St. Matthew’s is a people called into community by Christ in the Eucharistic liturgy. United in our Catholic faith, we seek to love one another as Christ has loved us (Jn13:34), through service, teaching, witness and sacrifice.

Faith Formation

 


St. Matthew’s Parish,

In order to achieve clarity in our programs this year, we are changing the title of "Religious Education" programs to "Family Faith Formation." The change is meant to reflect our guiding principle, that formation is a part of each family's life in the Church, learning and growing so as to better proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the world. Moreover, formation is for the whole family, whether your family is a bustling home, a single-parent household, or even a single person. Family Faith Formation this year will include programs for adults and children alike, so that no matter who you are, you can find here a chance to grow alongside your fellow disciples. 

"The glory of God is a man fully alive," says St. Irenaeus of Lyons. But for those who believe in God, what does it mean to live life to the full? Far from just "pay, pray, and obey," life in Christ is all about coming fully alive in a fallen world. It's the set-up for a great story; are you ready to start living it?
 
This year, we're excited to offer classes for PreK-5th grade children and their parents focused on the third section of the Catechism, Life in Christ. We hope to see you there!

Thank you,

William Heili, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis

(307) 682-3319 ext 112 or w.heili@stjpiics.org

 

 

Here's the link to the Family Faith & Youth registration form for this 2023-24 upcoming school year, https://forms.gle/G6jNZLczLqz9zLnC7.

 

WHAT IS FAITH FORMATION?

Faith formation is catechesis (teaching the Catholic faith) which aims to deepen a relationship with Jesus through educational and enrichment opportunities. Designed to touch the intellect as well as the heart, these programs help people live and experience a more Christ-centered life.The goal of Saint Matthew's Faith Formation program is to provide effective ways of teaching the Catholic faith to people of all ages and backgrounds. We create a connection to the new evangelization envisioned by Second Vatican Council, the work of recent Popes, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Ultimately, faith formation is oriented toward the question: How do I practically and authentically live the Catholic faith? 

 We have many different options to help you grow in your faith (if the heading is highlighted you may click on it to see more detailed information):

At St. Matthew's Catholic Community, programs like RCIA, St. John Paul II Elementary School, Family Faith Formation, Youth Ministries, Adult Bible Studies, Called and Gifted Workshops, Ananias Training, and the Evangelization Retreat are the tools to help better understand the heart and mind of Jesus Christ and His sacrament, the Catholic Church. For more information, please contact:

  • St. John Paul II Catholic School Principal, Vanessa Gemar at 307-686-4114 ext. 142
  • Evangelization and Catechesis Director, William Heili at 307-682-3319 ext. 112
  • Youth Director Rocio Ramirez at 307-682-3319

Hey!

Yeah, you there! On the other side of the screen! Did you know that there's a God out there (the God, in fact) who wants to see you flourish? Would you believe that that God wants to start something in your family this year that could, if left unchecked, cause those little seeds of childhood faith to flower into something real, good, and meaningful?

 

I believe that God can start something new and exciting in your life this year. And if you're reading this newsletter, you've already taken the first step! We at St. Matthew's Family Faith & Youth ministry are ready to walk this road with you. Our role is simple: to Inspire, to Empower, to Listen to, and to Love you and your family, every step of the way.

 

We've got a great year lined up, and our amazing community is already gathering to celebrate and grow with you. Scroll down for schedules, class information, and ways to get involved this upcoming school year. I look forward to seeing you soon!

 

In the Peace of Christ,

 

William Heili

Director of Evangelization & Catechesis

 
 

Kick-Off Night - Wednesday, September 7th

For PreK-5th Grade, including 1st Communion

  • Please join us for our Kick-off Family Mass celebration on September 7th, which will begin at 6:00pm in St. Matthew's Church. Afterwards, the Knights of Columbus are graciously providing dinner for the whole family at the Family Life Center Gym!
  • After Mass and Dinner, meet your child's classroom teacher at our Family Faith Open House!
  • Remember that children who are not receiving communion can snack before mass. No judgment here!
 

For 6th-12th Grades Youth

It's game day! Join us from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in the Family Life Center parking lot for games, snacks, and fellowship. All Junior High and High School Youth are welcome to attend!

 

For Confirmation

Please note that Confirmation programs will NOT begin on September 7th. Instead, Confirmation will kick-off on September 28th with it's first meeting in St. Matthew's Parish Hall. See you there!

 
 

September Faith Formation Schedule

Classes for 1st Communion, all PreK-5th grade children and parents, Junior High and High School Youth groups will begin on September 14th at 6:30pm at St. Matthew's Family Life Center (in the same building as JPII Catholic School). Keep in mind that 6:30pm will be the normal start time for classes throughout the year.

 

Please note that Confirmation will not begin until September 28th.

 
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If you would like to preview our program calendar for the entire school year, just check out the linked document below!

 
[Public] STM All dates '22-'23

[Public] STM All dates '22-'23

St. Matthew's Family Faith Formation & Youth Ministry Calendar All Dates for 2022-2023 School Year September Family Faith 1st Communion Confirmation Junior High Youth High School Youth Sept. 7 Opening Mass & Open House Opening Mass & Open House No Confirmation Class Opening Mass ...

launchdocs.google.com
 

Special Event - Huck & Pray! Fundraiser Disc Golf Tournament

Throw for the Cause! September 10th, 2022

Family Faith is hosting a fundraiser disc golf tournament on Saturday, September 10th! Whether you're just beginning or you're a seasoned local legend, you're invited to join in the fun! No discs? No worries! Registrants will receive two special-stamped discs for play. Registration fee varies by division of play. Spectators and interested parties are welcome! Proceeds to benefit St. Matthew's Family Faith Formation.

 
Reserve your Spot Here!
This button will take you to the 2022 Huck & Pray Fundraiser Tournament Registration Form
 
 

Family Faith Update

 

PreK-5th Grade - The Year Ahead

We're always working to improve our Family Faith Formation programs based on feedback and experience from previous years. Find out how our PreK-5th grade programs are structured this year by watching this video!

 
 

Family Faith Content

For families with children in PreK-5th grades and 1st Communion, you'll find our Tiered Elective Homework and class topics summarized each month in this section of the newsletter.

 

Tiered Elective Homework - September/October

Using the Parent Guide and Children's Activity book for A Family of Faith volume III:

[Tier 1] If you can only attend classes this month:
  • Attend classes on September 14th and 28th
  • Attend classes on October 5th, 12th, and 26th
[Tier 2] If you want to start exploring A Family of Faith at home, start with the following:
  • a) Read and Discuss the Story of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (Parent Guide p. 39), and
  • b) Add to your routine the activities from "Your Catholic Home" (Parent Guide p.10)
[Tier 3] If you're ready to start some deeper discussions at home, try these:
  • a) Memorize the Bible verse John 8:12, on Parent Guide p. 8 as a family, and
  • b) Complete the Family Journeyboard craft on Parent Guide p.3, 26, & 38
[Tier 4] If you want to flex your skills and go even deeper, try this:
  • Complete one additional activity from each lesson in the October Parent Guide Lesson 1, (Parent Guide p.15) and Lesson 2, (Parent Guide p. 27)
 

Adult Formation Overview

In our parent classes this month, we will cover...

  • September 14th - Orientation to A Family of Faith, volume III
    • Understand the purpose of Family Faith Formation,
    • Understand the format of Family Faith Formation, including it’s class and at-home components
    • Know where to acquire schedules, paperwork, and other resources for the year
  • September 28th - The Soul and Morality
    • Define the term soul,
    • List the powers of the human soul and their purposes,
    • Describe the purpose of morality in light of this definition of the soul,
 

1st Communion Overview

1st Communion classes will cover the following content this month:

  • September 14th - Signs of Grace: You are Forgiven Session 1

  • September 28th - Signs of Grace: You are Forgiven Session 2

 

PreK Overview

In Family Faith's PreK class this month, we will cover...

  • September 14th: Introduction to Children's Liturgy of the Word

  • September 28th: Children's Liturgy for 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time & the story of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

 

K-1st Overview

In Family Faith's K-1st grade class this month, we will cover...

  • September 14th: Introduction to Children's Liturgy of the Word
  • September 28th: Children's Liturgy for 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time & the story of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

 

3rd-5th Overview

In Family Faith's 3rd-5th grade class this month, we will cover...

  • September 14th: Introduction to Children's Liturgy of the Word

  • September 28th: Children's Liturgy for 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time & the story of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

 
 
 

Forms, Norms & More

In this section, you'll find resources paperwork, notices, and resources for Family Faith and 1st Communion, and a few fun things from our ministry team, too!

 
Register for Family Faith & Youth!
In case you haven't already, just click on the above button to jump to the registration form!
1st Communion & Confirmation; Complete this Form!
Click the above button to complete a Sacramental History Form for your child who will receive 1st Communion or Confirmation. This declares your intent for them to prepare for Sacraments this year, and helps us keep our records straight.
 

Meet our Ministers!

William Heili - Director of Evangelization & Catechesis

  • What are you Passionate about? I am passionate about finding connections between things that seem unrelated. I love how God has left His fingerprints all over the world; I want to see them all, and share them with others, too!
  • Hobbies? Disc golf & wakeboarding in the summer; skiing and poem-writing in the winter; Dungeons & Dragons all year-round!
  • Favorite Scripture Passage? "For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1
  • What's the Last Book You Read or Movie You Watched that You Really Enjoyed? I finished reading the classic sci-fi novel Dune by Frank Herbert this summer. My sister and I are in a phase where we're reading a bunch of classic sci-fi novels, one after the other. For a book about a desert planet, I found it pretty... dry.
 

Listen to Refiner's Fire!

Listen to this year's theme song for Family Faith Formation on YouTube: "Refiner's Fire" by The Worship Project
 

Contact our Ministry Team!

Please send your questions related to Family Faith Formation, 1st Communion Preparation, Confirmation, and Youth Groups to William Heili at St. Matthew's Parish Office.

Email: w.heili@stmatthewswy.org
Phone: (307) 682-3319

Address900 Butler-Spaeth Road, Gillette, WY, USA

 
 
 
St. Matthew's Family Faith Formation
"Go and Make Disciples of All Nations"

Our mission is to inspire personal conversion through witness and relevant content; to empower participants with foundational Catholic knowledge and practical skills to act on their faith; to listen to the real experiences of our participants; and to love those who come through our doors as Christ loves, without exception.

In these ways we will serve the parents, youth, and children of our Parish, preparing them for lifelong discipleship.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

CONNECT WITH US!

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