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 about the monthly topic and pick up their lesson packet.  This packet contains 3-4 weekly at-home lessons for the month.

Where are the classes held?
Christian Life Academy, 222 Tremont St., Hopedale.

What is the cost?
$35 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 or pick up a paper registration in the back of either church.

How will I know how to use the packet.....
A link to the Family Formation instruction video will be emailed to you each month following class.  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.

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 the Registration Form tab or pick up a paper registration in the back of either church.

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

Students meet 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 following the 8:30 am St. Joseph Sunday Mass and will meet in Hopedale Commons.  Schedule to be determined for 2024-25.

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

September 18 (Tentative)
Family Formation Orientation and Circle of Grace Instruction

Family Formation Classes Begin
October 2
You've Got Mail! (The Bible: God's Love Letter to You)
November 6
See You at the Finish Line (The Final Coming)
December 4
Cross My Heart! (The Lord Keeps His Promises)
January 8
A Match Made in Heaven (The Sacrament of Matrimony)
February 5
The Trinity:  Now That's a Mystery
March 5
The Clean Sweep (The Sacrament of Reconciliation) 

This is ASH WEDNESDAY.  Classes will begin following the 5:30 Mass at St. Joseph.  Students should go directly to class upon arriving at CLA as there won't be an opening with Fr. Horton.

April 2
O Most Holy Week
May 7

On This Rock, I Will Build My Church

All families, from both St. Mary and St. Joseph, participating in any of the religious education programs, must register their children each year.  Print and complete the Religious Education Registration form.

 Religious Education Registration

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 $35 per family.  Make checks payable to your Parish, write CCD in the memo line, and forward to the Parish office.