Religious Education (PK3 - 8th Grade)

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, we are excited to announce our collaboration with St. Teresa of Avila (our neighbor 5 minutes down the road) for our religious education and sacramental preparation!

Ages 3 through 6th Grade

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based faith formation program that St. Teresa’s has used for 30 years for children ages 3 through 6th Grade. Rooted in Scripture, it helps children grow in a personal relationship with Jesus.

• Ages 3–6: Children meet Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who loves, cares for and calls them by name.

• First Communion prep: Children are introduced to Jesus as the True Vine, learning to remain connected to Him through the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation.

• 4th–6th Grade: Older children explore God’s plan throughout history and their role within it.

The curriculum includes preparation for First Communion and Reconciliation. By Archdiocese of Chicago guidelines, children must be enrolled in a faith formation program for two years before receiving First Communion (usually in 2nd Grade).

CGS begins Sunday, September 14. Sessions are offered four times weekly with flexible scheduling, and families receive a weekly newsletter. The four sessions are: 

• Sunday mornings (8:45–10 am)

• Sunday morning (11 am–12:30 pm)

• Sunday afternoon (4:30–6 pm)

• Monday afternoon (4–5:30 pm)

All sessions are held at St. Teresa, however sacramental ceremonies will be held at St. Josaphat.

 

7th and 8th Grade

 

Confirmation prep (7th & 8th Grade) will follow a different program. The Confirmation prep group will meet at St. Teresa's and is offered on Sunday afternoon 4:30-6:00 PM, beginning Sunday, September 21.