Children’s Faith Formation

The Children’s Faith Formation program at St. Matthew’s Cathedral exists to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ in the context of the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. It provides sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation as well as ongoing faith formation for children in First through Eighth Grades.

Registration for Children's Faith Formation 2026 - 2027

Children's Faith Formation (also called Sunday School) occurs over four (4) distinct Sunday morning workshops from 8:30am to 10:45am in the North Conference Room.

Between the workshops, we ask parents to read through chapters from the children's religion books (which they receive at the first workshop), take them to Sunday Mass, and pray with them.

During the workshops, there is time class time for the children. There is formation for the parents. There is time for prayer and shared formation activities.

We group children into four grade levels for each Sunday workshop. Therefore, grades 1-4 meet at their own workshop and grades 5-8 meet for their own workshop. Each has their own distinct volunteer teacher.

The dates for the school year of 2026 - 2027:

Grades 1-4:

September 20, 2026

November 8, 2026

January 24, 2027

April 11, in 2027

Grades 5-8:

September 27, 2026

Nov 15, 2026

January 31, 2027

April 18, 2027

Registration for Children's Faith Formation for 2026 - 2027 is open.

Registration for First Communion Preparation 2027

Children preparing for FIRST HOLY COMMUNION (at least in 2nd grade) must register for BOTH children's faith formation (button above) and First Communion.

First Communion will be celebrated at the 11am Mass on May 2, 2027.

There will be a First Communion Retreat on Saturday, April 17, 2026. The time is 9am to 1pm.

Registration for preparation of your child to receive First Holy Communion in 2027 is open.

Registration for Confirmation 2027

Confirmation will be celebrated Sunday, May 16, 2027, at 11am Mass with Msgr. Jameson.

There is a mandatory Confirmation Retreat on Saturday, April 24, 2027, from 8:30am - 1:30pm at the Cathedral of St. Matthew.

Children preparing for CONFIRMATION (8th graders only) must register for BOTH children's faith formation (button above) and Confirmation.

Registration for preparation of your child to receive Confirmation in 2027 is open.

Catechists Needed

A catechist is a person of faith who hands on the living experience of the Gospel, which is the mystery of God’s love for us. A catechist, most importantly, prays. The catechist also studies the Gospel, spiritual texts, and theology, develops appropriate teaching skills and nurtures his or her spiritual life and personal faith formation.

For the 2025-2026 year we need two catechists. If you are interested in serving as a catechist, please email L.J. Milone, Director of Faith Formation, or call him at 202-347-3215 x530.

Contact

For more information, email L.J. Milone, Director of Faith Formation, or call him at 202-347-3215 x530.