YOUR RE EXPERIENCE

21 Class Days and Formation Opportunities Year-Round | Thank you, parents, for enrolling your children in St. Michael Religious Education (RE). Welcome to the RE Family. Our goal is to help families grow together in faith and parish life. RE classes meet 21 times from September 15, 2024 through May 5, 2025.  All classes conveniently align with the District 200 school calendar and St. Michael Mass schedule. We also invite you to two family Reconciliation Services during the year. (For RE Calendar, click here)

  • 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.

YOUR RE CLASS CHOICES

Students attend classes on either Sunday mornings or Monday afternoons. Our Sunday/Monday class times make attending class and Mass easy for families. Dismissal times ensure the safety of all students, families, and catechists during pick up.

We encourage parents to attend Mass and RE. Please choose a class time around the Mass that works best for your family. St. Michael Mass times are Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm, and Sunday morning 7:15, 9:00, and 10:45 am.

PRESCHOOL 3 THROUGH GRADE 5 

Session Choices (75-minute classes)

Sundays - Session A:  8:45-10:00 am | Session B: 10:30-11:45 am

Mondays - Session C: 4:30-5:45 pm

GRADE 6 THROUGH GRADE 8 

Session Choices (85-minute classes)

Sundays - Session A: 8:45-10:10 am | Session B: 10:30 am-11:55 am

Mondays - Session C: 4:30-5:55 pm

SUPPLY DAY SATURDAY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 | 8:30-10:30 AM DROP-IN EVENT

PRESCHOOL 3-GRADE 5 AT ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL

GRADES 6-8 AT THE FAITH CENTER

Inviting All Families! Stop by Saturday morning to pick up your child’s books and meet other RE friends as well as many catechists. You’re also welcome to find your child’s classroom so you’ll be ready to go on the first day of class.*

*You will receive an email with your child’s classroom assignment in September.

PARENT INFORMATION MEETINGS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 FOR ALL GRADES

DURING YOUR CHILD’S CLASS - AT ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL PARISH CENTER (Lower Level Cafeteria)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 FOR ALL GRADES

DURING YOUR CHILD’S CLASS - IN THE FAITH CENTER 317 W. WILLOW Room 113


Parents, please save these dates on your Fall 2024 calendar and learn everything your family needs to know for a successful RE year. All grades meet together with RE Staff during your child’s class time.

TUITION RATES

Tuition Rates on or before JUNE 1, 2024 with the EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT for Returning and New Families

One child: $315

Two children: $440 for both children

Three or more children: $540 for all of the children in the family

First Communion Sacramental Fee: $75 per child (typically second grade)

Confirmation Sacramental Fee: $75 per child (typically eighth grade)

OCIA for Children: $125 per child

Homeschool: $150 per child

Out-of-parish fee due at registration: $100 per family (cash or check, please, for this non-refundable fee)

Tuition Rates for Families Enrolling in Preschool and Kindergarten Only:

Preschooler: $175 per child

Kindergartener: $200 per child

Tuition Rates AFTER JUNE 1, 2024 for Returning Families (New Families always receive the Early Registration Discount)

One child: $370

Two children: $495 for both children

Three or more children: $595 for all of the children in the family

First Communion Sacramental Fee: $75 per child (typically second grade)

Confirmation Sacramental Fee: $75 per child (typically eighth grade)

OCIA for Children: $125 per child

Homeschool: $150 per child

Out-of-parish fee due at registration: $100 per family (cash or check, please, for this non-refundable fee)

Tuition Rates for Returning Families Enrolling in Preschool and Kindergarten Only:

Preschool: $200 per child

Kindergarten: $225 per child


Reduced Tuition Rates for Catechists and Volunteers

Catechists receive a $250 tuition discount for their family

Adult Classroom Aides, Crossing Guards, Attendance Volunteers, Traffic Safety Volunteers, and Substitute Catechists receive a $100 discount per family

*St. Michael School families who teach Religious Education receive a school tuition discount. Please call the RE Office for details.

SIGN UP TO BE A CATECHIST OR TO VOLUNTEER AS AN AIDE

RE teachers (catechists) volunteer to teach a classroom of about twelve students. The RE Office supports teachers with lesson plans, training, and materials. Catechists with children in RE receive a significant tuition credit for their family. Catechists with children in St. Michael School receive a school tuition discount. To volunteer to be a catechist, click here.

In the past, our program has relied upon you, our generous and faithful volunteers, to be catechists, aides, crossing guards, and attendance monitors. For this year's program, we turn to you again. We will support you with excellent resources and promise a heartwarming and rewarding experience.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q-What curriculum do you use for the RE program?

Preschool through Kindergarten uses the Ignatius Press “Who Am I?” series.
Grades 1 and 2 use the Loyola Press Christ Our Life series.
Grades 3 through 5 use the Ignatius Press Faith and Life books.
Grade 6 studies Part 1 of Dynamic Catholic’s Decision Point along with Altaration by Ascension Press.
Seventh grade continues study with the Dynamic Catholic Decision Point book and then uses Encounter by Ascension Press.
Eighth grade has a yearlong study using the book Chosen–Your Journey Toward Confirmation by Ascension Press.

  • 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.

Thank you for signing your children up for St. Michael Religious Education! As part of the Baptismal Rite, parents promise God to raise their children in our beautiful Catholic faith. Attending Mass and RE class are two pieces of this promise. We strive to help nurture each child's faith, and we welcome your participation and feedback. We look forward to seeing you soon!

St. Michael Religious Education Office

Faith Center
317 W. Willow Avenue Floor 3, Room 313
Wheaton, IL 60187

Faith Formation Team

Colleen Brodhead, Director of Faith Formation
cbrodhead@stmichaelcommunity.org | 630-462-5043

Judith Zapf, High School Formation Grades 9-12
jzapf@stmichaelcommunity.org | 630-462-5053

Darci Mills, Middle School Formation Grades 5-8
dmills@stmichaelcommunity.org | 630-462-5044

Alicia Sitley, Elementary Formation Grades 1-4
asitley@stmichaelcommunity.org | 630-462-5047

Jen Hickey, Preschool/Kindergarten Formation PS 3 & 4, Kindergarten
jenhickey@stmichaelcommunity.org | 630-462-5046

Katherine Condon & Kim Gamble, Formation Assistance
reodesk@stmichaelcommunity.org | 630-682-3650