The Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church. The other two are Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The theologian Karl Rahner described baptism as "the sacramental entrance into the church and thus into the fullness of Christian life." Its importance is highlighted in Jesus’ parting words to his disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:18).

The parents and godparents of a child who is to be baptized need to refresh themselves on the consequences and responsibilities that accompany the celebration of this sacrament with their child.

The following are some guidelines to follow when celebrating the sacrament of infant baptism (infancy through six years old). If your child is older than six years old, he or she will be enrolled in the order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC), and will follow a different preparation format and time period.

Important Information

• • Parents are to be active and contributing registered members of St. Matthew for a minimum of three months.
• • Parents and sponsors are to participate in preparation classes for the child’s baptism.
• • A godparent chosen by the parents must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic (Baptized, Confirmed and receiving the Eucharist), at least 16 years of age, Confirmed, and, if married, is married in the Church. If unable to attend class at St. Matthew’s, they may attend class in their local parish and provide proof of attendance.

Registrations for Infant Baptism Classes

Parents may register for classes in the parish office Monday thru Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You must register for class before attending. Parents and sponsors must attend classes.


Classes
• In Spanish are on the second Saturday of the month.
• In English on the first Monday of the month.



The celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism is on the third Saturday of the month.




*Classes in English that are held the first Monday of the month, will be rescheduled just for this month of September to the following Monday, September 9th in observing to Labor Day.




PDF Baptism Enrollment Form




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Family Catechesis Program

• • Based on intergenerational process. Generations of Faith, in which all catechesis flows from events in the church year.
• • Monthly sessions catechize families for church year events.
• • Curriculum covers major areas of Catholic teaching in six years’ time: church year, morality, sacraments, creed, prayer and spirituality, justice and peace.
• • Monthly sessions are based on a yearly theme.
• • Families complete take-home activities each month and return them at the next month’s gathering to be checked by the coordinator of faith formation.
• • Children, grades 1 through 8, attend monthly sessions with parents.
• • Parent’s attend mandatory retreat.

Adult Catechesis Registration

Faith Formation Classes Registration Form Grades 2nd - 8th

Faith Formation Classes Registration Form High School

*For any questions please contact Claudia Baldenebro

Registration Fees:

$150.00 - 1st child
$25.00 - 2nd and 3rd child
$15.00 - 4th child and on

Pay Fees Here

Attention all volunteers,

As we give our Time, Talent and Treasure we are being good stewards of God’s gifts. We are God’s, hands, feet, and are obligated to help protect God’s children and all vulnerable adults. The Diocese of Phoenix is asking all volunteers at all the churches in diocese to renew safe environment each year beginning July 1 and no later than October 1. All new volunteers must complete the safe environment Foundation class. Once you have completed your safe environment renewal or foundation class, your final step is the background check. You can use your Social Security or ITIN number. You can renewal your safe environment class online or for new volunteers you can schedule your safe environment foundation class at https://phoenix.cmgconnect.org. You can access all policy and procedures at the diocese of phoenix website at dphx.org/youth-protection.

All volunteers must have safe environment and background check completed before beginning to serve as a volunteer. If you know of anyone new wanting to serve in the community of St. Matthew’s parish, please guide them in completing the safe environment class at https://phoenix.cmgconnect.org.

If anyone is having trouble accessing Phoenix.cmgconnect.org, please call St. Matthew’s parish office at 602-258-1789. We will be more than happy to help you. As a community of St. Matthew Catholic church let us come together to Love and serve our Lord by protecting God’s children and vulnerable adults.

With many Blessings,

Claudia Beltran
Phone: 602-258-1789
Email: cbeltran@stmatthewaz.org

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HOLY EUCHARIST is the "source and summit of all Christian life." As the sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood, the Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus Christ. It is the Memorial of Christ's passion and resurrection. It is the breaking of the bread at the Last Supper. It is the holy sacrifice. It is the holy and divine liturgy. It is Holy Communion. It is the Mass. It is the Sacrament of Sacraments.

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION / CONFESSION is celebrated the year before, in the second grade. However, if the young person is in third grade or higher and needs to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, this will be done the first year and the preparation for Confirmation/Holy Eucharist the following year.

We believe that in the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation we celebrate the unconditional love and forgiveness of God. We experience this unconditional love of God throughout our lives, making the time to make an examination of conscience and coming to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at various moments in our lives. Having been forgiven, we are empowered to forgive ourselves and forgive one another, heal one another, and celebrate the fact that together we have come a step closer to the peace, justice, and reconciliation that make us those who announce the kingdom of God on earth.

CONFIRMATION is one of the three "Sacraments of Initiation." Through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, a person is born again, strengthened, and nourished in order to live fully the Christian life. Baptism is celebrated at the time of infancy, while Confirmation and Holy Eucharist are celebrated together when the child is in third grade.

Confirmation is the sacrament that strengthens the baptized, obliges them to give witness to and defend the faith, and enriches them on their continuing path of Christian initiation by the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Contact: Claudia Beltran

Phone: 602-258-1789

or Email: cbeltran@stmatthewaz.org

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The Sacrament of Marriage

For Christians Marriage is a Sacrament. Like Baptism and Holy Eucharist, marriage between Christians is a sign of God's presence and power in the world. Anyone who seeks assurance that God is always faithful, loving and forgiving should find it lived out in a Christian marriage. Because it is a sign of God's love, marriage is for a lifetime. When Christians marry, they're making a commitment not only to their marriage partners but also to Christ. And Christ in turn makes a commitment to them.

Here at St. Matthew Parish we follow the diocesan guidelines for Marriage preparation that aim not only to deepen the couples understanding of the sacrament, but to give them the skills to work through the challenges that come with two becoming one. There are a series of workshops, some counseling and documents to be collected.

Important information

• • For couples choosing to prepare for the sacrament of marriage in the Roman Catholic Church.
• • Couples wishing to marry at St. Matthew’s must be registered members of the parish.
• • Couples need to contact the parish (Sr. Margaret) one (1) year in advance of wedding date for an interview. This interview explains to the couple all the requirements and how they can best fulfill them.
• • Must have celebrated sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)
• • Couples are to take FOCUS a pre-marriage inventory to help couples appreciate their unique relationship, learn more about themselves, and discuss topics important to their lifelong marriage.
• • Couples are required to attend Natural Family Planning Classes.
• • Couples are to attend an engaged couples retreat before wedding.

Contact: Blanca Porchini

602-258-1789

or bporchini@stmatthewaz.org

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Clicking HERE will direct you to a webpage containing links to Diocesan policies, which are broad and comprehensive norms and directives affecting the entire Diocese. The policies of the Diocese flow from and are consistent with the mission of the Diocese of Phoenix.

Internal operating procedures, practices, rules and guidelines of individual schools, parishes and agencies shall not contradict Diocesan policy. There are five volumes of the Diocese of Phoenix Policies and Procedures, following the structure of the first five books of the Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law.