St. Matthew’s has  instituted a new Baptism Preparation Programto ensure a greater outreach and opportunity for evangelization of our young parents. A team of very faithful and committed young couples welcomes Baptism parents into their homes in a two-hour session to better grasp the authentic meaning of the sacrament and their role as Catholic parents. This program is the beginning of the child’s journey towards full initiation into the Catholic Church. The overall focus of the program is to offer the opportunity to deepen one’s faith commitment, to better understand the gift and challenge of Christian parenting and to come together to find support in knowing other young couples of our parish.  The Team Couples involved are Lori and Chris Arends;  Rick and Cherry Wendt;  Chris and Kelly Meola;  and Anthony and Michelle Lenzi.

The process is as follows:

• When new parents call the parish office to schedule a Baptism they will provide the Baptismal information and set the date for the Baptism (they will have a choice of having their child Baptized during a weekend Mass or after Mass on Sunday afternoon).
• The Team Coordinators will next contact the parents and let them know that a member of the team will be calling them to schedule a time and date for the meeting. The coordinators will then contact one of the teams and pass the information on to them and they will then contact the parents.
• The meeting will take place at the home of one of the team couples. Parents are encouraged to bring their children with them. The meeting will include the shared experiences of the team couple related to Baptism, the importance of naming the child, the roles of the parents and godparents in Baptism, a short video presentation, refreshments and discussion.

Participation in the Baptism Preparation program is the first step in the spiritual development of their child by becoming a part of St. Matthews’s community. The birth and Baptism of a child is often a point in married couples’ lives when they are seeking a reconnection with or a greater participation in the Church.

Following this meeting the Baptism couple will be contacted by Fr. Dan or one of the Deacons to schedule a brief meeting, either at the couples’ home or at St. Matthew’s, which will further explain the actual Rite of Baptism to be held at the church.

We would like to encourage anyone with questions or with an interest in becoming a Team Couple to please contact the office.

Start Your Preparation 
Congratulations to all expectant parents! If you would like information about having your baby baptized please call the parish office and we will be happy to help you with the preparations, 973-584-1101.