The Benefits of Religious Education Extensive research done by psychologists, sociologists and educators show that children who are given a strong foundation in faith development gain several advantages which include;1. a higher general sense of happiness, security

and connectivity to a community,2. the ability to make friends more easily,3. development of better coping skills during

times of stress and illness, 4. the capacity to hold more positive societal

values and make better overall decisions,5. lower rates of depression and anxiety,6. fewer problems with alcohol and drug abuse,

sexual promiscuity and delinquency and,7. the tendency to have more successful

marriages and a greater appreciation of family values and tradition (The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2012).

This is why many parents want to provide their children with basic religious knowledge, similar to what they had when they were young, despite the challenges of increasing demands on family life, decreasing church attendance and the rise in cross-faith marriages which makes it tougher for parents to clearly declare a family faith orientation. We are here to help you do this for your child(ren).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

GIFT FOR A LIFETIME Parents are the first and best teachers of their children. They prepare the soil and plant the first seeds of faith. Though one of the most rewarding aspects of parenthood, passing on our faith and moral values, is not easy. It is never too early nor too late to begin your child’s Religious Education! At St. Hilary’s we want to partner with parents in this life-giving and life-changing work. If you have a child(ren) in grades K-8 we invite you to register them in our Parish School or Religious Education program. Every child has a right to excellent religious education and on-going opportunities for faith formation. At St. Hilary’s we have created a place where children feel welcome and parents know their children are safe.

Our parish Religious Education program meets on Monday evenings at 6:30-8:00 pm from September through May. Students attend twenty-five sessions per year. Volunteer teachers who receive special training and go through an extensive background check guide the children through the “Christ Our Life” series by Loyola Press, For a more in-depth look at our curriculum visit the Loyola Press website at http://www.loyolapress.com/christ-our-life-religion-program.htm.

We all have a part to play in opening the door of faith for the next generation! Some think that seeing is believing. The truth is believing allows us to see ourselves and the world in new and exciting ways. This is a gift every child needs and will come to appreciate more and more as he/she gets older.

St. Hilary Parish5600 N. Fairfield Ave.

Chicago, IL 60659www.sthilarychicago.org

ALL ARE WELCOME AT ST. HILARY

Every child deserves an excellent religious education.

We offer:• Interactive classes• Children’s Liturgy of the Word • Sacramental preparation for all ages• Flexible scheduling• A home schooling option

Catechesis at St. Hilary

Our goal - 100 % participation

According to our records we have 500 children between the ages of six and fourteen who are members of our parish family. Currently seventy-five percent of the children are registered in either the parish school or the parish Religious Education Program. This is indeed “good news” and something as a parish we can be proud of. We want more, however. We want 100% participation.

What you can do

If you have a child who needs formal religious education, call us or go to the parish website for additional information and a registration form. If you know of other families, invite them to be part of a growing successful program. Our program depends on word of mouth. Let your neighbors and friends know all are welcome at St. Hilary.

The Aim of catechesis

Our mandate from the American Catholic Bishops is to make sure every parishioner, no matter their age, financial resources or ability has the opportunity to receive “intentional, systematic and comprehensive catechesis”. The Bishops describe catechesis as a “school of faith” and an “initiation and apprenticeship in the entire Christian life”. At St. Hilary we see Religious Education as a cooperative effort between the participants, their families and the parish community. We view formation in our faith as a lifelong task. Our primary purpose is the development of mature faith, woven into the fabric of daily life. “Catechesis is not the passive reception of information; it is the path to continuing conversion, and the integration of the gospel in our hearts and minds” (the American Catholic Bishops, 1997).

Our Dreams We have many dreams for Religious Education at St. Hilary and need your help and support to achieve them. Start by registering your children. Get involved in helping to• engage more families in celebrating Sunday Mass, • provide a Pre-school/Kindergarten Sunday school

program,• offer faith formation groups for high school youth, • provide religious education for those with special

needs,• increase enrollment and improve retention in both

our parish school and parish religious education program and

• encourage greater adult participation in Religious Education and faith formation.

For more information contactDr. Peg Hanrahan,

Director of Religious EducationSt. Hilary Parish

5600 North Fairfield AvenueChicago, IL 60659at 773-989-2695 or

peghanrahan@yahoo.com

You can also consult the Religious Education page on the parish website

www.sthilarychicago.org

Sacraments

For Catholics, participation at Mass and frequent reception of the sacraments are essential components of a strong and active faith life. Children receiving First Reconciliation and First Communion in second grade must be registered in first grade to fulfill the requirement of two years of formal religious education before receiving a sacrament. Children being confirmed in eighth grade must begin their preparation in seventh grade. We hope and expect all parents will value their children’s spiritual growth highly enough to continue their participation in Religious Education through all 8 years of their elementary education. Not all children/families fit this traditional pattern. If you have children who are past the ordinary ages for Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation, we invite you to have your child prepared to receive the sacraments. Together we can work out a suitable program for every child, tailored to each family’s needs. It is never too late – or too soon – to have your child baptized into the life, love and protection of Jesus Christ and our Catholic faith. We also offer a program for high school youth who have not made their Confirmation.