The Church teaches us that parents are the primary educators of the faith for their children. Ephesians 6:4 tells us, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.” And according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the ‘first heralds’ for their children” (CCC, 2225).

With this in mind, Saint Matthew’s Religious Education ministry serves as a support to parents in this role. To forge this union, the parents and catechists in the church will work together to allow the children to understand the teachings of the Catholic faith and regularly participate in the sacraments.

Our Religious Education program for pre-K through 6th-grade students seeks to create an encounter with Jesus through a formation of the mind, heart, and soul built on the pillars of learning, service, prayer, and fellowship. We provide our catechists and students with an authentic Catholic foundation to help guide their formation and spiritual journey throughout their lives.

Ignite is Saint Matthew’s middle school youth ministry for 7-8th graders. Ignite prepares children for the Sacrament of Confirmation by giving them the tools to become committed disciples of Christ. Ignite strives to create an environment of a sound Catholic identity, to answer the youth’s pressing questions, and, most importantly, to experience Jesus. Ignite provides small group discussions facilitated by parish leaders to engage the youth and draw them closer to the faith. Ignite’s structure and content speak to the psychological, cognitive, relational, and spiritual maturation of middle school youth.

If you have a child who is interested in joining one of our classes or have any questions regarding our Religious Education program, please feel free to reach out to Tony Jesse, Director of Religious Education, by email at tjesse@stmatthewtn.org or by phone at (615) 550-5100.