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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Our 2025-2026 Religious Education Registration is now open. 

Register NOW and pay later if needed. 

Faith Formation Contacts

Sharon Moeykens, Director of Lifelong Faith Formation 
s.moeykens@st-raymond.org 

 

Elizabeth Theiss, Faith Formation Assistant
e.theiss@st-raymond.org 

 

Parish Office: 847-253-8600
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“Each encounter with Jesus fills us with a deep joy which only God can give.” 
Pope Francis

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

We are actively seeking adult catechists and volunteers to help with our programs. Without your commitment, we are limited in our engagement with the youth. If you are interested in helping, please reach out to Sharon Moeykens or Elizabeth Theiss for more information.  

Children’s Faith Formation 

 

Welcome to St. Raymond Religious Education! We are excited to be a part of your family’s faith journey. Supporting parents in their role as their child’s first educators of our Catholic faith is an essential component of our Faith Formation program. The team is here to encourage and equip parents/guardians as you model our faith and nurture your child(ren)’s spiritual growth in your homes. 

By participating in Religious Education, your family shares in our Parish Mission of REJOICING IN GOD’S LOVE FOR US and SHARING GOD’S LOVE WITH ALL. Our mission is realized by collaborating with the parish staff and catechists to build a community of families actively participating in formation lessons (in-person or home study), Family Faith & Service opportunities, and weekly Mass. Together, we walk with your child(ren) as they form a relationship with Jesus, know His love for them, and help them to share His love with others.  

We rely on parental involvement to help make our program successful. We strongly recommend that students participate in religious education yearly for a more well-rounded formation in our Catholic Faith. 

Sacraments

Preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist is a two-year commitment, with children typically receiving in second grade. Older students seeking the sacraments will need to complete grade-level classes in person with their peers and then prepare at home with the family for the sacraments. Through the preparation of the sacraments, we hope the family encounters the love of Jesus Christ and becomes witnesses to that love.  
 

Confirmation is a consecutive two-year preparation program, typically starting in 7th grade. Over the two years, the youth are accompanied on their faith journey to connect the core teachings of the Catholic faith to their daily lives and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Making relevant connections that bring their faith to life equips them to be lifelong Catholics. 

Inclusivity

St. Raymond Religious Education desires to bring our faith to all students. We strive to offer access to our faith formation program for individuals and families with special needs. This includes adaptive programming and inclusion to prepare children who need accommodations for the Sacraments. Please reach out to Sharon Moeykens, Director of Children’s Faith Formation, to discuss your child’s specific needs. 

What To Expect

Religious Education runs from September through April. The calendar will be available at the end of June. 
 
Students in sacramental years (First Holy Communion and Confirmation) must attend class in person. If your child is in grades 3-6 and needs to receive First Holy Communion, please contact the Faith Formation Team for more information. If your teen is in grades 9-12 and has not been confirmed, please contact the Faith Formation Team for more information.
**Consideration will be given if a special circumstance prevents a child from attending in person. Please contact the RE team directly.**
 
Option 1: In-Person – Wednesdays for grades 1-6, 5:30-6:30 pm
**Students preparing for reconciliation and Communion will have additional weekend formation days.** 
 
Option 2: Home Study for grades 1, 3-6 
This option offers grade-level materials (worksheets and online sessions) and a pacing guide to help parents share and discuss our Catholic faith in the home. We encourage you to carve out time for our Family Faith Sessions and weekly Mass. 
 
Option 3: Confirmation Year I and Year II Program for grades 7- 8th
We are in the process of creating a vibrant Confirmation program.  Preparation is two years, beginning in 7th grade and culminating with the Sacrament of Confirmation during 8th grade. Years I and II will meet each month on 3 Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 pm and one Sunday from 5:00 – 7:30 pm, including Mass.
 
Option 4: High School Confirmation 2-year Program for grades 9-12
Over the course of two years, high school students will participate in Youth Ministry programming on Sundays twice a month. In addition, they will have home study work and once a month Sunday sessions focused on the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

To help foster a strong faith foundation, we offer monthly Family Faith Nights, including service opportunities.  

Volunteer Opportunity

Do you feel called to serve as a classroom catechist? All catechists will receive free tuition, training, and ongoing support in the classroom. If you are unsure where you would like to volunteer, let us help you find your “fit”! We are excited to welcome you as part of the team! Please reach out to Sharon Moeykens or Elizabeth Theiss for more information. 

Curriculum

We use the St. Mary’s Press parish curriculum for all grades. Our curriculum and catechists focus on scripture and engaging activities that deepen the connection to our Church teachings and living out the faith as a family. 

Grades 1 and 3-5: Discover! Finding Faith in Life 
Grade 2: Go, Seek, Find: Discover God’s Treasures sacramental preparation material
Grades 6 and Year I & II: We are exploring new curriculum

TUITION RATES & FEES
Tuition rates include all materials and supplies. Sacramental fees are additional.  

Payment in full can be made now, or you can defer payment until June. We recognize that you select and pay for summer camp registrations in the spring, so we are happy to have you register NOW and pay in June.  

 
TUITION FOR REGISTRATIONS BEFORE 6/30/25:
One child: $300
Two children: $475
Three or more children: $625
 
TUITION FOR REGISTRATIONS 7/1/25 – 7/31/25:
One child: $350
Two children: $525

Three or more children: $675

SACRAMENTAL FEES:
First Communion: $100
Confirmation Year II: $100

Payments will be made through GIVE CENTRAL as a one-time payment. If you cannot make a one-time payment in full, please contact e.theiss@st-raymond.org for payment plans or to receive a financial assistance application for tuition assistance.
 
REFUND POLICY:
Full refund through June 30, 2025
50% refund July 1 – July 31, 2025
No refund after August 1, 2025
 
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about this registration process or the program!