Welcome to Saint Matthew Parish CATHOLICISM information and registration site!
Our first Catholicism meeting will take place in Saint Aloysius Social Hall on Thursday, October 6 at 7:00 pm.
What is CATHOLICISM?
Catholicism is a documentary film-based study program the explores the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Catholic faith. Starting with the Incarnation, Bishop Robert Barron guides us on a journey that takes us deeper into the sacred mysteries of Catholicism. Bishop Barron draws on art, architecture, Scripture, literature, history, personal stories, theology, and philosophy to answer questions and bring to life the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. We invite you to watch these trailers to get a sense of the spiritual experience Catholicism offers: Catholicism Trailer - Word on Fire Digital https://www.wofdigital.org
CATHOLICISM - An Epic TV & DVD Series, Book & Study Program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8gUO75KhGc
Who can participate in CATHOLICISM?
Catholicism is for all those who want to know more about what Catholics believe and why. Catholicism is for those seeking to explore the Catholic faith, and those wanting to deepen their existing faith—for life-long Catholics and believers (parishioners and non-parishioners) as well as those who are skeptics or disaffiliated. Catholicism is a not only a celebration of God, but a powerful means of developing and becoming part of a supportive faith community.
What is the difference between Alpha and Catholicism?
Catholicism is an exploration of the sacred mysteries underlying the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. Alpha is an exploration of Christianity. Both offer spiritual experiences that can lead to a deepening of relationship with Jesus. We encourage participants to experience an Alpha program before Catholicism but also recognize that individuals may decide on one program or another depending on what stage they are at in their faith journey.
What is the format for a CATHOLICISM meeting?
Our Catholicism meetings begin with hospitality followed by a video presentation (approximately 25 minutes), and then discussion in small groups (usually 8 people). The videos are designed to be informative, thought provoking, and facilitate discussion. Each week focuses on a different element or mystery of the Catholic faith: Jesus, God, the teachings of Jesus, Mother Mary, the Eucharist, the Saints, prayer, life after death (hell, purgatory, and heaven).
Is there a cost to participate in CATHOLICISM?
We do not have registration fee for our Catholicism program. However, we do ask that participants consider making a monetary donation to cover the cost ($20.00) of the personal Catholicism Study Guide that they will receive.
How long is the CATHOLICISM program?
Each Catholicism session lasts approximately 90 minutes (hospitality, video, and discussion). There are a total of 20 sessions that we are presenting in two 10-week blocks. (See schedule below.)
When does SMP CATHOLICISM program start? End?
Weekly Catholicism sessions start at 7:00 pm and end at 8:30 pm. The first part of the program starts on October 6th and runs on consecutive Thursdays (excluding Thanksgiving, November 24th) until December 15th. The second part of the program starts on January 26th and runs through Lent until March 30th.
Do I need to attend all sessions in the CATHOLICISM series?
It has been our experience that you will want to attend every Catholicism session! You will be meeting and sharing with the same group of people over a number of weeks and will become an important part of the group dynamics and community. However, understandably, prior commitments or unexpected events may mean that on occasion, you have to miss a Catholicism session.
What about COVID-19?
We are committed to running our Catholicism series in-person as long as it is deemed to be reasonably safe. We encourage all participants to protect themselves and others through vaccination and by wearing a mask when prudent.
Do you have further questions?
Please contact our team leader, Joanna Crammond, by email:
[email protected]
phone: 412 877-8133
Where are the CATHOLICISM meetings held?
The location of our Catholicism meetings will rotate through the four churches of Saint Matthew Parish as follows:
Part I
October 6 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SA Social Hall
October 13 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SA Social Hall
October 20 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SA Social Hall
October 27 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SA Social Hall
November 3 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SA Social Hall
November 10 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm AS Classroom # 8
November 17 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm AS Classroom # 8
December 1 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm AS Classroom # 8
December 8 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm AS Classroom # 8
December 15 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm AS Classroom # 8
Part II
January 26 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SB Newmeyer Hall
February 2 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SB Newmeyer Hall
February 9 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SB Newmeyer Hall
February 16 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SB Newmeyer Hall
February 23 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm SB Newmeyer Hall
March 2 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm HS Cafeteria
March 9 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm HS Cafeteria
March 16 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm HS Cafeteria
March 23 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm HS Cafeteria
March 30 Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm HS Cafeteria
To register, please fill out the form below.