Education Commission

Mission:  The maturation of the Christian life requires that it be cultivated in all its dimensions:  knowledge of the faith, liturgical life, moral formation, prayer, belonging to community and missionary spirit. Our mission is to support a continuous educational environment within the parish that facilitates our commitment to proclaim, live and teach the Good News of Jesus Christ.

 

Contact:  Bill Crane Chairperson

Home Phone:  630-933-9360

E-mail:  wcrane@salawus.com

 

The Education Commission oversees the following ministries:

 

Baptismal Preparation Class Deacon John Cozzens teaches these classes which are held on the second Saturday of every month at 9:30 AM.  Call to register and schedule the baptism.

Contact:  Parish Office 462-5000 / churchoffice@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

Branches: Small Faith Communities Gatherings of 8-12 adults meet in homes to reflect on Scripture, to talk about faith and everyday life, and to seek ways to practice faith in concrete ways. Groups meet from once to twice per month.  Join an existing group, or form your own.  Facilitator training is available.

Contact: Mary Ellen Kripp 260-9388 / MKripp@Reshealthcare.org

    Erica Nelson 221-0822 / nelsondevelopment@sbcglobal.net

 

Exploring Christian Spirituality Prayer, readings from Christian Spiritual Classics, reflection and discussion guide our spiritual journey.  Meets on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month.

Contact:  Bob Calamia 690-7488 / robandmar5@sbcglobal.net

     Mike Casey 653-8785 / camimsa@yahoo.com

 

Faith Formation Classes Catholic formation beginning with preschool. Registration forms are available in the Faith Formation and Parish Offices. Over 250 adult volunteers are needed.

 

Ø      Preschool/Kindergarten Program  3, 4, and 5-year-olds are introduced to basic Catholic practices and beliefs through various activities in an exciting hands-on program that meets on Sunday mornings (8:45 & 10:30) and Monday afternoons (4:30) September through May.

Contact: Jen Hickey 462-5046 / jenhickey@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

Ø      Grades One through Six Catholic faith formation, including instruction, prayer and service opportunities is offered to children of St. Michael parishioners. Classes are offered on Sunday mornings (8:45 & 10:30) and Monday afternoons (4:30) September through May.

      Contact: Magdalena Glaz 462-5043 / mglaz@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

Junior High Youth Ministry Classes for students in 7th and 8th grades are offered on Wednesday evenings (6:30 – 8:15).  Adult Catechists and Shepherds help the students in their journey toward the reception of Confirmation in 8th grade. Other activities and mission trip opportunities are available throughout the year.

Contact: Cathy Swanson 462-5044 / cswanson@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

JustFaith A conversion-based extended justice education program seeking to integrate personal spirituality and social ministry.  Participants use books, videos, lectures, discussion, prayer, retreats and hands-on experiences.  Year-long program meets one evening per week.  Offered every other year beginning Fall 2008.

Contact:   Peggy Tibbitt 653-1454 / pegtibbitt@yahoo.com

                 Sue Cosgrove 682-1239 / suzieq7@comcast.net

 

Marriage Preparation Classes Diocesan policy requires a six month preparation process.  Engaged couples need to speak directly to one of the parish priests to begin the marriage preparation process and before confirming any dates with a reception hall. No wedding dates are confirmed until it is determined by one of our priests that the couple is free to marry according to the canon law of the church. There are some options for completing the required preparation that will be discussed with the engaged couple when speaking with one of the parish priests. Married sponsor couples from the parish are often assigned to assist our engaged couples with their preparation. New sponsor couples are always welcome.

Contact:  Fr. Don 462-5001 / frdem@stmichaelcommunity.org

                 Fr. Sunny 462-5002 / frsunny@stmichaelcommunity.org

                 Deacon Ken Kubica 510-0195 / father_of_four@sbcglobal.net

 

Marriage Sponsor Couple A parish sponsored marriage preparation program where the engaged couple meets with a trained married couple. They meet for a number of times over several weeks to discuss important aspects of their relationship in marriage as outlined in the workbook provided.

Contact: Deacon Ken and Judy Kubica 510-0195 /

                father_of_four@sbcglobal.net or judyk.stmike@sbcglobal.net

 

New Wine – Formation for Ministry  A program of formation sponsored by the Diocese of Joliet for those assuming ministry leadership.  Requires a commitment of three years.  Participants receive a basic, practical foundation in theology, scripture, pastoral and personal skills, and personal faith development.

Contact:  Matt Pozen 462-5045 / mpozen@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

The People of God  A two-year course in Church history, from the time of the apostles to the present.  Classes meet once a week for two hours, and there are 30 sessions per year.  Emphasis will be on reflecting on our past to bring the Gospel into the present.

Contact:  Matt Pozen 462-5045 / mpozen@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

Protecting God’s Children  Training sessions presented to help make our community a safe place for all. Required for all employees and volunteers working with minors. Anyone involved with children in any capacity here at the parish must complete the session before beginning.

Contact: Cathy Swanson 462-5044 / cswanson@stmichaelcommunity.org 

 

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)  The RCIA experience involves a journey of conversion toward membership in the Catholic Church for adults and youth of catechetical age. Invited are: the unbaptized, those baptized in other Christian denominations; Catholics not fully catechized; and Catholics who have been away from the Church for a long time. Meets on Sunday mornings between 9:00 and 11:30, including Mass.

Contact: Matt Pozen 462-5045 / mpozen@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

RCIA Team Members  Parishioners are invited to journey with those preparing for membership in the Catholic Church. Ministries needed:

Ø      Catechists: Share faith experiences and knowledge of Catholicism with candidates; attend sessions and help with assimilation into the Parish community.

Ø      Sponsors: Companion individuals on the journey, guide candidates and catechumens to the Lord, are a model of faith and Catholic living, witness to the community the candidate’s spiritual progress.

Ø      Hospitality: Prepare snacks for weekly session, and meals for retreat and other events.

Contact: Matt Pozen 462-5045 / mpozen@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

St. Michael Parish School  Provides pre-school – 8th grade students with an exceptional educational experience emphasizing Catholic beliefs and values.

Contact:  Marcia Opal, Principal 462-5010 / mopal@stmichaelcommunity.org            

    Colleen Brodhead, Assistant Principal 462-5020 /

cbrodhead@stmichaelcommunity.org

         

Ø      St. Michael School Board  Advisory Council to the Pastor and Principal.  Meets the last Monday of every month.

Contact: John Hosteny / jhosteny@cns.gov

 

Ø      Athletic Board  Supports and oversees all athletic programs for the school. Volunteer coaches are needed for all sports.

Contact:  Doug Slavin, Athletic Director / dslavin@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

Ø      Parent Organization  Assists in informing parents of school activities; provides a social atmosphere; assists in obtaining educational aids and programs; and provides service to school, parish and community.  Open to all school parents.

Contact:  Julia Cziesla 665-8302 / jcziesla4@sbcglobal.net

          Elaine Trainor 871-7702 / traine@msn.com

 

Vacation Bible School  Offered each June for children entering K through 5th grade. Volunteers from 6th grade through adults are needed to help with games, music, snacks, and lessons.

Contact: Magdalena Glaz 462-5043 / mglaz@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

The Word Made Flesh  An in-depth study of the books of the Bible covering the entire Bible in four years.  Classes meet once a week for two hours, and there are 30 sessions per year.  Currently there are two Year II groups.  Classes are always open to new participants who are willing to begin mid-course.

Contact:  Matt Pozen 462-5045 / mpozen@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

Young Adult Ministry  Meet with Father Sunny, Matt, Leslie, and other young adults to share your faith, pray, and increase your spirituality.  This newly formed ministry focuses on topics and activities of interest to young adults, ages 18-35, with the goal of increasing fellowship as well as community service. 

Contact:  Fr. Sunny Castillo 462-5002 / frsunny@stmichaelcommunity.org

                Matt Pozen 462-5045 / mpozen@stmichaelcommunity.org

 

Youth United  High school-aged parishioners participate in a wide variety of activities year ‘round, including youth group on Sunday and Tuesday evenings (7-9PM) and opportunities for service and worship coinciding with our liturgical year.  Social events are also scheduled throughout the year to give young people the chance to be with their peers from St. Michael.  Adults are always needed to facilitate the peer leadership team and programming.  If you love our God, and you love teenagers, please consider gifting this vital ministry with your presence and your faith.

Contact: Leslie Stopka 462-5047 / lstopka@stmichaelcommunity.org