CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION

People, including children and women in religious attire, praying with hands clasped during a religious service or ceremony.

Summer With Jesus

Our parish will offer this special program for children ages 6 to 11, where they will have the opportunity to learn more about God, strengthen their faith and learn Christian values through games, activities and so much more!

Grow in Faith. Make Friends. Have Fun. Love Jesus!

  • Saturdays:

    July 18 & 25, August 1, 8, 15 ,22

  • 10:00am - 1:00pm

  • Saint Mary of the Lake - school building

  • Materials and Lunch

  • $50 per child*

    • Financial assistance is available. Contact Eva Sandoval 773-715-6144

  • Contact Sister Claudia Sanchez

Register Here

Children’s Faith Formation

Faith is a lifelong journey and the most exciting steps begin in childhood. Our Children’s Faith Formation program is dedicated to partnering with families to nurture, inspire, and grow the faith of our youngest parishioners. We don't just teach lessons; we build a community where children can encounter Jesus, discover the beauty of the Catholic faith, and learn to live the Gospel with joy. Our Children’s Faith Formation program takes place on Saturdays from 10:00am-11:30am

Registration for new families: August 1-31, 2026 • 3:00pm-8:00pm, Tuesday - Friday

Registration for returning families: July 1-31, 2026 • 9:00am-8:00pm, Monday - Friday

Registration takes place in-person at the parish office located at 4220 N. Sheridan Road. No appointment required.

Classes begin September 19, 2026

  • For children already baptized who are over 7 years old. During these years they will prepare themselves in the knowledge and experience of the Catholic Faith as they prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the reception of the Most Holy Eucharist.

    Requirements:

    • Children ages 7 to 11

    • Birth certificate

    • Baptism certificate

    • Participation of at least one parent in adult catechesis for parents every 15 days.

    • Donation: $200.00

  • For children already baptized who are over 7 years old. During these years they will prepare themselves in the knowledge and experience of the Catholic Faith as they prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the reception of the Most Holy Eucharist.

    Requirements:

    • Children ages 7 to 11

    • Birth certificate

    • Baptism certificate

    • Completion of First Communion Year 1

    • Participation of at least one parent in adult catechesis every 15 days.

    • Donation: $250.00

  • For children who have already made their first communion, and are under 11 years old. This year will be a discovery of their Church being, and they will begin to integrate into some liturgical ministries: Welcome Ministry, Altar Servers, Choir and Proclaimers of the Word.

    Requirements:

    • Children ages 9-11

    • Birth certificate

    • Baptism certificate

    • First Communion certificate

    • Participation of at least one parent in adult catechesis every 15 days.

    • Donation: $200.00

  • This program is aimed at adolescents over 12 years of age already baptized who have not received their First Communion, it is a full year in which they will be accompanied to deepen their faith and have their first encounter with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of the Reconciliation.

    Requirements:

    • Teens age 12-17

    • Birth certificate

    • Baptism certificate

    • Participation of at least one parent in adult catechesis every 15 days.

    • Donation: $250.00

  • Aimed at those young people who have completed the year of pre-confirmation. This year is dedicated to preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation by studying the faith and lives of the saints.

    Requirements:

    • Teens ages 12-16

    • Birth certificate

    • Baptism certificate

    • First communion certificate

    • Participation of at least one parent in adult catechesis every 15 days.

    • Donation: $200.00

  • Aimed at those young people who have completed the year of pre-confirmation. This year is dedicated to preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation by studying the faith and lives of the saints.

    Requirements:

    • Teens ages 12-16

    • Birth certificate

    • Baptism certificate

    • First communion certificate

    • Completed Pre-Confirmation

    • Participation of at least one parent in adult catechesis every 15 days.

    • Donation: $250.00

  • Catechesis is offered for parents who have children in the catechism program, it is required for all parents. It is a journey of deepening the faith in order to be able to accompany their children in their own formation and takes place every 15 days, simultaneously with the catechism meetings of their children.

  • This program is designed for children ages 7 through adolescents up to 17 years old who have not yet received the Sacrament of Baptism.

    This process seeks to guide them toward a first personal encounter with God and their full initiation into the Catholic Church through the reception of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

    The catechumenate program unfolds over two years of formation with weekly sessions. The participation of at least one parent is required at all sessions. Beginning in the second year, starting during the season of Lent, the participation of sponsor is also required.

  • Financial assistance is available. Discuss options with Sister Claudia Sanchez.

  • Contact Sister Claudia Sanchez

People praying during a religious ceremony in a church, with some holding candles and dressed in white robes.