Fr. James E. Wozniak, Pastor

Gregory Fabian, Deacon

Jim DeSales, Visiting Deacon

Religious Education

Education Commission

Diocesan Philosophy
The Diocesan Religious Education Office is commissioned by the bishop to support and promote lifelong catechesis for the Diocese of Gary.  The office aims to collaborate with the communities of the diocese, varied culture and background.  It is within this diversity that REO encourages the unfolding nature of the Catholic tradition and the shared calling to be witnesses to the fullest expression of God's love, Jesus Christ.

St. Matthias Religious Education Philosophy
We at St. Matthias abide in the Church's teaching handed down from the Apostles to the Founding Fathers.  With a history rich in Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture we find the Truth manifested in apostolic succession, the Magisterium and guided by the Holy Spirit though the Holy See.  "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  Matthew 28: 19-20.  The words of Jesus the Christ ring through to all generations to all places, through the centuries and shall continue to the end of the age as Jesus proclaims, "I will be with you always even to the end of time."

Criteria for the Authentic Presentation of the Christian Message
The Word of God contained in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition is the single source of the fundamental criteria for the presentation of the Christian message:

• Centers on Jesus Christ
• Introduces the Trinitarian dimensions of the Gospel message
• Proclaims the Good News of salvation and liberation
• Comes from and leads to the Church
• Has a historical character
• Seeks enculturation and preserves the integrity and purity of the message
• Offers the comprehensive message of the Gospel and respects its inherent hierarchy of truths
• Communicates the profound dignity of the human person
• Fosters a common language of the Faith

The following includes some of the Commission's other responsibilities:

Baptismal Preparation - guildes the parents in the reaffirmation of their own faith, encourages the desire that their child knows and lives the values of our Church, and accepts the responsibility of raising their child in the practice of the faith.

Marriage Preparation - works with couples of all ages entering into the sacrament of marriage.

RCIA - is a special process for those inquiring to come into the fullness of the church through the sacraments.  It is intended for those who are unbaptized or who have been baptized in other Christian faiths and are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.  This is open to all age levels.  Since RCIA is the responsibility of the entire faith community, practicing Catholics are also needed to share in the RCIA experience as sponsors, Godparents, and team members.

Parish Library - offers a large selection of books, periodicals, videotapes and audiotapes on such subjects as prayer, saints, theology, Church history, and more.  The library is open daily for use.

Catechist Training - this is an ongoing educational opportunity for all new catechists and those who are already a part of the faith formation team. 

Vacation Bible School - Each summer, St. Matthias offers an exciting and creative week of teaching scripture to Pre-K through Grade 5 with Middle School and High School students volunteering to assist the adults.  Themes vary each year, but are made up of centers, activities, games, music, and crafts that fill each morning with the joyful noise of children.  The week concludes with a special Mass for the children.

Youth Ministry - works to nurture personal and spiritual growth of each young person by providing opportunities for awareness and development of Christian values through a balance of social, spiritual, and service activities.