Saint Matthew Parish School of Religion 

Classes begin on September 20, 2006 and end May 16 2007.  Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:45 p.m. for grades Kindergarten through 8.  We will be using the Blest Are We series for grades Kindergarten through 6 and the Connect Series for grades 7 and 8.  Both of these series provides the means for our teachers to help the students grow more aware of their relationship with God, develop values of faith, and to better understand the Doctrine of the Catholic Church.  We encourage parents to sit down with their children and discuss what is covered each week in class.  The Blest Are We series has a section entitled “Family Time”.  This offers parents the opportunity to share your faith with your child. 

Classes are held in the school and are taught by a wonderful and faithful group of volunteers.  Cost for the program is $35.00 to help supplement the expenses of texts and supplies. If you are interested in registering your child for classes or have a question regarding our religious education program, please contact Ann Polack, 330-784-7328. You may download and print registration materials by clicking here.

Sunday Preschool

Saint Matthew Parish provides a Sunday preschool program for children ages 3 and 4.  We are currently using the I Am Special program.  This program focuses on your child and how he or she relates to creation and God.  This is considered more of a “religion readiness” program.  Through the use of stories, music, art and a multitude of various activities, your child will be drawn to a better understanding of how wonderfully made he/she is as well as all of creation!  The fee for the program is $25.00.  Contact the Religious Education Office, 784-7328, if you wish to enroll your child. You may download and print registration materials by clicking here.

Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and First Eucharist is done in the classroom. Confirmation preparation is done outside the class and involves a series of workshops.  Each involves informational meetings that parents must attend.  Dates are as follows: 

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is held every Sunday during the 9:30 and  11:00 A.M. Mass.  Children ages 5 through 10 are invited to join in.  The children are dismissed from the main assembly prior to the readings and taken to a space adjacent to the church.  Children  follow the same format that the main church follows but in words and actions that are more suited to their understanding. A trained leader is there to engage the children in conversation and reflection and to lead them through the liturgy.   A sheet is given to each child as they return to church that summarizes the readings for the day and provides questions and activities that can be done as a family.  Parents are welcome to go out with their children to experience the children’s liturgy for themselves and provide comfort for children who might be a little apprehensive until they find out what it’s all about.

Summer Bible School will be held Monday June 18 – Friday June 22, 2007.  Look to this site for more details in 2007.