OUr Lady of The Lakes Faith Formation
“Let no one disregard you because you are young, but be an example to all the believers in the way you speak and behave, and in your love, your faith, and your purity.” -1 Timothy 4:12
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We offer classes for First through Eighth grade. We prepare students for First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, and RCIC prep
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Our Lady of the Lakes Youth Ministry is on a mission to grow the faith of the youth. The present youth group was reestablished in 2023.
*Sacraments require two years of religious education. Any individual over the age of seven who has not been baptized must complete the two-year OCIA process.
Below are the activities, services, and Catholic Heart Work Camps we have done!
Current Families
OLL RE Registration Info for 26-27 🎉
Registration opens on April 1, 2026!
OLL RE classes are intended for 1st- 8th grade (or 16 and under who have been baptized), in which each student will receive:
First Reconciliation
First Holy Communion
Confirmation
Clck Below for 26-27 information
January-February 2027 Newsletter
Events throughout the Arch of Chicago
Please click the link below for more events throughout the Arch
Catholic Resources
Archdiocese of Chicago Children’s Formation & Religious Education Info HERE
Daily Reading HERE
Broadcast & Online Mass through the Archdiocese of Chicago HERE
Hallow App HERE (Pray with Fr. Mike Schmitz with the new Catechism in a Year and Bible in a Year on Hallow, the #1 Christian Prayer App & #1 Catholic App in the World.)
Mental Health Information HERE
Our Lady of the Lakes Religious Education Program strives to promote Catholic teachings for students that attend non-Parochial schools. The classes support first grade through eighth grade religious training and high school confirmation training.
The Religious Education Program is monitored and supported by an Advisory Board. The board’s purpose is to review and change the curriculum as needed, to review books that are used in the Program, to help establish and monitor a working budget, to establish overall monitoring of the success of the program, to name just a few of the board’s responsibility.
A Note from Alyssa Retana, OLL CRE
On November 9, 2018, Pope Francis spoke during his morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta. His homily on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica highlighted that "the sacraments are not for sale." This emphasizes that the Church's rituals have inherent sanctity and grace. I fully agree with this idea, as it shows that faith and spirituality are more important than money.
However, we must also remember that the Church needs financial and structural support to fulfill its mission and help the community. It’s important for the Church to find a balance between spiritual values and practical needs to succeed in a changing world.
Each year, we put together our Religious Education (RE) program, which requires resources for Bibles, textbooks, retreats, events, refreshments, and more. We want to keep our RE program affordable because we know that families may face financial challenges. You should not worry about how to pay for your child’s RE classes, which are essential for their spiritual growth and preparation to receive the sacraments.
We offer various payment options and discounts, thanks to some funding from the Scrapbooking Committee and the Knights of Columbus. We also sell Advent calendars to help support the program. We appreciate donations that can help provide scholarships and improve our resources, allowing families and students to grow in their faith.