Parish Religious Education

The religious education of the children of St. Matthew's Parish Family who attend the area Public Schools is a vital and rapidly growing program.

The Religious Education Program at St. Matthew's presently serves kindergarten through grade twelve. Kindergarten through grade six meet weekly throughout the school year at Notre Dame Elementary School on Sunday and Monday. Classes are small and taught by volunteer catechists. The Diocesan guidelines prescribing curriculum for each grade level are enhanced by a special Sacramental class for older children, seasonal paraliturgies, Bible-based dramatizations and opportunities for celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

First Penance and Eucharist

Children in the second grade are instructed for receiving First Penance in the winter and First Eucharist in the spring. This instruction is part of a parish program of sacramental preparation which includes CCD, the children of Notre Dame Elementary school, home schooled children, and the parents of all the children. First Penance and Eucharist preparation is a two year program.

 

Confirmation

Through this program students come to realize that confirmation is the beginning of their participation in the community of Saint Matthew's as mature, responsible Christians. A few of the activities are: service projects, retreats, special liturgies, and reflection on scripture readings. Classes are held on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Monday evening. This instruction is part of a parish program of sacramental preparation which includes CCD, the children of Notre Dame schools, and home schooled children. Confirmation preparation is a two year program.

 

Senior Youth Group

The students in grades nine through twelve meet every other Sunday evening of the month in the Parish Center. The program is spiritual and social as well as educational. Some activities are: yearly "Lock-In" retreat, hikes, picnics, and the presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross every year during Holy Week.

 

Adult Education Program

This program is sponsored under the direction of the parish priests and provides a number of occasions throughout the year when parishioners are invited to attend evening lectures, seminars or institutes which deepen their knowledge of faith. Subjects and times are published in the Weekly Church Bulletin.

 

Pre-Cana

Group sessions are held by teams of married couples who provide assistance to young couples planning a Christian marriage. Sessions are held throughout the year to provide these engaged couples with insights into the meaning of Christian life together. Pre-Cana is a prerequisite for marriage at St. Matthew's. Contact the Rectory for further information.

Marriage

 

Notre Dame Elementary School

Notre Dame Elementary school consists of a Montessori pre-school which is a three year (cumulative) program employing the Montessori approach to the child. Children are generally enrolled in the year of their third birthday and continue in the program until the year of their sixth birthday. Children are ready to enter the first grade program upon completion of the three year program.

In addition to the Montessori program , Notre Dame Elementary offers a traditional all day kindergarten and half day kindergarten (a.m. or p.m. sessions) and an elementary school program for grades one through four. This academic program includes physical education, music, art and library.

For more information call: (570) 421-3651

 

Notre Dame Middle School
Notre Dame High School

Notre Dame Junior/Senior Schools are growing Catholic Schools serving the ever expanding population of the Pocono Mountain area. Currently, Notre Dame serves students and families from six school districts in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Through its academic offerings, fully accredited by the Middle States Association, (as well as extracurricular and athletic programs) students are prepared for a life well lived.

For more information call:
NDMS (570) 421-7883
NDHS (570) 421-0466

 

"The Rite of Christian Initiation is designed for adults who after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts." (RCIA n.1) The RCIA is not to be viewed as a program, it is better viewed as a journey in faith, or a spiritual journey of adults who would like to know more about the Catholic Faith, leading to reception into the Catholic Church. The RCIA also serves those adult Catholics who have not yet received the sacrament of Confirmation or who want to learn more about their Catholic faith.

St. Matthew's

Catholic
Church

Pocono Mts.

East Stroudsburg, PA