St. Matthew

The sacraments of initiation (baptism, Holy Eucharist and confirmation) are gifts to us, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.  It is our privilege to support parents as they prepare their children for these grace-filled gifts.

Adults who are seeking the sacraments of initiation for themselves or inquiring about marriage, please contact Rachel Willoughby

BAPTISM: If the child to be baptized is under the age of five, please complete this FORM and you will be contacted.  If your child is entering kindergarten or older, or has been baptized but not in the Catholic Church, please contact Diane Kiradjieff to learn more.

FIRST EUCHARIST: Preparing for the sacrament of First Eucharist is a two year process, beginning as early as first grade.  Please contact Lori Mathews to learn the proper program placement for your child, or learn more HERE.  Parents of currently registered children may also find resources and support HERE.

CONFIRMATION: Preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation is also a two year process, beginning as early as seventh grade.  Please contact Avery Utz to learn the proper program placement for your teen, or learn more HERE.  Parents of currently registered children may also find resources and support HERE.

Our Family Discipleship program and events are designed to support parents in fostering the faith at home and in all aspects of family life.

FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP FAITH FORMATION: For families with elementary and middle school age children in our faith formation program, this gives you an option to combine at home learning with community events.  Parents are provided with the curriculum and lesson outline to do at home with their children.  Four times through the program year, families come to a ‘mini-retreat’ in person at our Ballantyne Campus.  CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION, DATES AND LESSON TIPS.

Family Discipleship Coordinators, Amy Bojarski and Michelle Lyberg

FAMILY CONNECTIONS: For families of all ages and generations! Events are offered through the program year, and designed to offer families opportunities to serve, come together in community or just explore aspects of our faith in unique, tangible ways!

Family Connections Coordinator, Cat Sforza

Looking for volunteer opportunities?  Visit our BE THE CHURCH page!

One of St. Matthew’s sweetest and most loved programs is offered during the 9 and 10:45 am Masses. Our Preschool-Kindergarten program immerses children in their Catholic faith through an interactive curriculum which introduces them to the essential faith concepts and God’s mighty love!  Children must be 3, 4 or 5 by August 31, 2021 to enroll, and should be fully toilet trained as our facilities are not designed for diaper changing during classtime.

CLICK TO REGISTER OR LEARN MORE!

Catholic Littles Coordinator, Becky Lennard (704-543-7677, x1187)

The elementary years following the reception of first sacraments are focused on supporting parents in forming young disciples!  Each grade has a particular focus, but overall the goals of our elementary programs are to encourage curiosity and discovery about our Catholic faith!

CLICK FOR OUR SUNDAY CATHOLIC KIDS CONNECTION!

For family service, formation and events, see our Family Discipleship dropdown above.

CURRICULUM: RCL Benzinger’s Blest Are We-Faith In Action

Catholic Kids Coordinator, Michelle Lyberg (704-543-7677)

If your child has not received the sacrament of First Eucharist, please see the dropdown above for sacramental preparation!

The Edge program is offered in 6th, 7th and 8th grade.  Utilizing a youth ministry format, Edge provides a safe fun place for youth to find solid Catholic community, to get answers to their questions about faith, and, most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way.  At St. Matthew, this program serves as continuing faith formation for middle school youth and in 8th grade is enriched with our Ignite proximate preparation to complete their preparation for Confirmation and life as a fully initiated Catholic disciple of Christ.

Edge Coordinator, Amy Bojarski

Confirmation Coordinator, Avery Utz

Looking for volunteer opportunities?  Visit our BE THE CHURCH page!

For family service, formation and events, see our Family Discipleship dropdown above. 

CLICK FOR EDGE SERVICE LOGS or FOR CONFIRMATION PAPERWORK

CLICK FOR XTREME EDGE EVENTS!

Our program is committed to providing our teens with the best possible opportunities for personal and spiritual growth through catechesis (religious education), fellowship, service, outreach, and leadership.

High School Youth Minister, Lauren Piercefield

CLICK FOR INFORMATION ON ALL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES!

Looking for volunteer opportunities?  Visit our BE THE CHURCH page!

SPRED (SPecial Religious EDucation) is a program of religious development specifically designed to meet the spiritual needs of persons of all ages with developmental disabilities and intellectual challenges. Through their participation in the SPRED Community of faith, our Special Friends are incorporated into the liturgical and sacramental life of the parish of St. Matthew. SPRED serves persons with special needs age six through adulthood.