Religious Education

Although it is at the home and with the family that children first learn about God, the “formal” part of their religious education comes from programs offered by the parish. Here at St. Joseph we give children the opportunity to learn about God and His love for them — and all people — through classes offered for children from 3-years old through 8th grade. The classroom instruction includes traditional teaching from our textbook series, approved by the Archdiocese of Chicago, as well as service projects, the opportunity to receive the sacraments throughout the year and various activities to make their religion something special for each of them. We also discuss the cycle of the church year from Advent through the Feast of Christ the King.

All children in grades 1 - 8 participate in one family Mass each year. Prior to this Mass, the children meet for an extra class to learn about the Mass, the responses, prepare for the readings and help write the petitions, so they can be more deeply involved in understanding the Sunday liturgy.

Without their parents’ involvement, this program like all programs, would lose their meaning for the children. We look forward to joining in a partnership with you to build your child’s relationship with God, and we take this calling very seriously.

Download the 2011/2012 Registration Form

Junior High School Religious Ed: Download the Jr. High School Calendar for 2011-2012
Location	Grade	Tuesdays 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Religious Ed Building; Room 1A	8th	TBA
Religious Ed Building; Room 1C	7th	TBA
Elementary & Middle School Religious Ed: Download the Elementary School Calendar for 2011-2012
Location	Grade	Sundays 9:00 - 10:00 am	Sundays 10:15 - 11:15 am
St. Joseph School; Science Lab (basement)	6th	John Gridley	Tim Flanagan
St. Joseph School; Spanish Room (basement)	5th	Mike Cavalier	Ted McKenna
St. Joseph School; Library (basement)	4th	Dan McNulty	Mary Talbot
St. Joseph School; Room 113	3rd	Laurie Kohl	Rosemary Ernquist
St. Joseph School; Room 111	2nd	Ellie Weisbard	Susan Presburg
St. Joseph School; Room 112	1st	Margaret Dutkiewicz	Ann Erie
Pre School Religious Ed: Download the Kindergarten & Pre School Calendar for 2011-2012
Location	Age	Sundays 9:00 - 10:00 am	Sundays 10:15 - 11:15 am
Religious Ed Building; Room 2C	5 year	TBA	TBA
Religious Ed Building; Room 2B	4 year	TBA	TBA
Religious Ed Building; Room 2A	3 year	TBA	TBA

If you have any questions about the St. Joseph Religious Education Program, please feel free to contact Mrs. Dana McKenna at 847-251-3734.

If your child must miss class, please inform the catechist with a written note. If your child becomes ill and is unable to attend class, please call (847) 251-3734 and leave a message. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Religious Education Director at the above number.

Musical Links for Religious Ed

Fill us with your gift of love

If you would be my disciples

Jesus, Be Near To Us (First Communion Song)