R.C.I.C.

Purpose:
	The primary purposes of St Matthews Religious Education Program are to provide our students with: Faith formation through religious classes; an excellent religious education; The opportunities to discover, develop, and maximize their talents religiously, morally, and socially; Opportunities to express faith through community service and worship. R.C.I.C. prepares students who have not received a Sacrament (Baptism, First Eucharist, and First Penance) and are ABOVE THOSE grades for which sacrament preparation is offered.
Activities:
	Preparation sessions are offered beginning in September each Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. A special Mass will be held the first Saturday after Easter when the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist will be conferred upon the R.C.I.C students.
Background:
	Religious Education isn’t education in how we feel, public opinion, or cultural norms; it isn’t necessarily about what’s popular, pleasurable, or easy, but rather it is about the Word of God - what God has told, and is telling, you and me. It eliminates the confusion the world offers, and contains answers to all the fundamental questions found in the human heart, questions of who we are, who God is, the meaning of life, what God expects of us, how to attain human fulfillment, and how to live forever.
Responsibilities:
	This ministry is responsible for: Recruiting of facilitators and participants; scheduling and facilitating training session; scheduling faith formation study sessions; providing study materials; providing refreshments for events as required; and maintaining procedural documentation relating to this ministry.
Commitment:
	Parents are required to attend the necessary parent sacramental sessions. Baptisms for infants through Grade one, call the Rectory, 471-0212 to register for the parent baptismal class.