Faith Formation at St. Matthew
Catholic schools hold as primary belief in God, Christ, and Church, the value of the human person, and commitment to a mission of service.
St. Matthew School strives to provide students and families with opportunities for growth in faith formation through a variety of liturgical experiences.
By integrating the faith, knowledge, and values they gain, St. Matthew students will think critically, discover a love of learning, live the Gospel message, reach out to others in service, further social justice, and deepen their relationship with God.
2010-11 Theme: "Discover the Pearl within You"
Saint Matthew, Our Patron Saint
Saint Matthew (meaning gift of God) was one of the twelve Apostles and is the author of the first Gospel.
He and the son of Alpheus was originally called Levi. He was a tax collector by profession. While working at his desk one day at Capernaum he was called by Jesus to be an Apostle. The people were surprised to see a Roman tax collector become one of the special friends and disciples of Jesus.
As a convert, Matthew's purpose in his Gospel is clear: evangelize to the world that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Matthew's gospel stresses how Jesus fulfilled Jewish prophecies and he used the phrase "Kingdom of Heaven" as opposed to the phrase "Kingdom of God" which is used in other synoptic gospels.
Saint Matthew is often represented by an angel or with a pen in hand.
Matthew is the patron saint of bankers, bookkeepers, accountants, and customs officers.
The feast of St. Matthew is on September 21.
