Religious Education for Children
Welcome to our Religious Education Program!
Religious Education, commonly called CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine), provides formal Catechesis intended specifically to assist parents with the religious formation of their children. The goal of our program is to proclaim Christ's message, to form faith community, to lead the children in worship and prayer, and to encourage them to serve others.
As a faith community, it is our privilege to help educate and serve the children of our parish in Roman Catholic Tradition. Together, let us inspire in our young ones to listen to Christ’s message and become workers for God’s Kingdom.
For more information, please contact our Director of Faith Formation and Education, Elizabeth O'Connell, at 773.486.4300 or via email at eoconnell@stjohnberchmans.org.
PROGRAM POLICIES
Sacraments: Children are required to have two years of Religious Education in order to receive the sacraments. We must have a Baptismal Certificate for children who have been baptized in other parishes, as well as First Eucharist Certificates if that sacrament has been received in another parish.
Expectations of Parents: Parents are the primary educators of their children. Please help your children by supporting the efforts of their catechist, helping them learn their prayers, and going to Sunday Mass regularly. We encourage parents to keep their children enrolled in Religious Education consistently from 1st grade through 8th grade so that together, as members of God’s family we may emphasize the value and significance of our Faith and God’s love.
Expectations of Children: Children are expected to attend all classes, be on time, and act in a respectful manner to their catechists and all other children in the program.
Absence: If your child is ill, please call and let us know that they will not be present. If your child is absent more than three times, he/she may be required to repeat the year unless there are valid reasons for the absence and parents show interest in explaining to the Program Director.
Weather Emergencies: In the case of inclement weather please call the parish rectory at 773-486-4300 and dial ext. 4 for a recording regarding the CCD cancellation status.