Religious Education
Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it. Proverbs 22:6
Registration for 2026/2027 is Now Open!
Classes begin September 16, 2026.
We are excited to welcome families to another year of faith formation at Annunciation BVM!
Religious Education classes for the 2026–2027 program year will begin on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Classes meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, beginning in mid-September and continuing through the end of April.
Welcome to Religious Education at Annunciation BVM
Our Religious Education Program serves children and youth in Kindergarten through Grade 8 who do not attend Catholic school. Through weekly classes, prayer, service, and participation in parish life, students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.
High school students (Grades 9–12) are invited to share their gifts by serving as classroom aides and role models for our younger students.
Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith for their children. At Annunciation BVM, we recognize and support this vital role by partnering with families in the faith formation journey. Our Religious Education Program is designed to be a partnership between the parish and the family, providing parents with ongoing formation, resources, and support as they guide their children in faith and discipleship.
Registration Information
To register online, please complete the form below:
For families new to the program, a copy of each student’s baptismal certificate must be submitted to the parish office in order for registration to be complete. Printed copies of the registration form are available at the entrance of church and in the parish office.
New to the Catholic Faith, or Been Away?
If your child has not yet been baptized, we welcome you! We can assist you in setting up a process to receive the sacrament of baptism. In addition, we welcome children who may not have received previous instruction. Upon enrolling, the Program Director and/or Pastor will determine placement.
Sacramental Preparation
At Annunciation BVM, children are ordinarily prepared to receive:
- First Reconciliation in Grade 2
- First Communion in Grade 2
- Confirmation in Grade 8
Children preparing to receive a sacrament should have participated in a Religious Education Program for at least one year prior to sacramental preparation, either at Annunciation or another Catholic parish.
If your child is older than the typical grade level and has not yet received the sacrament of Baptism, Reconciliation, Communion, or Confirmation, please contact us. We will work with your family to create an individualized preparation plan.
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Adults interested in becoming Catholic, receiving Baptism, First Communion, or Confirmation are invited to contact the parish office for more information.
High school-aged youth seeking sacramental preparation should contact the parish office to arrange a meeting with Father McFadden and develop a personalized faith formation plan.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our Religious Education program depends on the generous support of parish volunteers. We welcome both adults and teens who would like to share their time, talents, and faith with our students.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Catechists and substitute catechists
- Classroom aides
- Hall monitors
- Special event assistance
- Teen classroom helpers
All volunteers must complete the Diocese of Rockford Safe Environment requirements before serving in the program.
Questions?
We are happy to help!
Mark Fletcher
Director of Religious Education
Annunciation BVM Parish
Phone: 630-851-1436
Email: mfletcher@RockfordDiocese.org
We look forward to partnering with your family as together we help our children grow in faith, knowledge, and love of Christ!
