BECOME A VOLUNTEER

We are actively seeking volunteers to help with our programs. Without you, we are limited in how we can engage the youth. 

Faith Formation Contacts

Sharon Moeykens, Interim Director of Children’s Faith Formation Grades 1-6
s.moeykens@st-raymond.org 

Diana Arizmendi, Director of Youth Ministry Grades 7-12
d.arizmendi@st-raymond.org 

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

Parish Office: 847-255-5930
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Children’s Formation 

Supporting parents, as their child’s first and most important guides of our Catholic faith, is an essential component of our Faith Formation program. Building a strong faith foundation starts with a collaborative environment between families, catechists, and staff. We rely on parental involvement to help make our program successful. Learn more about being a catechist here.

Grades 1-6 Religious Education and Grades 7-8 Confirmation 

Religious Education is our Children’s Faith Formation for students in grades 1-6. Our goal is to help students encounter Jesus Christ and to know His love for them. Our curriculum and catechists offer scripture focus and engaging activities that deepen the connection to our Church teachings and living out the faith as a family. The Sacrament of First Holy Eucharist is received during your child’s second year of Religious Education.

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. 

What To Expect

St. Raymond offers two session options.
Option 1: In-Person – Grades 1-6 Religious Education and Grades 7-8 Confirmation classes will meet in person on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Classes will begin with Family Orientation in September and end in April. A calendar will be provided to families. 

Option 2: Home Study – materials will be provided so parents can cover the materials at home following the pacing guide/calendar. The home study option is offered at the same cost as our classroom sessions. We ask that students in Sacramental Prep years (2nd and 8th grade) enroll in our In-person option. This will ensure that students receive all the formation necessary in a community setting. Consideration for Home Study will be given if there is a special circumstance that prevents a child from attending in person.

We will be offering Faith and Service opportunities that promote learning and serving as a family to help foster a strong faith foundation. 

Curriculum

We will continue to use the St. Mary’s Press parish curriculum for all grades. Grades 1 and 3-5 will utilize Discover! Finding Faith in Life,  Grade 2 will utilize Go Seek Find: Discover God’s Treasures Find sacramental preparation material, and Grades 6-8 will explore the faith using Connect! Bringing Faith to Life curriculum.

Registration

Registration for the 2022-2023 school year is now closed and we are at capacity for enrollment. If you need to make changes to your family’s session placement, please reach out to the faith formation team (contact information above). If your child and/or family needs to un-enroll from our program the fee structure is as follows:

• A full refund is available through August 19, 2022
• A partial refund is available through September 9, 2022
• No refund is available after September 9, 2022

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, Interim Director of Children’s Faith Formation for Grades 1-6 to discuss your child’s specific needs.