The Mass readings can sometimes be challenging for young children to fully grasp. To help our youth connect with the Word of God, we offer Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) on designated Sundays during the 8:00 am Mass. 

Just before the First Reading, children in grades K4–5th are invited to Steiger Hall to experience the day’s Gospel in an engaging, age-appropriate format. Led by dedicated volunteers, children explore how the message relates to their daily lives through simplified readings and a hands-on activity. This program is free and requires no registration. We hope to expand this service to more Mass times as our volunteer team grows!

What Children Learn

Core Beliefs: Lessons cover the Creed, the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and the significance of the Sacraments.

Scripture: Children learn Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments to understand God’s love and the life of Jesus.

Living the Faith: Classes teach virtues (faith, hope, and charity), the Ten Commandments, and the "Golden Rule" to help children act as disciples in daily life.

Prayer: Students are taught traditional prayers such as the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and how to pray the Rosary.

The Sunday Morning Program meets from 9:15 am – 10:30 am, 3-4 Sundays per month. Parents are encouraged to attend the 8:00 am Mass with their children

In second grade, students reach a beautiful milestone as they prepare for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. To support families during this holy time, St. Matthias offers a specialized preparation program that complements the religious education provided in our Catholic school and Christian Formation classes.

These sessions allow students to focus deeply on the meaning of each Sacrament. For both Reconciliation and Eucharist, parents and children work together through a dedicated workbook and attend large-group meetings. This collaborative approach empowers parents to lead their children along the path of faith, ensuring the whole family is ready to celebrate these sacred milestones.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a dynamic summer ministry, typically spanning one week, designed to immerse elementary-aged children in a high-energy, faith-based environment. By blending biblical storytelling with creative themes—such as "medieval kingdoms" or "deep-sea discovery"—VBS transforms traditional lessons into memorable experiences featuring catchy Christian music, hands-on crafts, interactive games, and live skits. 

Beyond entertainment, VBS serves as a vital community outreach tool, fostering local connections while anchoring every activity in a central message of God’s grace and love. New theme and dates announced in May 2026.

Catholic formation for 9th and 10th graders is a comprehensive two-year journey of discipleship, often serving as the immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This stage of formation shifts from classroom-style learning to an interactive "youth ministry" model that emphasizes personal relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Core components include theological pillars, relational engagement, spiritual immersion, service & witness, and identity and calling.

DesCatholic formation for 11th graders in 2026 is often the "Year of Mission," moving from foundational knowledge to the active integration of faith into adult life. For many, this junior-year curriculum serves as the final, immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Core formation pillars include Theology of the Body & Identity, discernment of Vocation, Catholic social teaching, and intentional discipleship

St. Matthias aims to be a vibrant hub for young adults to cultivate authentic community and deepen their spiritual lives. We strive to meet people where they are—spiritually and geographically—fostering an environment of belonging, prayerful growth, and missionary service.

Adult faith formation in a Catholic parish is the Church’s ongoing work of helping adults grow into mature, joyful disciples of Jesus Christ-spiritually, intellectually, and missionally-so that faith shapes the whole of life. Because adults bring real-life responsibilities, questions, joys, and wounds to the journey, effective formation meets them where they are and then leads them forward through encounter with Christ, accompaniment, belonging in the community, and being sent on mission.

Rather than offering occasional classes, today’s best practice is comprehensive, systematic, and life-connected.

Core Goals

Encounter: Inviting adults into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Community: Fostering a lived sense of belonging and participation in the Church.

Send: Equipping adults to witness to the Gospel in family life, work, civic engagement, and service.