Holy Child Jesus Religious Education

The Mission of Holy Child Jesus Religious Education is to assist parents in imparting the faith to their children by holding classes to teach the Catholic doctrine in an organic and systematic way and providing formal sacramental preparation classes. Holy Child Jesus Parish offers the Children’s Faith Formation Program and Sacramental Preparation Program.
 

1. Children's Faith Formation Program

​With an archdiocesan-approved curriculum,  Grades KG, 1-8 students are taught the tenets of Catholicism, as well as Scripture, and how to practice the Gospel message in their everyday lives.  Classes are held from mid-September through April on Saturday afternoons from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Age-group assembly catechesis is also a feature of our program, wherein in lieu of a classroom lesson, students periodically attend an assembly that introduces them to liturgy, prayer, vocations, and acts of service.  Parents are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the assembly.
 

2. Sacramental Preparation Program 
 

Baptized children 7 years and older with no previous or intermittent formal religious education are eligible to participate in the Sacramental Preparation Program.
Classes are held from mid-September through April on Sundays from 12 noon to 1:15 pm.  The preparation period is two (2) years.

Children may receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation during the winter and First Communion during the summer of the second year of preparation.
Grade 8 or higher children may receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the summer of the second year of preparation.

Sacramental Policies:

• Archdiocese of Chicago Confirmation Policy:  The length of parish sacramental preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation shall be a minimum of two years for adolescent candidates.
  (Youth Confirmation - Parish Vitality and Mission (archchicago.org)

• At HCJP preparation for Confirmation begins in 7th Grade.

• HCJP Policy for the First Reception of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation:  Preparation for First Penance and First Communion is a two-year process. 
  Normally 1st grade is Pre-Communion and 2nd grade is First Communion.

Parents of children preparing to receive Sacraments are required to attend three (3) Parent Faith Formation meetings for the year.