St. Matthew

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.  Parents must take part in a baptism preparation class prior to scheduling the sacrament.

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 Cathy Strasswimmer to learn more.

In the Diocese of Charlotte,  at least two full consecutive years of formal religious education (Catholic school or Faith Formation) are necessary prior to receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time. The second year of preparation includes participation in the parish program regardless of what school is attended.  Children may receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time in the spring of second grade or older.

YEAR ONE: This may take place when a child is in First Grade or older, in either a Faith Formation program or Catholic School.  Faith Formation Programs are First Eucharist Year 1 (1st or 2nd grade), Rite of Christian Initiation for Children – Year 1 (3rd to 5th Grade), Rite of Christian Initiation for Youth – Year 1 (6th to 9th Grade), Rite of Christian Initiation for Teens (10th to 12th Grade).

YEAR TWO: Takes place the consecutive year following YEAR ONE. All children must be enrolled in the parish program to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist for the first time regardless of grade or what school is attended. Faith Formation Programs are First Eucharist Year 2 (2nd or 3rd grade), Rite of Christian Initiation for Children – Year 2 (4th to 5th Grade), Rite of Christian Initiation for Youth – Year 2 (6th to 9th Grade), Rite of Christian Initiation for Teens (10th to 12th Grade).

To receive information specific to your child, please contact Lori Mathews.

At this time, enrollment for the 2022-2023 program year is finished.

2023-2024 Program and Registration Information Coming Soon!

We understand that every youth’s faith journey is as unique as they are. Therefore, our Confirmation program combines flexible catechesis with countless parish life opportunities that inspire the youth to enter an active life of faith as a confirmed Catholic.

The confirmation process takes place in two parts. The first is designed to strengthen the youth’s Catholic foundation and knowledge before they enter into the second part, which specifically prepares them for the sacrament. During both parts of process, regardless of what school a youth is attending, he or she is expected to be a part of parish life and youth ministry to prepare them for their life as a confirmed Catholic disciple.  Opportunities can be found on our YOUTH MINISTRY or BE THE CHURCH webpage.

PART ONE – INVITED (6th to 9th Grade): If a youth is in Catholic school, this first part of the process of preparing for Confirmation takes place within the school.  Once a youth enters middle school, they are INVITED to begin discerning their calling as a Catholic disciple as they journey closer to the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is done through the exploration of six topics: Jesus Christ, Sacraments, The Church, The Trinity, Revelation and Morality.  Each topic is offered once during a seven-week trimester of the program year, and beginning this year, during an ‘intensive’ three day program in the summer.  All six topics – or two years of Catholic school – must be completed before a youth may enter into the IGNITE program.

PART TWO – IGNITE (8th or 9th Grade): Regardless of what school a youth is attending, this part of the process of preparing for Confirmation must be completed in the parish. Once a youth is in eighth grade or older, and he or she has completed the INVITED topics or at least two years of Catholic school prior to eighth grade, the second part of the process may begin – the IGNITE program.  IGNITE is offered as a seven-week course that may be taken during the fall, winter or spring.  Included in the trimester is a day retreat for the parent and teen to participate in together, along with the sponsor if he or she is available.

RCIT (10th to 12th Grade): High school teens in 10th to 12th grade, who are coming into the Church who have not yet received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation) or those who have not been enrolled in Faith Formation for an extended period of time seeking only the sacrament of Confirmation.  Through a relaxed, small group setting, teens discover the teachings of the Catholic Church and what it means to live your life as a Catholic Christian in today’s world.