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.  Visit the Family Formation website to learn more.

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 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, 6:00-7:30 p.m.  However, in late September there is an orientation meeting for parents while the children go through the Circle of Grace (the Diocesan Safe Environment Training).  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 Christian Life Academy in Hopedale.

What is the cost?
$30 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 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).

For both St. Mary's and St. Joseph's

Students returned to the classroom setting and are meeting twice a month. 

The first class meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the Christian Life Academy, 222 Tremont Street, Hopedale, 6:00-7:30 pm.  This coincides with the K-6 Family Formation classes.

The second class will be held at St. Joseph Church, Hopedale, following the 8:30 am Mass on Sunday.  Schedule to be determined for 2023-24.

All classes begin at 6:00 p.m.  Adults and students meet at the Christian Life Academy, 222 Tremont Street, Hopedale.

September 20 (Tentative)
Family Formation Orientation and Circle of Grace Instruction

Family Formation Classes Begin
October 4
Where Heaven and Earth Meet (Overview of the Mass)
November 1
I Believe! (The Creed)
December 6
Water and Fire (Baptism and Confirmation)
January 3
The Call: Are You Listening? (Vocations and Holy Orders)
February 7
Sacrament of the Sick (Everything You Always Wanted to Know and Never Got to Ask)
March 6
Written on Stone, Chiseled in Your Heart (The Ten Commandments)
April 3
Kneeling Before the Majesty of God (Eucharistic Adoration)
May 1
Mary: God's Masterpiece 

All families, from both St. Mary and St. Joseph, participating in any of the religious education programs, must register their children.  Complete the Catholic Diocese of Peoria Participant Registration Form HERE.  It may be printed or filed electronically.

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 [email protected].

The registration fee is $30 per family.  Make checks payble to your Parish, write CCD in the memo line, and forward to the Parish office.