Religious Education

“Each encounter with Jesus fills us with joy, with that deep joy which only God can give.” Pope Francis

Our 2024-2025 religious education program has limited space for students. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about the registration process.

Faith Formation Contacts

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

Patrick McGarry, Confirmation and Youth Ministry Coordinator
p.mcgarry@st-raymond.org

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

Parish Office: 847-253-8600
Follow us on

RE Grades 1-6 and Confirmation Year I Paper Calendar

Confirmation Year II Paper Calendar

Home Study Calendar

Google RE Grades 1-6/Confirmation Year I Calendar - Subscribe

Google Confirmation Year II Calendar - Subscribe

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 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 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

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 a particular circumstance prevents a child from attending in person. Please get in touch with the RE team directly for a further conversation .**

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

We recognize the classroom option might not fit your family’s needs. The home study 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 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. 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 contact you to discuss programming. Year I students will meet in person on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Year II students will meet twice a month on Sundays from 4:30 – 6:15 pm. Patrick McGarry will be teaching students in both Years I and II.

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 6-8: Connect! Bringing Faith to Life