Middle School
The nurturing of a young person’s faith takes place within the family. As the parents are the primary faith educators, during these initial middle school years, it is our goal to build upon the foundation you have laid in their early childhood and elementary years. This happens not only within the Faith Formation experience but through service opportunities, social events and retreats. Our Middle School team is dedicated to praying for your middle schooler and family and help them to embrace the Catholic faith.
It is our hope during these middle school years to help your soon-to-be teenager to spiritually prepare for the sacrament of confirmation, but more importantly to support you in guiding them to answer the call to discipleship and grow in an understanding of what it means to be a Catholic in the modern world.
Director of Religious Education: Diane Kiradjieff 704-543-7677 x1038
Director of Youth Ministry: Adrian Quintero 704-543-7677 x1027
Sixth Grade
6th Grade Curriculum: St. Mary’s Press, Great People of the Bible and Ascension Press, Encounter
This curriculum will help young people become familiar with some of the greatest people of the Bible: good and holy people who loved and followed God. The curriculum is enriched with Encounter: Experiencing God in the Everyday. Together, these are more than just a Bible study program; working together to open sacred Scripture and allow it to bring to light our faith, and God’s plan for our life.
EDGE (7th & 8th Grade)
Edge is a Catholic middle school youth ministry program. It 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.
To meet the requirements to receive the sacrament of confirmation, 7th and 8th grade youth participate in EDGE to assist them in preparing for the sacrament of confirmation.
Middle School Youth Minister: Lauren Piercefield, 704-543-7677
Xtreme EDGE
St. Matthew’s Xtreme EDGE Ministry is committed to providing a spiritual voice and guidance to our middle school youth through fellowship, service, catechesis and prayer.
So, just what is Xtreme EDGE?
These nights combine the spiritual and the social, allowing middle school youth to explore their role in our Catholic faith. It’s a place to hang out with your friends, make new friends! The middle school years are one of the toughest times of life to navigate through, and Xtreme EDGE is a ministry here to let them know that they are not alone. It gives the youth a place to belong, where they can come and have fun in a safe environment, feel important to their parish family and have an encounter with their ever-loving Father.
If you are in 6th, 7th or 8th grade, Xtreme EDGE is waiting for you!
Friday nights, once a month; themes and activities vary from service projects to movie nights, to relay games, dodgeball, good food and everything in between!
Bible & Baking
3rd Thursday of the Month, 7pm-8:15pm
Location: Parish Center/Kitchen
Offered on the third Thursday of each month from September to May, middle school students are invited to bake treats for the Missionaries of the Poor. While the treats are cooking, we will take some time to explore some Bible stories! Meet in the Family Room in the Parish Center.
Winter/Spring 2019 dates: January 17, February 21, March 21, April – TBD, May 16
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0b4facac28a4fd0-bible
At least 2 Adults or High School Volunteers are needed to help facilitate and are asked to arrive 15 minutes early!
If you have questions, then please contact Lauren Piercefield.
Service
All middle school youth who are enrolled in faith formation are required to complete service projects, the number of projects are based on the grade level of the student. Young people desire to make a difference and to use their gifts! Each young person participating in service projects assists them in recognizing the importance of service and areas that they enjoy serving in.
7th & 8th Grade – Two individual and one small group service projects
Click here to download the Middle School Service Project Report. If you have any questions, please contact Donna DeCarlo.
Youth Ministry News
