Religious Education | Saint Raymond

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.

Faith Formation Contacts

Sharon Moeykens, Interim Director of Children’s Faith Formation Grades 1-8
s.moeykens@st-raymond.org

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

Parish Office: 847-253-8600
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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. This 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 and strongly recommend students participate in religious education every year to receive 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 in need of 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

Sessions and sacramental preparation (First Holy Communion or Confirmation) are from September 2024 – April 2025. Students in sacramental years must attend class in person. **Consideration will be given if there is a special circumstance that 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 scheduled weekend formation days.**

Option 2: Home Study for grades 1, 3-6

We recognize the classroom option might not fit your family’s needs. The home study option offers grade-level materials (worksheets and online sessions) along with a pacing guide to help parents share and discuss our Catholic faith in the home. We encourage you to carve time for our Family Faith Sessions, weekly Mass, and check-ins with the DRE)

Option 3: Confirmation Year I and Year II Program for grades 7-12

We are in the process of creating a vibrant Confirmation program. Details will be shared later this summer. Preparation is typically two years beginning in 7th grade and culminating with the Sacrament of Confirmation during 8th grade. If your teen is in grades 9-12 and has not been confirmed, please register and we will be in touch to discuss programming.

To help foster a strong faith foundation, we offer monthly Family Faith Nights which includes 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. Not sure 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 or to register click here.

Curriculum

We use the St. Mary’s Press parish curriculum for all grades. Our curriculum and catechists offer a focus on scripture along with 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 6-8: Connect! Bringing Faith to Life

Tuition Rates and Fees

Tuition rates include all materials and supplies. Sacramental fees are additional.
EARLY BIRD TUITION BEFORE 7/1/24:
One child: $275
Two children: $450
Three or more children: $625

TUITION 7/1/24 – 7/31/24:

One child: $300

Two children: $500

Three or more children: $700

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

Refund Policy

If your child and/or family needs to un-enroll from our program the fee structure is as follows:

Full tuition refund through June 30, 2024
50% tuition refund July 1 – July 31, 2024
No tuition refund after August 1, 2024

TUITION PAYMENT

Please make a full payment through GIVE CENTRAL link.

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 application for tuition assistance.

RE Tuition - GIVE CENTRAL