What will be offered?
Religious Education classes are held September – May. This year families will be divided into four classes:
1. Pre-First Communion class for students who have not received their First Communion.
2. First Communion class for students who have completed at least one year of religious education instruction, but have not received their First Communion. These students will be receiving their First Communion spring of the year they are enrolled in this class. (Please be aware that the Archdiocese of Chicago requires that all students complete two years of religious education classes prior to receiving his/her First Communion).
3. Post-First Communion class for students who have received First Communion.)
4. Confirmation class for students who have received their First Communion and completed post-First Communion classes. These students will receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of the year they participate in this class. (Please be aware that the Archdiocese of Chicago requires that all students complete two years of religious education classes prior to receiving his/her Confirmation.)
How does it work?
St. Vincent de Paul parish uses the family catechetical model of religious education. That means that the entire family is involved in religious education. We believe that parents are the primary teachers of their children, and the church is there to assist and help them. In this format, parents and children meet together for class once per month to discuss themes and topics. Take-home materials are provided to continue the lessons at home. Weekly mass attendance is also a required part of the program.
When do you meet?
Monthly classes are held on Sundays 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Are there other options?
Yes! If you prefer a traditional model of weekly classes, our neighboring parishes offer opportunities on different days of the week (St. Josaphat, St. Clement, St. Alphonsus, St. Michael). St. Teresa offers the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for young children, which is based on the Montessori educational model. No extra fees are required for not being a parishioner if you are a parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul.
How about Confirmation?
At this time, we are not offering confirmation as we develop the program. For now, we encourage you to be part of the confirmation program at St. Teresa which meets on Sunday evenings.
How do I register?
If your family is interested, please contact the parish office to receive a registration form (mcarte40@depaul.edu). If your family is new to the religious education program at St. Vincent de Paul Parish you must meet with either a staff member or Fr. Joe prior to the start of class. Due to our space limitations, class sizes will be capped at 10 children.