Religious Education

First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion

Children are required to have two consecutive years of instruction in the school or Religious Education program before receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Instruction for First Holy Communion usually begins in Grade 1 and children receive the sacrament in the spring of Grade 2.  We welcome students who might be older and try our best to group them with students close to their age.

During the second year of instruction, parent meetings, enrollment rites, two mandatory faith formation sessions and rehearsals are scheduled. Note: Parents must provide a Baptismal certificate for children who have been baptized in other parishes before their child can receive these sacraments.

Download the 2018-2019 Sacramental Preparation calendar.

Students are required to have two consecutive years of instruction in the school or Religious Education program before receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation—beginning no earlier than Grade 7. The sacrament is usually celebrated in the spring of Grade 8. Parents should contact the Director of Faith Formation & Education if their child is older than 16 before beginning preparation for Confirmation.

During the second year of instruction, parent meetings, enrollment rites, two mandatory faith formation sessions and rehearsals are scheduled. Confirmation preparation also includes mandatory service hours and a variety of written assignments. Note: Parents must provide a Baptismal certificate for children who have been baptized in other parishes, as well as First Holy Communion certificates if that sacrament has been received in another parish.

The teachers in Religious Education are called catechists. We are always in need of substitute catechists. Even if you are not able to commit to every Saturday, you might consider sharing responsibilities with another teacher/catechist. 

All of our catechists are volunteers. The Archdiocesan Office for Protection of Children and Youth requires that individuals who volunteer in Catholic education meet specific compliance guidelines. The guidelines are listed below:

• Online criminal background checks: This is a one-time national background check. Re-checks are conducted automatically. Criminal background checks are not completed for volunteers under the age of 18.
• VIRTUS/Protecting God’s Children: This is a one time, three-hour training program for adults. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to attend. All participants must pre-register online. A certificate of attendance is awarded on-site.
• Code of Conduct: An acknowledgement of appropriate and acceptable behaviors for adults working with minors.
• Department of Children and Family Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS): An application reviewed annually by DCFS for abuse and neglect offenses.
• Mandated Reporter Training (MRT): This is a 60-90 minute online training. Participants learn to protect children by understanding how to recognize and report child abuse.

For more information, please contact Michael Bannon ([email protected]) in the parish office, at 773.486.4300.

Expectations of Parents: Please help your children grow in their faith by attending Mass with them regularly on Sunday. You can also support the efforts of their teachers (catechists) by helping them practice their prayers and asking questions about what they are learning in class. Parents of children who will be receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation are expected to attend two Parent Faith Formation sessions – one in the fall and a second in the spring in the year their children will be celebrating these sacraments. As role models, parents are the primary educators of their children. We encourage parents to keep their children enrolled in Religious Education consistently from 1st grade through 8th grade so that together, as members of God’s family we may emphasize the value and significance of our Faith and God’s love.

Expectations of Children: Children are expected to attend all classes, be on time, and act in a respectful manner to their catechists and all other children in the program.

Absence: If your child is ill, please email or call and let us know that they will not be present. If your child is absent more than three times, he/she may be required to repeat the year unless there are valid reasons for the absence and parents show interest in explaining to the Director of Faith Formation and Education.

Weather Emergencies: In the case of inclement weather an email will be sent to all registered families and phone calls will be made to those without email. You can also call the parish rectory at 773-486-4300 for information regarding the Religious Education cancellation status.