Religious Education
Mission & Objective of the CCD program
The goal of St. Jude Religious Education is to communicate the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church for children in kindergarten through 8th Grade. Our Faith Formation classes focus on the baptismal call to become followers of Jesus Christ. With an emphasis on Scripture and the traditions of the Catholic faith. To register for the program, please complete the registration form available below and return it to the Religious Education Office, or Parish Office. For questions, contact:
Rachael Morlock 309-243-7811, ext. 2212 & email rmorlock@stjudecatholic.com.
Curriculum & Schedule
Our curriculum is the Finding God series by Loyola Press, for grades K-1st, 3rd-5th. This program provides a foundation of faith and the love of Jesus Christ, through which students respond to God’s call in prayer, mercy, and justice. The 2nd Grade program is devoted to preparation for First Penance/Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, we use Renewed and Received by Ascension Press. 6th grade is focused on Bible Timeline in a Year for children, (GPS) Gods Plan in Scripture by Ascension Press.
7th and 8th grades are a 2-year preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, utilizing The Decision Point, YCAT for 7th grade, and Chosen by Ascension for 8th grade. For 7th and 8th grade classes the online version is available to view on any device and includes a Parent Guide to assist you in leading discussions with your child, furthering their understanding of the material. For the 8th grade and 2nd grade years, our program includes a required in-person Parent Meeting, and Retreats to further grow in faith.
PARENTS
Parents, the first and best teachers in the faith, are supported by catechists working in partnership with them in the religious education of their children. Love of Christ and the Church, frequent reception of the Sacraments, prayer, and service are encouraged as parents fulfill the obligation to their children in the promises made at baptism.
CATECHISTS
Students are taught by trained volunteers that include teachers, parents, grandparents and Confirmed teens from our parish. We ask that all parents are involved in some way, whether it is as a teacher, teacher assistant, substitute, parent helper, or hall monitor. Adult volunteers are needed as catechists (teachers and co-teachers), substitute catechists and assistants to help with planning, publicizing or arranging activities. If you feel called to help grow this wonderful ministry, please call the parish office or email the DRE.
CLASSROOM SESSIONS
Classes typically start in September till the end of April, and our calendar generally follows the Dunlap and SJCS calendar. We offer two options for Religious Education, classes are held;
Sunday mornings from 10:10AM to 11:20AM between mass times, or Wednesday evenings from 6:45PM to 8:00PM.
Forms & Information
Confirmation Requirements
“The effect of the sacrament of confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.” (CCC 1302)
Confirmation preparation is a time to grow in a deeper understanding living out the Catholic faith and the sacrament of Confirmation. In order to aid parents in passing on the Catholic faith to their child(ren) we recommend…
Weekly participation in Sunday mass and Holy Days of Obligation
Weekly attendance to Religious Education Class
Candidate attends the confirmation retreat
At least one guardian attends the parent meetings
Complete 15 hours of service hours
Finished both 7th grade and 8th grade prep programs
If you have not received Baptism, First Reconciliation, or your First Communion, we will help prepare you!
TOTUS TUUS
2026 Summer Registration is now open!!!! See LINK!
The Office of Vocations is excited to bring the Totus Tuus experience back for another summer of Faith and Friendship. We will learn about Our Lady! Totus Tuus is a Latin phrase that means "totally yours", a motto given to us by the Pope Saint John Paull II in describing his dedication to Jesus through Mary. For one week during the summer, we provide children in grades 1st-6th day program, and 7th-12th evening program for a prayer-filled environment that will help them come closer to Christ through His Mother, Mary.
For more information check out this link: Peoria Vocations Totus Tuus - (comeandfollowme.org)
STEUBENVILLE YOUTH CONFERENCE
The Steubenville Youth Conference is a weekend long conference for rising freshman in high school to rising freshman in college. They will experience a dynamic weekend with nationally acclaimed presenters and powerful encounters with Christ in the sacraments. For more information check out this link: Steubenville STL Mid-America - Event Info & Registration (steubystl.com)
ST. JUDE YOUTH GROUP
Our High School Ministry is a parish youth group with the goal of making saints for the 21st century. At each of our gatherings we will foster community among the youth and our parish, take time to communicate with God through prayer, and discuss our Holy Catholic Faith - including current events through a Catholic worldview. Youth Group is generally held the second and fourth Sunday of the month from 6-8pm in the School Gym.
Contact Father Jack for dates and more information frjack@stjudecatholic.com Christmas Caroling for the Homebound Permission Slip
Peoria Life Teen
The purpose of Peoria Life Teen is to GUIDE high schoolers to a deeper relationship with Jesus, CONNECT them with a Catholic community, NOURISH them with the Sacraments, and EQUIP them to be lifelong disciples. We are a collaboration between the parishes of St. Ann, St. Thomas, and St. Vincent and welcome all high schoolers. Life Nights are generally held the first and third Sunday of the month from 6-8pm at rotating parishes.
Fill out this google form to get on our email list! Or on their Facebook page Facebook. Contact peorialifeteen@gmail.com
Teens Encounter Christ (TEC)
The TEC experience is a dynamic community encounter. The weekend retreat is filled with reflection, music, sacraments, adoration, small group, and prayer. Afterward the TEC community evolves into a network of support, and both reinforce parish involvement and personal growth. All Christian faith backgrounds are welcome. Peoria Teens Encounter Christ | Peoria, IL