The primary model for Religious Education & Youth Faith Formation at St. Isaac Jogues is that of age-appropriate group learning sessions held on our campus.
The year offers Masses, confessions for the children during both Advent and Lent, and other devotional practices throughout the year. These will be communicated to families ~ families are invited and encouraged to participate with the children in these liturgical and devotional practices.
If a family cannot participate in the primary program, then they may educate and form their children in the faith through the At Home program. Participants in this program are encouraged to join in the liturgical and devotional events scheduled on campus throughout the year. At Home families are guided to follow a calendar that parallels the on-campus program, completing a chapter from the text each week, along with submitting chapter reviews in a timely manner. Even though the at-home learning is done within individual families, it is very important that families stay on schedule, so the child experiences systematic and consistent learning; participation in the on-campus liturgical and devotional events is also important so that the child and his/her family can recognize that they are a vital part of their parish community, their church family.
Through exploration, discovery, and decision-making, students are invited to accept the challenge to follow Jesus. Opportunities are provided for students to learn and practice the skills needed to be active disciples.
It is expected that all grade-level assignments for the year be completed. In order to register for the next grade, the prior grade should be fully completed. A permanent record is kept for each child.
St. Isaac Jogues Religious Education & Youth Faith Formation program abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, the Religious Education Office will provide the non-custodial parent with access to religious education records and other related religious education information regarding the child. If there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the Religious Education Office with an official copy of the court order.
On-Campus Program Guidelines
SIJ Religious Education & Youth Faith Formation
427 S Clay St
Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-323-0265 (phone)
630-655-5539 (fax)
[email protected] (email)
Monday – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Wednesday – 9:00 pm to 4:00 pm
(RE Sessions 4:15pm-5:45pm October – March)
Thursday – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Friday – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Our Catholic faith is rich in history and tradition and we at St Isaac Jogues welcome the opportunity to be a part of your spiritual development and faith formation. Our staff of faith-filled leaders is committed to fostering an environment in which all can learn the truths of the Catholic faith. We look forward to getting to know you and your family, as we become partners on this spiritual journey! Faith is first experienced and lived within the family. Families are the foundation and the most important aspect of faith formation. Church writings refer to the family as “the domestic church” and parents/guardians are the prime witnesses of the faith to their children. The parish community nurtures and supports these “domestic churches” on their faith formation journey; SIJ is committed to offering quality learning experiences for our young people and their families. And finally, the relationship between the family, “domestic church” and the community, “parish church” will be rooted in a collaborative effort. None of us can assume “someone else will do it” or “that is not my responsibility”, we are all in this ministry together. At the heart of catechesis is the essential mission of conversion, the forming of disciples who will act with the mind and heart of Christ. Catechesis is a lifelong journey; we are touched and transformed by the living God and by the lived Tradition of the community throughout our lives; this transformation is gradual and systematic.