St. Mary and St. Joseph, in a combined effort, provide religious education for families with children in Kindergarten through sixth grade using the Family Formation program.  This program follows the three-year liturgical cycle, is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, is driven by Sacred Scripture, and references the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  It covers all tenets of our Catholic Faith.

What is unique about Family Formation.....
It is a shift from weekly classes at each Parish to a monthly session for children and parents from both Parishes. On the first Wednesday of the month, the children gather with a teacher by grade while the parents receive catechesis from Msgr. Nolan about the monthly topic and pick up their lesson packet.  This packet contains 3-4 weekly at-home lessons for the month.

How will I know how to use the packet.....
A link to the Family Formation instruction video will be emailed to you each month.  Also, each lesson is written at an elementary level but with adult level instructions.  You don't have to be experts in the Faith, just willing to devote about an hour a week to quality family time in sharing the Faith.

I'm already too busy!
We know young families are busy.  The weekly lessons can be adapted to your own family schedule. If you read through the lesson, you already know more than your children and you can work these lessons into your daily schedule throughout the week.  It could be as simple as saying, "I was reading through the lesson and did you know that (fill in the blank).  I didn't know that!"  That is a teaching moment.

When are classes?
The first Wednesday of the month, October through May, 6:30-7:30 p.m.  However, in September there is an orientation meeting for parents only.  Please see the Schedule tab.

Where are the classes held?
Currently, the monthly session for parents is at St. Joseph Church, Hopedale while the children gather at the Hopedale Community Hall.

What is the cost?
$25 per family (this is a change from the $20 per child fee assessed in previous programs)

How do I start?
Register your family by completing the registration form.  See the Registration Form tab.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation remains with each Parish.  In both Parishes, it is a two-year program beginning with 7th Grade.  The preparation elements for Confirmation are defined by the Diocese of Peoria and you can view that list here.

To enroll in a Confirmation prep class, fill out a registration form (see Registration Form tab).

St. Mary's
Meets on Sundays, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
2021-22 schedule will be announced soon

St. Joseph's
2021-22 schedule will be announced soon

All classes begin at 6:30 p.m.  Adults meet at St. Joseph Church, Hopedale.  The K-6 students meet at the Hopedale Community Hall, 101 S.E. Main Street.

September 15
Family Formation Orientation (for parents only)
Short Lesson on 2 Timothy 3:16
October 6
You've Got Mail (The Bible: God's Love Letter to You)
November 3 
See You at the Finish Line (The Final Coming)
December 1
Cross My Heart! (The Lord Keeps His Promises)
January 5
A Match Made in Heaven (The Sacrament of Matrimony)
February 2
On This Rock, I Will Build My Church
March 2
The Clean Sweep (The Sacrament of Reconcilitation)
April 6
O Most Holy Week 
May 4
The Trinity: Now, That's a Mystery!

All families, from both St. Mary and St. Joseph, participating in any of the religious education programs, must register their children.  A link to the fillable PDF registration form is provided below.  It may be printed or filed electronically, but it must be signed.

Printed forms can be mailed to the office at St. Mary's, PO Box 769, Delavan, IL 61734 or drop in the collection basket at Mass.  Email electronic forms to stmarydelavan@gmail.com.

The registration fee is $25 per family.  Make checks payble to your Parish and write CCD in the memo line.

Catholic Diocese of Peoria Participant Registration Form