Child and Youth Religious Formation

St. Matthew Child and Youth Ministries offer many opportunities for faith formation for children from age 3 through young adults preparing for Confirmation. We recognize that the parents are the first and most important teachers of their children, therefore what we offer is a supplement to the faith that is lived in the home.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee requires at least one background year of prior formation before entering into immediate preparation for the Sacraments of First Eucharist (Communion) and Confirmation.

For more information on Religious Formation for grades Preschool through 5th grade, please contact Carol Daun, 414-762-4200 ext. 113.

For more information on Religious Formation for grades 6-11, please contact Karin Felske, 414-762-4200 ext. 114.

Formation Offerings

Sunday Morning “Jesus School”, Ages 3-5
Sunday morning preschool -“Jesus School” classes- If your child will be 3, 4 or 5 years old by September 1st, we invite you to consider this opportunity.

Class takes place during the 10:00 a.m. Mass and each class is led by experienced catechists who use songs, crafts and fun activities to introduce God and Jesus to the children. There is a materials fee of $75 per child. If you would like to register your child, or if you have any questions, call the Religious Formation Office at ext. 115. We would like a minimum of 10 students in the class.

Grades 1-8 Monday Night Classes - 6:30-7:30 p.m. - most Mondays

Monday night formation classes follow what might be considered a traditional model. The children meet in a classroom with other children their age, along with their catechist. Classes meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. using a grade level curriculum. 

Grades 6-8 Sunday Morning Classes- 8:30-11:00 a.m. twice a month

This is an alternative to our Monday night classes for our middle school children who might have extracurricular events on Monday night. Sunday middle school meets the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 8:30-11:00 a.m. (includes Mass)

Families of Faith Program - 8:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m. twice a month

A great alternative to our Monday night classes; this program is designed for the entire family to attend.  We begin at 8:30 a.m.  in the cafeteria with a lite breakfast and family discussion of the Mass readings. Around 9am children ages 4 - grade 8 are dismissed to meet with their peers and a catechists while the parents remain in the cafeteria for an adult learning session. At 10:00 a.m. we go upstairs to celebrate Mass. This program meets the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from October through April.

9th and 10th Grade Sunday Classes -

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

Our 9th and 10th-grade classes combine both learning about faith in a classroom setting as well as service opportunities. In the past, students have served by making sandwiches for Guest House, helping serve a meal at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, bingo at Elizabeth Residence Nursing Home, and serving breakfast to residents at Guest House, among other opportunities.   Our goal for service is to be the example of Christ and see Jesus in everyone!  Class meets the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (includes 10:00am Mass)

High School Confirmation Classes -

9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. once a month

High School students who are 16 years of age by their Junior year of high school and who have completed the formation and service requirements in 9th and 10th grade, can enter into immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Classes begin in late Fall and Confirmation is celebrated during the early Fall of the following year.  Sponsors must be 16 years of age and a Confirmed, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. Classes are held once a month, usually the 2nd Sunday from 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (includes Mass)