The goal of the Saint Matthew Faith Formation Center is to provide programs that will strengthen the developing faith of all our children and young adults and to encourage them to become active members of this parish community.
Collaborative Catechetical Team
Cynthia L. Yaconiello Coordinator of Religious Education, Grades K-6
(860) 872-0200 x320
Denise M. Gilcreast Faith Formation Secretary
(860) 872-0200 x319
Heidi M. Kay Confirmation Coordinator/Youth Minister
We believe strongly that parents are the primary religious educators of their children. Our programs are not designed to replace the faith formation that occurs in the context of a faith filled family.
We encourage each family to participate at one of the weekend liturgies. It is here that we become a parish family to celebrate our Christian community. Our children learn by example, and by regularly attending the weekend liturgies they can see their faith put into action.
General Information
Our catechetical program is held at Saint Matthew Parish church on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, beginning in early October until the first week of May. There are two sessions (4:30-5:30 OR 5:45-6:45 p.m.) offered per day.
You, as a parent/guardian, can help support the efforts of our religious education program by bringing your child/children to class on time, and by calling the office if your child/children cannot attend class. It is also important to talk to your child/children about appropriate behavior. Our behavior policy consists of giving a child a verbal warning. If a child continues with that behavior, he or she will be sent to the office of the Coordinator and a parent/guardian will be notified.
A zero tolerance policy has been implemented regarding behavior that shows disrespect to teachers and peers as well as reference to any type of violence and inappropriate language.
Also, a Safe Environment policy has been implemented at Saint Matthew, requiring all Catechists and Aides to attend a “Protecting God’s Children” awareness session. This session teaches staff, volunteers and parents to recognize the warning signs of sexual abuse and to respond appropriately.
Class Cancellation Policy
In case of inclement weather, all sessions will be canceled. If Tolland schools are canceled or dismissed early, there are NO Religious Education classes. If Tolland schools have been dismissed at their regular time, but there are reports of impending inclement weather, we will cancel classes. You will be notified of any cancellations via e-mail if you are signed up on the e-mail subscription list. Cancellations will also be posted on WVIT Channel 30 and WFSB Channel 3 as well as their websites at www.nbcconnecticut.com and www.wfsb.com.
First Reconciliation
Children in Grade 2, who have completed a Grade 1 religious education curriculum, are invited to participate in a program that prepares them to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
First Eucharist
Children in Grade 3, who have completed Grades 1 and 2 religious education curriculum and who have received their First Reconciliation, are invited to participate in a program that prepares them to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist.
Curriculum
Our curriculum for Grades K, 1, 4 & 5 is Faith First Legacy Edition and Blest Are We for Grade 6, both published by RCL Benziger. Both have excellent websites for additional information for parents as well as interactive games for the students: www.faithfirst.com and www.blestarewe.com.
Grade 2 & 3 students preparing for their Sacraments will use God’s Gift: Reconciliation and God’s Gift: Eucharist published by Loyola and Our Catholic Identity published by RCL Benziger.
Prayers and Practices of Our Faith
Below is a list of Catholic prayers & practices that should be memorized by each child in the program. You will note that a new prayer is added each year (with the exception of Grade 2 – two new prayers have been added), and each year builds on the prior year. ALL of these prayers and practices of our faith can be found in your child’s textbook.
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
1.Sign of the Cross
2.Lord’s Prayer
1.Sign of the Cross
2.Lord’s Prayer
3.Hail Mary
4.Act of Contrition
1.Sign of the Cross
2.Lord’s Prayer
3.Hail Mary
4.Act of Contrition
5.Glory Prayer
1.Sign of the Cross
2.Lord’s Prayer
3.Hail Mary
4.Act of Contrition
5.Glory Prayer
6.Seven Sacraments
1.Sign of the Cross
2.Lord’s Prayer
3.Hail Mary
4.Act of Contrition
5.Glory Prayer
6.Seven Sacraments
7.Ten Commandments
1.Sign of the Cross
2.Lord’s Prayer
3.Hail Mary
4.Act of Contrition
5.Glory Prayer
6.Seven Sacraments
7.Ten Commandments
8.Apostles’ Creed
Children in Grade 4 should also be familiar with the Rosary (page 288).
Children in Grade 5 should also be familiar with the Precepts of the church (page 288).
Children in Grade 6 should also be familiar with the Parts of the Bible (page 20) and to know how to find Scripture
Passages in the Bible (page 21).
Faith Formation (Grades K-6)