Religious Education Program (REP)

St. Mary provides a thorough catechesis in the Roman Catholic Tradition for all parish children so they might grow in their faith journey in communion with the Church and its life of prayer and mission. Catechesis is also offered for parents who have children celebrating the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. The Religious Education Program (REP) operates under the direction of the policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago and in particular under the guidelines of the Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry. If you are new to St. Mary and would like to enroll your children in our program, please first contact the parish office to make an appointment to register with the parish.

St. Mary welcomes children in all stages of their faith formation and works with families who may have been away from the church for awhile. Formal faith formation can begin as children enter kindergarten. First grade is when children should be enrolled as that first year is most important before preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion in 2nd grade. Children are then expected to continue each year until they reach 8th grade and are prepared to celebrate Confirmation.