Grades 1-5 Religious Education

For registration materials, schedules and handbooks, please visit our Schedules & Forms page.

In grades 1-5, the Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts Series by Loyola Press, is used by our catechists to introduce children to Catholic principles and values in developmentally appropriate ways. As children grow, they revisit and expand their knowledge as new information is presented. Young learners are given the opportunity to participate in engaging discussions, learn in new and interesting ways, build friendships in their classrooms and connect Religious Education lessons to their daily lives.

The St. Francis de Sales Religious Education program provides a strong foundation for children to grow as people of faith, deepen their understanding of Catholicism and truly know Jesus in their hearts.

We offer four options to attend classes during the week

Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesday Afternoons from 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm

Wednesday Evenings from 6:15 pm - 7:30 pm

First Communion

During the first two years of their Grades 1-5 Religious Education experience (1st and 2nd Grade), learners focus on preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist. It is important that preparation is completed throughout two consecutive years as this gives our young people a sense of community and a deeper understanding of the Sacraments.

If your student is in 2nd grade, but has not completed their 1st grade year, they would be placed in a 1st grade class as a 2nd grader and then the following year they would be placed in a 2nd grade class as a 3rd grader. The student would then make their first communion as a 3rd grader.

If your child is older than 2nd grade and would like to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist, they would be placed in our Children’s Catechumenate program.

For more information, please call Mimi McGlauchlin at (847) 726-4850 or via e-mail at mmcglauchlin@stfrancislz.org.