General RE Program Information Click the PDF icon at left for an explanation of the RE Program and information concerning the In-person Registration Opportunity.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMS

Preparation for First Reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist (Holy Communion) is a two year process.

119 S. Hubbard Street
Algonquin, Illinois 60102
(847) 658-9339

All children who are to receive these two sacraments during their second grade Religious Education Instructional Year must have completed at least one year of Catholic Religious Education Class sessions prior to the Second Grade Year. (Preschool / Kindergarten do not count as the prior one year.)

Children coming for First Reception of these Sacraments at an older age will need to enroll in our Christian Beginnings Program of the Parish. Information on the Christian Beginnings Program is available through the Parish Office.

Sacramental Preparation Dates Click the PDF icon at left for First Grade Orientation and 2nd Grade Sacramental Preparation Dates & Receptions.

RE VOLUNTEER STAFF OPPORTUNITIES

If you know NOW that you would like to join our RE volunteer teaching staff for the 2009-10 RE instructional year, we will take your application at this time. A complete curriculum, training and ongoing support is provided. Please call the RE Office at (847) 658-9339 to speak with the director to schedule a visit, at which time your child(ren) will be enrolled at your session(s) of choice. We bargain in good faith! Thank You...for considering a ministry in Religious Education.

These are all connected to the Elementary Religious Education, First Communion 2009, Elementary Religious Education, and Sacramental Preparation and Volunteer Staff Opportunities.

Calling All Future RE Staff! Click the PDF icon at left for a Religious Education 2009-10 Staff/Volunteer Application Form.

JUNIOR HIGH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

"Junior High Faith Groups", is what Religious Education is called for the Junior High Student. The style of teaching is different than in the primary grades. Classes are interactive and hands on. There is not have a traditional classroom setting or textbooks, we rely on open discussion to get the points of the lessons. We offer classes for the 6th, 7th and 8th Grader. Each year has a separate focus of its own.

6th Grade Religious Education focuses on the Old Testament
Students begin with the book of Genesis and work forward in time. They learn about the Exodus, Kings and the Prophets. There is also a section on the Women in the Old Testament. The focus of that lesson is to understand how these strong women were roll models for Mary. A class project is participation in a Seder Meal for the students and their families.

7th Grade Religious Education focuses on Sustaining your Faith
Students examine what was Jesus' Mission and the Mission of the Holy Spirit. Also there is a lesson on traditional prayer where the students make a Rosary. They also learn about the Liturgical year. This level creates a project called "Meet the Church." They video tape interview a person who as has an active role in our parish. The classes then present the videos to each other.

8th Grade Religious Education focuses on Peace & Justice and Catholic Social Teaching
Students investigate decision-making and morality. These students also participate in a service project. Students meet with social service organizations to see opportunities how they can help. They establish a contract to meet specific needs. For the remainder of the year, they work for that organization. This helps them see how they can make a difference, and how our Church extends beyond a building to touch lives. The students, with the help of their teachers plan and lead the "end of year" Prayer Service for all of the junior High students and their families. The students are assigned a theme to reflect on during their three years of Faith Groups.



Special activities included in each year
In addition to the classroom material, there are some additional things in which all the grades participate, such as the following:

Love and Appreciation Banquet where the students and parents get together to share a potluck meal. The students put on a talent show demonstrating some aspect of their faith.

Advent Project where students adopt families. They purchase gifts and household goods for them. The students wrap and tag the gifts. Their generosity is overwhelming!

Liturgical Celebrations and Prayer such as participating in a special Mass, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and para-liturgical celebration of the Stations of the Cross. These Liturgical Celebrations are open for all family members as well.

As you can see we have a lot to offer for our Junior High Students. We want them to be excited about our Faith and strengthen it as their own. In addition, there are Youth Ministry Activities to offer many opportunities for growing in our community. We invite all Junior High Youth of our parish to take part in any of our programs. We look forward to seeing you.


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL CAMP 2010
Candi Kuczynski, VBS Camp Coordinator

WHEN: Monday, June 21st – Friday, June 25th, 2010
WHERE: St. Margaret Mary Education Center Building / Grounds
TIME: 9:00AM – 12:00 Noon Daily
FOR: Children Grades Pre-K thru Grade 5.
(Children will be enrolled in the grade level that they have just completed in June, 2010.)
COST: $35 per child.

It’s off to the African Savannah!

REGISTER BY MAIL OR DROP-OFF AT THE RE or PARISH OFFICE.

Baobab Blast is an open invitation to be a part of God’s Great Get-Together. Set under the impressive Baobab tree, kids will have the opportunity to: hear the Word of God, be amazed at God’s wildlife creations and be a part of a supportive and fun community right here at Saint Margaret Mary Education Center. All children currently in pre-4 (must be potty-trained) through grade 5 are welcome! Set in the wild of the Sahara desert, this VBS has something for everyone! This week long safari will have kids crafting away in Kalahari Crafts, running and jumping and playing in Grassland Games, singing in an exciting African environment in the Madagascar music site. Each of the five Baobab Blast Daily Themes—Trust, Love, Follow, Care, and Share -—connects to the overarching theme of community. Throughout the week, kids will get a consistent message of God’s unconditional love and be encouraged to help build up God’s kingdom on earth - both in and out of Baobab Blast. The interconnectedness of the theme in this year’s program and activities makes it easier than ever for kids to see how their faith is part of who they are and how they act in the world. The Daily Themes helps bridge the Bible stories to everyday life. There is a smooth progression of the Daily Themes throughout the week, but they are also appropriate for stand-alone use. This is the Vacation Bible School your children won’t forget! It’s all about having fun together and learning about God’s love.

VOLUNTEER STAFF is also needed for VBS week. Positions available are: science, crafts, snacks, recreation, teaching, assistant,nursery (only for teachers) and environment committee. We’re looking for people WHO: are enthusiastic, patient, have an interest and joy in sharing God’s love with kids, and LOVE to have fun. If you answered yes and feel called to this ministry call Candi at (847) 854-0920 or sign up in the Parish Office. You must have the class “Protecting God’s Children” in order to volunteer for this awesome Safari adventure. Classes are April 24th or June 12th right here in our parish and it is FREE. Call the Youth Ministry Office at 847-658-7881 to register.

1. Camp Information Click the PDF icon at left for a Vacation Bible School Camp 2010 informational and volunteer sheet.

2. Registration & Information Click the PDF icon at left for a Vacation Bible School Camp 2010 informational sheet and volunteer application form.

3. Family Registration Form Click the PDF icon at left for a Vacation Bible School Camp 2010 "Family Registration Form" that must be completed by parents prior to registration.

4. Student Registration Form Click the PDF icon at left for a Vacation Bible School Camp 2010 "Student Registration Form" that must be completed by parents prior to registration.