FAQs

Have a Question about Religious Education?

Religious Education

What does RE mean?

RE stands for Religious Education. Programs like this used to be called CCD (which stands for Confraternity of Christian Doctrine).

What does AACA mean?

AACA stands for the name of our Parish School, Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in our Parish School (Tots Program 2-year olds to Eighth Grade), visit their website directly to learn more.

At what age does Religious Education begin?

For students who do not attend Alphonsus Academy, the St. Alphonsus Religious Education Program begins in First Grade. If you have a child younger than First Grade, we are happy to provide resource suggestions that you can use at home with your child. 

Where/When are classes held?

Classes are held in our Parish School Building, 1439 W Wellington Ave, on Tuesday evenings from 6:15pm-7:30pm, September through May (with appropriate seasonal breaks). 

Our program serves students in 1st Grade through 8th Grade.

Who teaches the RE Classes? 

All catechists are volunteer teachers who desire to plant the seeds of faith in the hearts of the next generation. Our catechists receive support and resources from the Religious Education office and are required to comply with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Protecting God’s Children Initiative. 

Volunteer catechists are the backbone of the program, giving hours of time, dedication, and zeal for the Lord. Please reach out if you are interested in contributing your time and talents to our parish in this capacity! Parent Catechists and Classroom Aids serve as an amazing witness to our children!

How can I register my child for Religious Education? 

In order to register your child for RE classes, please fill out the Google Form on the Registration Page and pay Tuition on the Give Central Page.

Do I need to be a Parishioner of St. Alphonsus to register my child for RE?

It is not required that you register as a Parishioner of St. Alphonsus to register your child for RE, however there is a Non-Parishioner Fee. If you would like to register as a Parishioner and avoid the fee, you can do so by filling out this FORM.

Transferring from another Catholic School or Parish? 

Please have your previous Program Director send a transfer letter and transcript directly to the Coordinator showing what class(es) your child previously completed.

Never attended Religious Education before? 

If your child is older than 2nd Grade and has never received Religious Education, please reach out to the Coordinator directly so that your child can complete make-up work to be caught up to an appropriate level of comprehension of our faith.

Why am I not receiving the Religious Education emails?

The emails for Religious Education are sent out through the St. Alphonsus Parish Constant Contact. If you have previously unsubscribed from St. Alphonsus emails, you will need to resubscribe in order to receive them again, which you can do HERE. If you only want to receive RE emails and not parish emails, let the Coordinator know so your information can be updated.

If you are subscribed to receive emails and have not been receiving them, contact the Coordinator directly.

Baptism

When should I baptize my child?

Baptism is the most important sacrament. It is "the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit...and the door which gives access to the other sacraments" (CCC 1213). Through baptism we become an adopted son or daughter of God. Before receiving baptism, you are not a child of God. This is a great video explaining this from Fr. Mike Schmitz.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "the Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth" CCC 1250.

And Canon Law states that "Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks; as soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. An infant in danger of death is to be baptized without delay" (Canon 867.1-867.2).

My child did not receive baptism as an infant. When can my child receive baptism? 

If your child is 6 years old or younger, you can schedule your child's baptism with our parish office HERE. Generally baptisms for babies and children under the age of 7 are celebrated at 2:00pm on Sundays (Los bautismos en Español son los Sábados a las 10:00am).

If your child is age 7 or older, contact the Coordinator directly. Typically, children over the age of 7 receive baptism at the Easter Vigil Mass (the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday).  

First Communion

At what age do students receive First Communion?

First Communion Preparation is a two-year process. Students typically begin their preparation in First Grade and receive First Communion in Second Grade. 

What is the difference between First Communion A and First Communion B?

The First Communion A class is a combined class of 1st and 2nd Graders who are in the first year of preparation to receive Holy Communion. The First Communion B class is a combined class of 2nd and 3rd Graders who are in the second year of their preparation. Only students in First Communion B are required to pay a Sacramental Fee.

My child is older than First Grade and has not yet begun preparation for First Communion. What do we do?

If you have a child who is in Second Grade, they will enter into the first year of their preparation and take the First Communion A class. If you have a child who is in Third Grade or older and has not yet received First Communion, they will enter the Religious Education classes at their Grade Level. During their second year of preparation, they will then complete a separate First Communion Seminar Class along with their Grade-Level Religious Education Classes. 

What is the First Communion Seminar?

The First Communion Seminar is a short series of classes designed for older students who are preparing to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.

Held on weekday nights throughout the year, this class supplements your child's regular Religious Education class during the second year of their sacramental preparation. Classes are held in the Rectory at 1429 W Wellington Ave. One parent is required to attend each class. See the Parent Handbook for class dates and times.

What does my child have to do in order to be prepared to receive First Reconciliation and First Communion?

To help prepare your child for these sacraments, review the Family Handbook for First Reconciliation and First Communion. To know what to wear for First Holy Communion and the date/time of the celebration, review the First Holy Communion Info Sheet. Both documents can be found HERE. 

Confirmation

At what age do students receive Confirmation?

Confirmation Preparation is a two-year process. Students typically begin their preparation in Seventh Grade and receive Confirmation in Eighth Grade.

What is the difference between Confirmation A and Confirmation B?

The Confirmation A class is a combined class of 7th and 8th Graders who are in the first year of preparation to receive Confirmation. The Confirmation B class is a combined class of 8th and 9th Graders who are in the second year of their preparation. Students in both Confirmation A and Confirmation B are required to pay separate Sacramental Fees.

My child is older than Seventh Grade and has not yet begun preparation for Confirmation. What do we do?

If you have a child who is in Eighth Grade, they will enter into the first year of their preparation and take the Confirmation A class. If you have a child who is in Ninth Grade or older and has not yet received Confirmation, contact the Coordinator of Religious Education directly. 

What assignments does my child have to complete in order to receive Confirmation and when are they due?

All student assignments along with a calendar of due dates can be located on the Student Page.

RE Tuition

What is the tuition for Religious Education?

You can find our current tuition rates and sacramental fees in our Parent Handbook or by scrolling down and reading the "Description Box" of our GiveCentral Link. Payments can be made electronically through GiveCentral or by dropping off a check or cash at the Parish Office (1429 W Wellington Ave). 

Please include your child's name with your payment.

Do you have Payment Plans or Financial Aid?

Yes, Payment Plans can be set up automatically through GiveCentral. No child will be turned away from Religious Education due to the lack of the ability to pay tuition, however communication is key. If you are in need of Financial Assistance for Tuition, please reach out to the Coordinator.

How can I support the RE Tuition Assistance Program?

If you would like to share a gift to our Tuition Assistance Program, you can do so through GiveCentral. Thank you for your generosity!

Parents & Family Faith

What are the Parent Expectations for the Religious Education Program?

As a parent, you are your child's primary teacher of the faith. Your children were entrusted to you by God, and as their parents, you are charged with the responsibility of getting your children into Heaven (not Harvard). Religious Education classes will not be an adequate substitute to pass on the faith if faith is not present in the home.

All Families enrolling in Religious Education are expected to: 

1) Attend Mass Every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation, 

2) Pray Daily Together as a Family, and 

3) Read All Correspondence Sent Home with Children & via Email. 

You can read more about Parent Expectations on the Parents page.

How can I help my family grow in faith?

The Home is also known as the Domestic Church. It is "the Church in miniature" as St. John Paul II says. Family life is sacred, doing things together as a family is holy, and each family has unique God-given gifts that are to be used and shared to help others. Within the family, we are all called to model the faith, first within the home and then outside of it.

Check out THIS SERIES on FORMED for encouragement and tips from fellow Catholic Parents on how to grow in faith as a family. You can also check out the Catholic Parenting Course from Me and My House to learn how to establish small habits in your home to battle typical areas of family friction. 

"The future of the world and of the Church...passes through the family."  ~ St. John Paul II

Watch this video for 5 Ways to a Stronger Family, Learn more about how your family is a Domestic Church HERE, & Learn the KEY to Passing on the Faith HERE

How can my family become a Domestic Church if we have already experienced divorce, separation, loss, etc.? 

There are many broken and hurting families in today’s society. The entire world is broken and in pain. If your family is broken or you come from a broken family, it is very difficult, but there is hope. Jesus makes all things new. He wants to refresh you with His living water. He wants to speak into those places of pain, suffering, and loss. Jesus came for our salvation, which includes our healing, because He wants us to be whole and holy. Jesus longs to heal the wounds of our own childhoods and the wounds we have endured as adults. 

Jesus chose to keep the wounds of His Passion when He resurrected, and those wounds were glorified. Jesus longs to bring grace and new life from the wounds in your family. Trust in Him and open your heart, for nothing is impossible with God. 

Is it too late to make our house a house of prayer if we did not start when the children were young?

It is not impossible, but it may feel like it sometimes! Trust in the Lord, remembering that all things are possible with Him. To create a house of prayer, establish a home altar or family prayer space in a central location in your home. Then set aside time to pray together as a family. This could begin with an intentional prayer before a family dinner or gathering together to pray a decade of the rosary. See the Family Prayer Handbook for ideas of types of prayer your family can do together.

If your children are resistant to such family habit changes, have no fear. Faith is more caught than taught. Let your children catch you praying and see how faith is changing you and your own personal life. Holiness is attractive, and if your children see you receive God's love and change because of it, they will be more open to receiving God's love and praying with you. 

My spouse or child no longer practices the faith. What can I do?

If someone you love no longer practices the faith, does not fully share your Catholic faith, or is openly hostile against it, this can be a very painful situation. Do not be hard on yourself or on them; simply continue to love your family member where they are, fulfilling the daily duties of your state in life and staying strong in the faith. It is your loving and Christ-like witness that will soften your loved one's heart. Most of all, pray (private prayer & offering masses) and make sacrifices (acts of self denial like fasting) for the ones you love. Praying the Baptismal Promises for your children for their conversion is very powerful as well. St. Monica wept and prayed for many years over her wayward son, Augustine. He eventually converted, became a bishop, and is now a great saint and a Doctor of the Church. Here is a word of encouragement from Fr. Mike Schmitz.

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

BLOG -- Flying Solo: Raising Them in Faith On Your Own

Adult Programs

I am an adult and have never received my First Communion and/or Confirmation. How can I receive them?

Please contact Pastoral Associate, Brooks Robinson at brobinson@stalphonsuschicago.church or at 

773-525-0709 ext. 2111. for more information on receiving these sacraments. For adults who have already received Baptism and First Communion, the Archdiocese of Chicago also offers an Adult Confirmation Program. You can learn more about it HERE.

I am an adult who is not Catholic and am interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. Who should I contact?

The Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) is a study of the Catholic Faith and the process of introduction into the faith community. This class is offered for adults in three situations:

1. Un-baptized adults who desire to be baptized in the Catholic Church;

2. Baptized non-Catholic Christians who desire to be formally admitted into communion with the Catholic Church;

3. Baptized Catholics who have not yet been confirmed and desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Adult Baptism (and if applicable, Confirmation and First Holy Communion) takes place at the Easter Vigil (the evening before Easter Sunday). It is one of the highest celebrations in the Catholic Church's liturgical year! Please contact Pastoral Associate, Brooks Robinson at brobinson@stalphonsuschicago.church or at 773-525-0709 ext. 2111 for more information.

Are there resources to help me personally grow in my faith?

St. Alphonsus Parish offers a variety of programs and community activities to help parishioners grow in their spiritual lives. Check out our weekly bulletin for ways to get involved, sign up to receive our parish emails, and check out the Pray Daily page and Parents page (scroll down) for resources you can use at home.