St. Matthew > Faith Formation > Order of Christian Initiation for Teens

The Order of Christian Initiation for Teens is a program designed to help prepare older high school youth for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.  It’s counterpart for eighth and ninth graders is Chosen.  The process may include one or all of the sacraments depending upon where the teen is on their faith journey. There are five elements which make up the Sacramental process: Attendance at Sessions, Be The Church, Retreat, Selection of Sponsor, Selection of Saint.

Program Sessions: Attendance is expected at all sessions, but we recognize that illness or unforeseen family circumstances may prevent attendance. In 2024-2025, we are building in a grace for four absences as well as the ability to ‘swap sessions’ if an absence is anticipated in advance.

SUNDAY SESSIONS
Ballantyne 3:30 to 5 pm
WEDNESDAY SESSIONS
Waxhaw 6:30 to 8 pm
Sep. 15, 22 and 29
Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27
Nov. 10 and 17
Dec. 8 and 15
Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26
Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23
Mar. 9, 16, 23 and 30
Apr. 6
Sep. 18 and 25
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Nov. 13 and 20
Dec. 11 and 18
Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29
Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26
Mar. 12, 19 and 26
Apr. 2 and 9
A link for registration will be posted here on July 12, and will go live on Sunday, July 14 at 4 pm.

BE THE CHURCH: During the program year, candidates are expected to begin to more closely discern how the Holy Spirit is guiding them to a role in the life of the parish. Each candidate is expected to participate in nine Be The Church experiences. The candidate must submit a reflection of their experiences via the link below. No more than two experiences may be the same and one experience outside of the parish is allowed.

THE RETREAT: Candidates are expected to choose a retreat experience to complete their preparation. Dates and information for the retreat options will be posted here in August.

THE SPONSOR: A candidate’s sponsor should be viewed as a lifelong guide in faith. The responsibility of the sponsor is to present the candidate to the Bishop at the Mass of Confirmation and to guide them in the Catholic faith everyday forward. A sponsor must be at least sixteen years of age, a practicing Catholic who has received all Sacraments of Initiation and lives a life of faith abiding by the truths and precepts of the Catholic Church. The sponsor can not be the parent or legal guardian of the candidate. Once chosen, the sponsor will need to complete the form found at the link below, or provide a letter from their home parish.

THE SAINT: Candidates will choose a saint to be their heavenly prayer champion and lifelong guide. The chosen will be the name used during the anointing and will be entered into the sacramental records alongside the candidate’s given baptismal name. Only names of canonized or beatified (blessed) saints recognized by the Catholic Church can be chosen as confirmation saints. Candidates are expected to write a personal reflection at least three paragraphs in length which tells of who you are, who your saint is and why you feel a connection to this saint. 

Youth Ministry News

Catholic Kids Connection - Check in each week as we connect you with a HIGH FIVE from Jesus! https://youtu.be/kjX8CVoghdw ... Read More...
Registration OPENS Sunday, July 14! - For information on program offerings for the 2024-2025 program year, as well as session days and times, please visit our… ... Read More...
SCHOLARSHIPS – Teens and Adults - St. Matthew parish offers scholarship opportunities for high school seniors or adults continuing their education! Deadline to apply for either… ... Read More...

  • 21
    Jul

    Mass - Life Teen
    Sunday, July 21
    5:30 pm-6:30 pm
    St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277, USA

  • 28
    Jul

    Mass - Life Teen
    Sunday, July 28
    5:30 pm-6:30 pm
    St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277, USA

Full Calendar