We welcome students to 21 in-person classes, which meet either on Sunday or Monday. Classes introduce children to the story of God’s love with lessons, curriculum, and books chosen specifically for each grade level. (To learn more about curriculum specifics, click here.) Classes also prepare students for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. At St. Michael, students typically receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion as second grade students and receive the sacrament of Confirmation as eighth grade students; but we also accommodate students who may be off schedule from the typical timeline. (We provide two-year sacrament prep for First Holy Communion and three-year sacrament prep for Confirmation, as required by the Diocese of Joliet.)

If you would like to register, please complete the forms provided online here.

How to enroll if your child needs to make the sacraments but is “off schedule” from the typical timeline: Simply enroll children in their school grade level when you register, even if they have missed a year or more. Next, note which sacraments children need. Together we will discuss options to help your children join peers in class, fully experience our Catholic sacraments, and grow closer to Jesus.

First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation: Preparation for the sacraments begins in first grade RE classes and continues through second grade. A child needs to receive first grade RE instruction to receive Communion in the spring of second grade. If your older child has been away from RE and would like to receive First Communion, please contact us in the RE Office. We have flexible options and are happy to create a simple plan for your child and family.

Confirmation: Preparation for Confirmation begins in sixth grade and continues through eighth grade. A teen needs to be in middle school RE classes to receive Confirmation in the eighth grade year. If your older teen has been away from RE and would like to receive First Communion and/or Confirmation, please contact the RE Office. We have flexible options and are happy to meet with you to discuss next steps for your family.

September 29 | November 10 | January 26 | March 23: We are happy to continue to offer this popular program! Middle and high school students will meet on Sunday nights for food, fun, and service. Join us in the Faith Center from 6:30-8:00 pm for pizza, soda, candy, and group service projects that foster friendships and serve the community. Additionally, on one of the Saturdays in November, we will continue St. Michael’s long-standing tradition of our Rake-a-Thon for parishioners in need.

The link to register your child/ren is on our website. If you need help registering or have any questions we are happy to help. Please call the RE office at 630-682-3650

Not at all. We provide lesson plans and materials plus support from a Grade-Level Coordinator who shares lessons and ideas. If you are a teacher by trade, you will love sharing the faith with children; but you don’t need classroom experience to share your faith and knowledge with our students. You can consider team teaching with a friend, or ask a son or daughter to help you as a classroom aide. We also can pair you with a catechist if you would like to be a co-teacher. You are never too old or too young to teach an RE class or be a classroom aide. Adult catechists and aides receive an RE or School tuition discount. Contact us with any questions, we would love to talk to you! You can sign up to be a catechist or aide here or on the registration link.

Classes begin on Sunday-Monday September 15-16, 2024.

This is never a problem. Please enroll children in their school grade level when you register, even if they have missed a year or more. Also note which sacraments if any they may need in the space provided on the registration form. Then call our office and together we will discuss a few options for your child to join the program. If you have any questions, please email or call us in the RE Office. We are happy to chat before or after you register.

No, but please note there is a $100 fee payable by cash or check for out-of-parish families, due at the time of registration. St. Michael Church subsidizes our RE program, and we invite you to join and become active members of St. Michael Church. Families who wish to register with the parish should contact the St. Michael Parish Office at 630-665-2250. There is no fee to join the parish.

Yes, there is tuition for Religious Education classes. (The parish subsidizes a portion of the costs.) Tuition for 2024/25 can be found below. Please know that if tuition is difficult right now, you may choose the “financial assistance” option on the Registration Form and click here for the Financial Assistance Application. We will contact you with additional information.

If you are able to pay your RE fees this year without struggle or sacrifice, please consider donating to the RE Tuition Assistance Fund. Thank you for prayerfully considering this call to support our community members in need. Contact our office at reodesk@stmichaelcommunity.org to find out how to help.

We are here to help and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to email reodesk@stmichaelcommunity.org or call (630) 682-3650 if there is anything we can do to help your family to have the best year possible.