Religious Education & Family Faith Formation

A Place Where Your Family Can Grow in Faith Together

At St. Michael in Old Town, we believe every family deserves a place where they are welcomed, supported, and inspired as they grow in faith together.

Our Religious Education & Family Faith Formation program is more than Sunday classes—it's a vibrant community where children discover God's love, parents deepen their own faith, and families build lasting friendships rooted in the Gospel.

Whether your family is just beginning its faith journey, returning to the Church, or looking for a welcoming parish community, you belong here.

Why Families Choose St. Michael

Parents tell us they are looking for more than a classroom. They want their children to know Jesus, experience a welcoming Catholic community, ask meaningful questions, and develop values that will guide them throughout their lives.

That's exactly what we strive to provide.

Our program combines engaging classroom experiences, family-centered learning, worship, service, and community so that faith becomes something children don't simply study—it becomes something they live.

Our experienced catechists and parish staff are passionate about creating an environment where every child is known by name, encouraged, and inspired to grow in confidence and faith.

Faith Is Strongest When Families Grow Together

Research consistently shows that children are most likely to continue practicing their faith when parents and caregivers are actively involved in their spiritual lives.

That's why our Family Faith Formation model invites the whole family into the journey.

Together you'll:

• Pray as a family.
• Learn about Scripture and Catholic traditions.
• Celebrate the Sacraments.
• Serve others in meaningful ways.
• Build friendships with other families.
• Become active participants in parish life.

Instead of simply dropping children off for class, families become part of a caring parish community that supports one another through every stage of life.

Open to All Catholic Families

St. Michael in Old Town welcomes children from our parish as well as Catholic families registered at other parishes who are looking for a dynamic Religious Education experience.

Because faith formation is most meaningful when it is connected to parish life, families enrolled in our program are expected to worship regularly with the St. Michael community—typically at least two Sundays each month—and participate in the liturgical and community life of the parish.

Children preparing for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation complete their sacramental preparation through St. Michael and celebrate these important milestones with our parish family after successfully completing all program requirements during the 2026–2027 formation year.

What Makes St. Michael Different?

At St. Michael, children don't simply attend Religious Education—they become part of parish life.

Throughout the year they have opportunities to:

• Participate in special Religious Education Masses.
• Serve as greeters, gift bearers, and altar servers.
• Experience the beauty of Catholic worship and traditions.
• Participate in meaningful service projects.
• Celebrate with other families through parish events and gatherings.
• Develop friendships that extend far beyond the classroom.

Parents become part of the experience, too, finding encouragement, friendships, and opportunities to continue growing in their own faith.

All Are Welcome. All Belong.

Our mission is simple:

To help children and families encounter Jesus Christ, grow in the Catholic faith, and discover a parish community where everyone is welcomed, valued, and encouraged to become the person God created them to be.

We would be honored to welcome your family to St. Michael in Old Town.

Our Four Pillars of Faith

Everything we do is centered around four essential pillars that help children and families grow as lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

Faith Formation

Religious Education classes are offered for children in Kindergarten through 8th Grade who are not currently attending a Catholic school.

Classes meet from mid-September through mid-May on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the St. Michael Parish Center (1711 N. Cleveland Avenue).

Our small class sizes allow catechists to know each child personally while providing engaging, age-appropriate instruction using the award-winning Finding God curriculum from Loyola Press.

Children learn about:

• Sacred Scripture
• Jesus Christ
• Prayer
• The Sacraments
• Catholic morality
• The Saints
• The traditions of our Catholic faith

Each month includes:

• Three weeks of in-person instruction
• One week of guided family learning at home

Students take their books home, and parents receive access to online lessons and family resources. Many activities fit naturally into everyday family life—even during busy schedules.

Families also receive access to FORMED, a wonderful Catholic streaming platform filled with movies, Bible studies, children's programming, and faith formation resources.

Our parish also offers opportunities for adults to continue growing through Scripture studies, parish missions, Theology on Tap, Faith Aflame, seasonal programs, and other faith formation opportunities.

Worship

The Eucharist is the heart of Catholic life.

Children and families are encouraged to participate fully in Sunday Mass and the liturgical life of St. Michael.

Throughout the year our Religious Education families celebrate:

• Religious Education Masses
• Holy Days of Obligation
• Advent and Lenten prayer experiences
• The Rosary
• Stations of the Cross
• Parish celebrations throughout the liturgical year

Children have opportunities to serve as:

• Greeters
• Gift Bearers
• Ushers
• Readers (when age appropriate)
• Altar Servers

Following many Religious Education Masses, families gather for coffee, donuts, and fellowship, building friendships that extend beyond the classroom.

Regular Sunday Mass attendance is an essential part of our Family Faith Formation program.

Service

Living our faith means loving and serving others.

Throughout the year children and families participate in meaningful service opportunities that put the Gospel into action.

Projects may include serving:

• People experiencing hunger
• Refugees and immigrants
• Older adults
• Families in need
• Parish outreach ministries
• Other members of our local community

Children discover that faith is lived through compassion, generosity, justice, and service.

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Community

We believe faith flourishes in community.

At St. Michael, we are building more than a Religious Education program—we are building relationships that help families feel connected, supported, and at home.

Throughout the year families enjoy:

• Coffee and donuts after Religious Education Masses
• Family celebrations
• Seasonal events
• Service projects
• Parish picnics
• Potlucks
• Community gatherings

Every family brings unique gifts to our parish community.

All Are Welcome. All Belong.

Sacramental Preparation

First Reconciliation

Children typically prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Second Grade.

Preparation includes classroom formation, family participation, and a required retreat before celebrating the Sacrament.

First Holy Communion

Children typically prepare for First Holy Communion during Second Grade.

Preparation includes classroom instruction, family faith formation, retreat participation, and active participation in Sunday Mass.

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Confirmation

Confirmation preparation culminates in Eighth Grade and follows the guidelines established by the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Students preparing for Confirmation continue their faith formation through:

• Classroom instruction
• Retreat experiences
• Service opportunities
• Parish involvement
• Sunday Mass participation

Confirmation candidates are encouraged to become active leaders in parish life, including serving as altar servers and participating in parish ministries.

Every Child's Journey Is Unique

While children typically prepare for the Sacraments according to grade level, we understand that every family's journey is different.

If your child is beginning Religious Education later than expected or has missed previous years of formation, we are happy to work with you to create an appropriate path toward receiving the Sacraments.

Please contact our Religious Education Office. We would be honored to speak with you and help determine the best plan for your child.

Tuition & Registration

We are committed to making Religious Education accessible and affordable for every family. Tuition supports classroom materials, curriculum, catechist training, technology, and the many faith formation opportunities offered throughout the year.

Early Bird Registration — Save by Registering Early!

Families who register on or before Monday, August 10, 2026 receive our Early Bird Tuition Rate:

• $250 per child
• Maximum family tuition: $400

Registering early not only saves your family money, but also helps us prepare classrooms, order materials, and welcome every child with the best possible experience.

Standard Tuition (After August 10, 2026)

• One Child: $300
• Two Children: $475
• Three Children: $575
• Four or More Children: $600

Additional Fees

• Technology Fee: $25 per student
• First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion Preparation Fee: $100
• Confirmation Preparation Fee: $100

These fees help cover retreats, sacramental preparation materials, meals, and other special formation experiences throughout the year.

Scholarships & Payment Plans

We never want finances to prevent a child from growing in faith.

Scholarships and flexible payment plans are available. If tuition presents a hardship for your family, please contact our Religious Education Office before registering. We are happy to work with you confidentially to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.

We Can't Wait to Welcome Your Family

Choosing a Religious Education program is about much more than selecting classes. It's about finding a parish community where your family can pray, learn, serve, and grow together.

At St. Michael in Old Town, we are committed to helping children discover the joy of the Catholic faith while supporting parents as the first and most important teachers of that faith.

Whether your family has been Catholic for generations, is returning to the Church, or is simply looking for a parish community where you will be welcomed and encouraged, there is a place for you here.

We invite you to visit us, worship with us, and experience firsthand what makes St. Michael such a special community of faith.

All Are Welcome. All Belong.

We look forward to meeting your family and accompanying you on this beautiful journey of faith.

Questions?

Our Religious Education Office is happy to answer questions about registration, sacramental preparation, tuition assistance, or anything else you may need.

Register Today and become part of the St. Michael in Old Town family.

Register for Religious Education