Family Religious Education at Old St. Mary’s Church
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Begun in 1984, the Family Religious Education Program offers weekly class instruction in the teachings of the Roman Catholic faith for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The program aims to foster the spiritual development of children within the context of family: as a member of his or her own
family, as a member of the family of our faith, and as an important member of our parish community.
Classes are small and led by dedicated volunteer catechists who are certified or working toward certification through the
Archdiocese of Chicago Catechist Formation Program. Developmentally appropriate materials that are in conformity with the
Catechism of the Catholic Church are used throughout the program. Interactive instructional approaches are used to involve all
the children and to recognize each individual’s unique gifts and growth in the faith and the community.
Family Involvement Family involvement is essential for a child’s spiritual development. Families are the
cornerstone of Old St. Mary’s program. Classes are scheduled on Sunday morning to accommodate family attendance at Mass.
A monthly Family Mass includes active participation of the children in the liturgy. Faith enrichment materials are sent home
during special seasons, such as Advent and Lent, to deepen sharing and celebration of the faith in the home. Adult catechesis is
offered at the same time as the children’s classes. Liturgy of the Word for Children is offered on the Sunday mornings when
classes are in session to give small children (ages 3 and up) an opportunity to hear the word of God in age-appropriate language
while their parents hear the word of God and ponder its significance in their lives without the distraction of restless children.
The children rejoin the assembly at the conclusion of the homily.
Sacramental Preparation Children who have reached second grade and have been baptized may enroll in classes to prepare for the sacraments of
Reconciliation and First Eucharist. A Certificate of Baptism must be provided for our records. Students in seventh and eighth
grades may enroll in our two-year program to prepare for Confirmation. The program covers Liturgy, Creed, Prayer,
Discipleship, and Morality. The students are required to participate in parish and community service projects as part of their
commitment to discipleship.
Registration and Fees
The program is open to all children in kindergarten through eighth grade (or older if they have not been confirmed). Enrollment forms are available at the church or can be downloaded from our website (see link below). Families who enroll their children are encouraged to register in the parish. There is a nominal fee for each child enrolled. The fee will be waived for situations of financial hardship.
Schedule
The program begins the first Sunday after Labor Day and ends in early May. Classes are held in the school classrooms from
9:45-10:45 a.m. on Sundays; first class September 11, 2011. We welcome new parishioners to register their children at any time during the school year.
Contact Information Maryann Cushing
Program Coordinator
(312) 922-3444 Ext. 25
E-mail: maryanncushing@yahoo.com
