Angel Camp is a summer vacation Bible camp offered for children entering Kindergarten in the fall through Grade 5. Volunteers prepare instructional, recreational and social elements to offer five days of fun activities and surprises. Angel Camp is usually scheduled for the third or fourth week of June each year. A modest fee per child is requested and registration is open to children from any parish or faith denomination.
Angel Camp 2012 - Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity (June 18-22)
For information contact Mary Hazen; 217-359-4224; mhazen@stmatt.net
This Committee is composed of couples who assist the parish priests in sharing the Church's teachings about the Sacrament of Baptism with families preparing to have their children baptized. In addition to leading the Baptismal preparation classes, the committee helps coordinate the annual celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord.
For information contact Chris & Jenny Lugardo; 217-721-2329; odragul@juno.com
Using the "Great Adventure: Journey through the Bible" series of readings, discussion guides, and video lectures developed by Jeff Cavins, St. Matthew offers foundational studies of sacred scripture in small group settings. Explore with us the history, meaning and theological implications of sacred scripture in defining and guiding the one holy catholic and apostolic church and each of our own faith lives. All are welcome. No prior bible study experience is needed. Tuesday morning, 9:00-11:00 a.m., and Tuesday evening, 7:00-9:00 pm.
For information contact Tim & Karen Barnes; 217-377-1633; barnes.kmi@gmail.com
Youth Group seeks to help high school students grow in their faith as well as their knowledge and experience of God's love through the Church and through others. This is accomplished by exposing its members to formal teaching, faith sharing, sacramental worship, Christian interaction, social activities and service to the parish and community. "Adult Ministers" are adults willing to share their faith and personal witness with the high school youth of our parish by becoming a member of the Core Leadership Team. They build relationships with the teens, participate in small group discussions, chaperone events and assist the Youth Group Coordinator. "Summer Mission Trip Adult Leaders" are adults that accompany Youth Group on week-long summer mission. The mission is usually scheduled sometime mid-June thru end of July. One male and one female per five students are needed.
For information contact Jason & Morgan Schreder; 309-241-8893; stmatthewyg@gmail.com
CCD is a formal religious education program available to parish children from preschool (age 3) through eighth grade. Through CCD, our parish provides education in the faith for those unable to benefit from the Catholic school system. The program is staffed by the DRE with volunteer catechists (teachers, co-teachers and aides) generally sought from the congregation. Catechists must be confirmed Catholics, high school graduates, at least 18 years of age, with no canonical impediments to the sacraments. Aides may be under 18 and currently in high school. All instruction is faithful to the Magisterium of the Church. Texts used are in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and approved for use in the Diocese of Peoria.
For information contact Mary Hazen; 217-359-4224; mhazen@stmatt.net
Have you or someone you know been away from the Church for a while? Do you have questions or concerns about the Church that keep you from fully participating? Changing circumstances in our lives and/or misunderstandings that have caused doubts and hurt may have lead us to lose our faith and trust. These issues may have even grown into anger toward both God and His Church. "Coming Home" ministry invites inactive Catholics, regardless of the reason, to come back. We listen; we address questions and concerns; we provide information on a variety of issues as well as changes that have occurred since Vatican II. We strive to promote caring, understanding and healing.
For information contact Don Fraley; 217-359-2408; donfraley@coldwellbanker.com
RCIA is an integrated process of instruction, spiritual growth, and discernment for non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith. After an initial inquiry period, unbaptized individuals can be accepted as catechumens preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist) during the paschal Vigil. Those who have been previously baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition may be accepted as candidates to enter into full communion with the Church and receive those sacraments they have not previously celebrated. Catholics who have been baptized but have not had the benefit of catechesis, as well as those returning to Church, also benefit from the RCIA program's introduction to the faith, worship and the life of the Catholic Church. The program begins each year with inquiry sessions in September and concludes with a period of post-initiation instruction in the Easter Season. Parishioners are invited to serve as sponsors for the catechumens and candidates, accompanying their spiritual journey with prayer and support.
For information contact Mary Hazen; 217-359-4224; mhazen@stmatt.net
Sacrament preparation is provided in conjunction with the parish religious education program to meet the particular needs of children seeking initiation into the Catholic Church or the reception of specific omitted sacraments.
For information contact Mary Hazen; 217-359-4224; mhazen@stmatt.net
SPaRK! is open to 7th and 8th grade students of St. Matthew Parish. The Junior High youth group has many fun activities throughout the year. SPaRK! provides a safe and faith filled environment for students to explore and learn more about their faith while having fun with friends. SPaRK! also participates in an area wide youth group event called X-TREME. X-TREME meetings are planned throughout the year so that youth from area parishes can meet one another and form friendships as well as faith-ships!
The SPaRK 2011-2012 Schedule is available here.
For information contact Mary Knight; 217-693-3757; mary.knight@mchsi.com
Jennifer Clarke; 312-848-8175; jenniferandjohnc@sbcglobal.net
Under the patronage of St. Lawrence, the parish library is located in the vestibule of the Parish Center. A committee of volunteers oversees Catholic materials (books, periodicals, audio-visual items) made available for loan to parishioners.
For information contact Mary Hazen; 217-359-4224; mhazen@stmatt.net