St. Mary of Lourdes’ is committed to assisting families in fostering their knowledge and understanding of who God is in their lives and in the lives of their children. We seek experiences, which will encourage us to continue to grow, to share, and to witness our faith in God.
The primary goal of St. Mary of Lourdes’ Children’s Faith Formation is, with the assistance of their parents, to increase the children’s and youth’s realizations of God’s infinite love for us and to enhance their response to His love by greater sharing and caring for each other. We strive to reach this goal by:
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- Teaching the fundamentals and fostering the understanding of our Catholic faith (study of the Scriptures, Church doctrine, values, and history);
- Emphasizing Jesus’ life and mission and the blessings we receive when we imitate Him in our own lives;
- Advocating the use of individual prayer and communal worship;
- Promoting an on-going, life-long faith development process for all parishioners;
- Participating in the Sacraments, especially Holy Eucharist.
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We offer the following programming options for our children and youth:
- PreK/Kindergarten – Age 4 and Kindergarten children experience each Sunday’s Gospel at their level of understanding through storytelling and activities. They are also introduced to a Saint each week and are taught the Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary and Doxology (Glory Be) prayers.
- Children’s Ministry – Grade 1 through Grade 5 children and youth are taught utilizing the spiral curriculum where each year the faith concepts build upon what they learned the previous year by delving deeper into the concept each year. As they get older, children and youth grow in their understanding of topics through discussion and seeing how our faith is entwined within our daily lives. It is during Grade 2 that our children will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confession and Holy Communion.
- EDGE Ministry – EDGE is geared to our youth in Middle School (grades 6-8). Our Middle School youth face many challenges and changes within 3 short years. EDGE seeks to help our Middle School navigate these challenges and changes through the eyes of our Catholic faith. EDGE provides a safe place for our youth to ask questions, express struggles and turn to their faith and to Jesus. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is weaved into the weekly EDGE gathering in order that our youth are ready to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during their 8th grade year.
2023-2024 Children’s & EDGE Ministries Registration Information
Registration & Fee Information: 2023-2024
Registration Form: 2023-2024
Prayer Checklist
Prayers to Know
Sacraments of Confession & First Holy Communion
These two sacraments are received during your child’s 2nd Grade year. Information regarding these Sacraments is disseminated at two parent meetings that are held at the beginning of each sacramental preparation period. These dates will appear on the Parish Calendar and information will be sent home with your child.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is incorporated into EDGE Youth Ministry beginning in a youth’s 6th Grade year. Our preparation program incorporates service and learning and follows the program and curriculum guidelines put forth by the Diocese of Peoria.
General Confirmation Requirements
Service Hour Form
Service Opportunities
Saint Name Report details
Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor
Sponsor Form
Catechists and Volunteers
Any and all volunteers who work with children, supervised or unsupervised, must complete the Diocesan Screening and Training Program. Any volunteer who does not pass the screening process will immediately be removed from their position. All volunteers must also sign off on a Volunteer Code of Conduct, a Witness Statement, and the Annual Update Form regarding the Diocesan Policies and Procedures for working with children and youth. For these items, please contact the Director of Faith Formation at igrebner@stmarylourdes.org.
Click here to complete the Diocesan Screening and Training Program.
How do I find out more information?
For more information about our Children’s Faith Formation programs, Vacation Bible School, Sacramental Preparation or becoming a Catechist or volunteer, please contact:
Ileen Grebner, Director of Faith Formation at 309-386-4460, igrebner@stmarylourdes.org or by completing the form below.