Youth Faith Formation FAQs
Archbishop Hebda with the 19 newly confirmed students from the Church of Saint Matthew in April 2025
How does my child benefit from Faith Formation classes?
For children who don’t receive Catholic religious education at school, weekly Faith Formation class is where they can learn what it means to be Catholic. The weekly lessons are fun, informative, and age appropriate. Students get to learn Catholic principles and traditions alongside their peers, giving them the opportunity to form friendships as they explore what it means to live out their Catholic faith.
I haven’t attended St. Matt’s before – can I still register my child for Faith Formation?
Yes. We welcome all families who would like their children to learn about the Catholic faith. Our program includes students from St. Paul’s West Side, as well as other neighborhoods in St. Paul. We also serve families from West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and other nearby communities.
What is the difference between Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation?
Faith Formation classes are for students in 1st – 10th grades who do not receive religious education at school. The classes meet weekly and follow a curriculum that teaches students about their Catholic faith. Sacramental preparation is required for anyone who will be receiving the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion or Confirmation. If your child does not attend a Catholic School, we strongly encourage them to participate in Faith Formation every year from grades 1-10, so they can be in classes with other Catholic students as they practice and grow in the Catholic faith.
My child hasn’t been baptized, can they still go to Faith Formation class or prepare for sacraments?
If you would like your child to receive a sacrament, they will need to be baptized. If your child hasn’t been baptized, please contact us. We will work with you to prepare your child for baptism, which is the first step in their Catholic faith journey.
I want my child to receive First Communion, what do I do?
Children who are in second grade and older can be registered for First Communion sacramental preparation, which will also include First Reconciliation. Please register your students by October; and bring your students to the scheduled classes. If your child does not attend COS or another Catholic school, they will also need to register for and attend Faith Formation. Students who register and attend classes will receive their First Communion in May.
I want my child to be Confirmed, what do I do?
Young people in grades 8-10 can be registered to prepare for Confirmation. Please register your Confirmation candidate by October; and bring your student to the scheduled classes. If you child does not attend COS or another Catholic school, you will also need to register them for Faith Formation. Plan to attend the Confirmation launch Mass and meeting in November, when we will explain the requirements to parents and students. Students who register and complete the requirements for the sacrament of Confirmation will be confirmed in April.
How much do Faith Formation classes cost?
Weekly Faith Formation classes cost $50 per child for the year. Sacramental preparation costs an additional $50 per child. For families with more than one child, the maximum cost per family is $200 per year.
*No one is turned away for financial reasons. Please let us know if you would like to spread out payments, or volunteer time in exchange for payment. If you require other financial assistance, please inform the Director of Faith Formation.
My children attend Community of Saints – why don’t they automatically receive First Communion at school?
COS is a regional Catholic school which is affiliated with three parishes – St. Matt’s, Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. John Vianney. Parents can choose where their child will receive First Communion. If a COS family chooses St. Matt’s, they need to register their child for sacramental preparation with St. Matt’s Faith Formation program. Because COS students receive some of their sacramental preparation at school, they follow a different schedule than students who don’t learn about their faith at school.
What curriculum do you use?
St. Matt’s uses the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies curriculum for weekly religious education classes. Class sizes are small, students are taught in grade-specific classrooms, and the lessons focus on the readings and Gospel for the upcoming weekend Mass.
What are parents/guardians expected to do?
We ask parents/guardians to do the following:
Accurately complete registration forms and provide additional necessary information (e.g. proof of baptism) in a timely manner.
Attend the scheduled parent meetings to learn necessary details about the program. The number of parent meetings depends on whether a student will be receiving any sacraments. All parent meetings are listed on the schedule and reminders are emailed to registered families.
Bring students to class on Wednesday evenings and to sacrament events if their students are preparing for sacraments.
Do their best to participate on Wednesday nights when we have Mass or schedule other family events.
Attend weekend Mass with their student whenever possible
How does St. Matt’s work with Spanish-speaking families?
Classes are taught in English, but to assist families we have a Spanish-language interpreter at most parent meetings. Also, most of the materials we use are available in both Spanish and English. If your family has additional Spanish-language needs, please discuss them with the Faith Formation director at the start of the school year and we will try to meet them.
Can I submit my registration form online?
Yes, we encourage families to complete and submit the form online. We also provide opportunities to complete the form in person after weekend Masses in August and September, and families may register in person the first few class nights.
COS families who wish to register for either First Communion or Confirmation are encouraged to complete the registration form online or in person on Family paperwork night OR on Back to School Night in August.
What are some tips to help my child have a great experience at St. Matt’s Faith Formation?
Partner with our Faith Formation teachers to help students develop their faith.
Encourage your students to participate in class with discussion, reading, and prayers.
Get involved in St. Matt’s Catholic Community by attending weekend Masses and offering to volunteer as a greeter, bringing up the offertory gifts, participating in music, or any other way the Spirit moves you.
Share your faith with your student and model a positive attitude.
What does St Matt’s offer for younger children?
At our Sunday 10:15 Mass, during the school year, children ages 3 to 6 are invited to go with a catechist to the chapel during the Liturgy of the Word to hear a child-friendly version of the Gospel and participate in activities designed to reinforce the weekly Gospel message. Parents are welcome to join them if they wish. Children return to Mass about when the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins.
