The six tasks of catechesis constitute a unified whole by which catechesis seeks to achieve its objective: the formation of disciples of Jesus.
(NDC 20, p. 61-63 GDC 86-87)

Although we are moving out of the pandemic, we are still not completely “back to normal.” We continue to maintain vigilance and caution when gathering together. Extra care is taken when someone is not feeling well, and masks are still worn at times when gathering. Despite these obstacles, we are hopeful for this year! These past few years have taught us how important it is to maintain our connections with the community, with Our Lord, and the Church. For this reason, we are excited to begin another year of IN PERSON meetings for faith formation and youth ministry. 

Last year, our parish celebrated its 60th Anniversary! St. Matthias continues to be a warm,  welcoming, and inclusive parish community. We hope that all who enter through our thresholds feel the love and acceptance of community. 

This marks our 13th year of offering a family-based faith formation program called GIFT (Generations in Faith Together). This approach is designed to support all members of the family in their faith journey — to meet each individual where they are in their faith development. Because we are a small parish, we are able to customize our content and offer topics that are important to you. We are the only parish in the Archdiocese of San Francisco that is offering this family-focused approach to faith formation and believe this model best promotes the domestic church. These gatherings provide the foundation for sacramental preparation, youth ministry, and engagement at Sunday Mass.

Our pastoral plan, Shaping our Future, affirms our commitment to edifying the family as the domestic church, and our programs are designed to support that vision. Families with children or youth preparing for sacraments are guided through the preparation process together. 

Our middle school youth ministry program has combined with St. Charles. We also offer a small but vibrant youth ministry program for high school youth that features periodic gatherings and service projects. For adults, there are many learning opportunities including RCIA, Bible Study and periodic topical discussion groups, which you can read more about within these pages. 

The Faith Formation Handbook provides more information and the dates for all the programs offered. I hope that you will find your spiritual home here at St. Matthias.

In Christ’s Peace, Sabrina Harper, Pastoral Associate
sabrina@stmatthiasparish.org 

The National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) has identified these six tasks of catechesis. Our programs are designed with these tasks in mind, but with a special emphasis on strengthening the domestic Church.

Thus the little domestic Church, like the greater Church, needs to be constantly and intensely evangelized: hence its duty regarding permanent education in the faith…the family, like the Church, ought to be a place where the Gospel is transmitted and from which the Gospel radiates…the future of evangelization depends in great part on the Church of the home (Pope Francis, Extraordinary Synod on the Family #51-52).

The Six Tasks of Catechesis

1. Catechesis promotes knowledge of the faith
2. Catechesis promotes a knowledge of the meaning of Liturgy and Sacraments
3. Catechesis promotes moral formation in Jesus Christ
4. Catechesis teaches the Christian how to pray with Christ
5. Catechesis prepares the Christian to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church
6. Catechesis promotes a missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians in society