the church main entryway. Check future Bulletins and/or call Sister Lorraine for additional information.

Adult Education: Various adult programs are offered throughout the year. For additional information, you may call Sister Lorraine Gondkofski, IHM (860) 583-7806.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is a process of conversion to the Catholic Faith.  The parish family of Saint Matthew welcomes all non-Catholics who feel called to study the traditions and teachings of our Faith with the hope of receiving two or all of the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) at the Holy Saturday Liturgy.