Sacraments

Infant Baptisms:

Parents must be registered members of St. Matthew for at least three months and should plan to have their child baptized within the first year of life. A baptism class is required. Please visit the parish office to obtain the required forms which outline all necessary requirements. After completing the forms, submit them to the office for approval by the pastor prior to scheduling the baptism. If you have questions, contact Helen Almeter: faithformation@stmatthewsparish.org 

(912) 681-6726 Ext. 4

Baptisms for Adult or children 7 yrs or older who wish to join the Catholic Church and have not been baptized “in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit” will prepare for the sacrament through participation in Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) classes and an equivalent that is age appropriate for children. OCIA meets weekly beginning in the fall with an anticipation of receiving sacraments the following Easter. Contact Helen Almeter at 912-681-6726 ext. 4 or via email at: 

faithformation@stmatthewstatesboro.org

Godparent Requirements: 

• at least 16 yrs old
• received all 3 sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion. 
• not the parent of the child.
• a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Chuch (with no impediments) and who follows the precepts of the faith, faithful to Sunday Mass and holy days of obligation, frequents Holy Communion and the sacrament of reconciliation. 
• a baptism class

Confirmation usually takes place during the 8th grade year in our religious education program and candidates should already have been enrolled and have good attendance at their religious education classes prior to and leading up to Confirmation as well as faithful Mass attendance. Special preparatory classes, a retreat, and an opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation are also a part of this formation. For more information, contact Helen Almeter at 912-681-6726 ext. 4 or via email at 

faithformation@stmatthewstatesboro.org.

Adults who need to receive the sacrament of Confirmation should contact Helen Almeter at 912-681-6726 ext. 4 or via email at 

faithformation@stmatthewstatesboro.org.

First Communion usually takes place during the 2nd grade year in our religious education program and candidates should already have been enrolled and have good attendance at their religious education classes prior to and leading up to First Communion as well as faithful Mass attendance. Special preparatory classes, a retreat, and preparation for their first reconciliation are also a part of this formation. For more information, contact Helen Almeter at 912-681-6726 ext. 4 or via email at 

faithformation@stmatthewstatesboro.org.

Adults who need to receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion should contact Helen Almeter at 912-681-6726 ext. 4 or via email at 

faithformation@stmatthewstatesboro.org.

Those who are insterested in discerning the sacrament of holy orders, the Priesthood, can contact Fr. Jason Adams by calling 912-681-6726 Ext 3.

Those intersted in the vocation of Consecrated Life can contact Fr. Adams as well. 

We encourage the faithful to make the sacrament of reconciliation a regular part of their faith life.  Parents should bring their children to reconciliation at least once a year, however, more frequently is recommended. It is within this sacrament that we encounter God’s healing love and mercy. Examination of Conscience pamphlets are available next to the confessional in the church.

The sacrament of reconciliation is offered on Wednesdays 5:00pm-5:30pm, Friday 11:30am - 12:00 pm & Saturdays from 4:00pm-4:50 p.m.

Penance Services are offered during Advent and Lent.