Sacraments

Faith Formation Classes

At St Mary, faith formation classes are for children in grades 1-8 of families who are registered members of our parish (see registration form at the bottom of Contact page if you need to register). Our classes are led by a group of volunteer catechists who are overseen by the staff DRE (director of religious education). In these classes we assist the parents in forming their children more deeply in their faith. Parents are always the primary educators but just as children go to school to learn specifics about math, science, language, etc., in faith formation we can dive deeper into our faith and explore things in ways you as parents may not have thought of. We also are helping prepare your children to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. 

For the 2026-2027 school year, there will be some changes to our program as we welcome a partnership between two parishes. Classes are held on Sundays 10:00-11:15am at St. Patrick Church or Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at St. Mary's. PDF Registration form / Online Registration form and PDF Sacramental Form are below. For questions or further information please contact the DRE, Sandy Pollock at faithformation@stmarymchenryil.org or by calling the office at 815-385-0024. 

First Communion/Reconciliation

First reconciliation and First Communion can begin in second grade (the “age of reason”) and is provided for both those children in our Catholic schools and those learning their faith in faith formation classes. Generally our program is for families who are registered members of our parish (see registration form at the bottom of Contact page if you need to register). The children have two Saturday morning retreats; one for reconciliation and one for First Communion along with the instruction they receive in classes. Please contact Sandy Pollock DRE at faithformation@stmarymchenryil.org or by calling the office at 815-385-0024 if you have a child wanting these sacraments. We can accommodate grade school children in this program but older children and adults would receive this sacrament through the OCIA program found under our learn tab.

Baptism

Children are God’s gift to us and baptism is the process of initiated your child into the family of the Church. Baptism, in a special way, gives graces from God to help your family and child to grow in love and service to our Lord. Families who are registered members of our parish (see registration form at the bottom of Contact page if you need to register) and would like their precious one baptized can contact Sandy Pollock DRE at faithformation@stmarymchenryil.org or call the office at 815-385-0024. You will need to attend class (virtual or in person). Generally baptisms are held during the 4 pm Saturday vigil Mass or during or after the 10 am Sunday Mass. If you are an older teen or adult seeking baptism, please refer to our OCIA program found under the learn tab.

Sacrament of Confirmation

The sacrament of confirmation completes the sacraments of initiation. At St Mary’s Catholic Church, we are excited and honored to walk alongside the confirmands and their families on this important faith journey. Once someone is confirmed, they are ready to fully participate in church ministries and to grow their faith even deeper. Confirmation classes are a two year program starting in 7th or 8th grade. Classes meet Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 during the school year at roughly 2 per month. To find out what year cycle we are in or for further information please contact Sandy Pollock DRE at faithformation@stmarymchenryil.org or by calling the office at 815-385-0024. If you are older teenager or adult and would like this sacrament, we are happy to provide classes through our OCIA program found under our learn tab.
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