Catechesis & Evangelization
CCD (Continuing Catholic Development)
CCD classes are offered to parish children from preschool, age 3, through eighth grade. It is a formal religious education program with a mission to provide education in the faith for those unable to benefit from the parochial school system. The pastor has general oversight. The coordinator locates and trains catechists, chooses texts and instructional materials, and supervises the catechetical instruction. Catechists (teachers, co-teachers, and aides) are sought from the congregation. They must be confirmed Catholics, high school graduates, at least 18 years of age, with no canonical impediments to the sacraments. Aides may be under the age of 18 and currently in high school. Volunteer catechists are always needed, but other opportunities for service also exist – special projects, retreats, and occasional help, as well as prayer partners and substitute catechists. All instruction is faithful to the Magisterium of the Church and any textual material used is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and is approved for use in the Diocese of Peoria.
The Coordinator should be advised of special educational needs for any students. Students are normally grouped with their peers. Registration occurs in August and instruction begins on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Instruction is conducted from September to May and all classes meet on Sunday mornings in two sessions in the school building. A fee is required which covers the cost of texts, supplementary materials, art supplies, audio-visual and library supplies and administrative expenses associated with the CCD program. This fee is paid at registration.
Enrollment in the CCD program does not fulfill the Sunday obligation for Mass attendance, so students should attend a Liturgy other than the time of the instruction classes. (Mary Hazen 359-4224; mhazen@stmatt.net)
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RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
RCIA is an integrated process of instruction, spiritual growth, and discernment for non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith. After an initial inquiry period, unbaptized
individuals can be accepted as catechumens preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation–Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist- during the paschal Vigil. Those who have been previously baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition may be accepted as candidates to enter into full communion with the Church and receive those sacraments they have not previously celebrated. Catholics who have been baptized but have not had the benefit of catechesis as well as those returning to Church also benefit from the RCIA program’s introduction to the faith, worship, and the life of the Catholic Church. The program begins each year with inquiry sessions in September and concludes with a period of post-initiation instruction in the Easter Season. Parishioners are invited to serve as sponsors for the catechumens and candidates, accompanying their spiritual journey with prayer and support. (Mark & Colleen Randall,
356-7173; mark@sjcnc.org colleenrandall@gmail.com)
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RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children)
Parallel to the RCIA, RCIC works in conjunction with the parish religious education program to meet the particular needs of children seeking initiation into the Catholic Church or the reception of specific omitted sacraments.(Mary Hazen 359-4224; mhazen@stmatt.net)
Coming Home
Coming Home is an evangelization program sponsored by the Catholic Church by which inactive Catholics are invited back to the practice of their Catholic Faith. Its focus is to talk with individuals, provide healing and understanding, and to eventually reconcile individuals with the practice of their faith. Meetings usually begin in the spring. (Don Fraley, 359-2408; donfraley@coldwellbanker.com)
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Angel Camp
Angel camp is a vacation Bible camp offered for children entering Kindergarten in the fall through Grade five. Under the patronage of St. Michael the Archangel, dedicated volunteers prepare instructional, recreational, and social elements to offer five days of fun activities and surprises. There is time to pray and play. Angel Camp is tentatively scheduled for the third or fourth week of June each year. A modest fee per child is requested, and registration is open to children from any parish or faith denomination. (Mary Hazen 359-4224; mhazen@stmatt.net)
Youth Group
Youth Group seeks to help students grow in their faith as well as their knowledge and experience of God’s love through the Church and through others. It is the goal of the program to provide high school-age students with the opportunities to grow in their faith, to strengthen their communal and personal prayer life, and to help foster their ethical and moral development. The Youth Group exposes its members to various forms of catechesis, including formal teaching, faith sharing, sacramental worship, Christian interaction and social activities, and service to the parish and community. Adults as well as students are encouraged to become involved in this ministry. (Debbie Benz, 359-4224; dbenz@stmatt.net)
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Baptism Preparation Committee
This Committee is composed of couples who assist the parish priests in conveying the Church’s understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism to families preparing to have their children baptized. In addition to assisting in the presentation of the pre-Baptismal program, the committee helps coordinate the annual celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. (Chris & Jenny Lugardo, 398-2913 odragul@juno.com)
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Bible Study
St. Matthew offers introductory studies of the Bible which explore the history, meaning, and theological implications of significant passages of sacred scripture. The purpose is to familiarize participants with the received Word of God and to give them the intellectual and spiritual tools with which to study them. This year we will offer “Adventures in Matthew” presented by Jeff Cavins and Tim Grey on Tuesday mornings 9:00-11:00am AND Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:30pm. (Tim and Karen Barnes 398-1489, barneskaren927@hotmail.com)
St Lawrence Parish Library
Under the patronage of St. Lawrence, the parish library is located in the vestibule of the Parish Center. A committee of volunteers oversees Catholic materials - books, periodicals, audio-visual items - made available for loan to parishioners. (Mary Hazen, 359-4224; mhazen@stmatt.net; Marcy Bellafiore, mbellafiore@stmatt.net)
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