RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS - MAY 2026

Do you have a student entering 1st Grade? Or an older child who’d like to begin their Religious Education?

2026-2027 REGISTRATION NOW BEING ACCEPTED - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Registration packets for the 2026-2027 Religious Education (RE) Program were distributed to student families at the last RE Session. Registration packets were also mailed to those not in attendance. FOR YOUR CHILD(REN) TO BE INCLUDED IN THE 2026-2027 RE PROGRAM, REGISTRATION FORMS ARE DUE BY JUNE 5, 2026 OR SOONER.

Registration forms can be returned to the Our Lady of the Ridge RE building any Saturday in May from 9 am to 11 am or any time at the Parish Office located at St. Linus Rectory. Registration packets for new RE students can also be picked up at either the Our Lady of the Ridge location on these Saturdays in May or any time at the parish office.

PLEASE NOTE - Religious Education (RE) Tuition and Fees are now being handled and processed by the parish business office. All questions regarding RE tuition and fees, payments, etc. should be directed to Joseph Dillon, Business Manager at jdillon@archchicago.org.

Questions? Please contact us at 708-422-2400 ext 139 or religioused@stlinusschool.org.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR HS / COLLEGE / ADULTS INTERESTED IN SHARING THEIR TIME AND FAITH WITH THE YOUTH OF THE PARISH BY BEING:

- A Mentor for a Small Group Service Project.
- A Classroom Aide / Door Monitor for Religious Education Sessions.
- A Catechist.

No Experience Needed! - Only completion of a Background Check, Online Virtus Training and an interest in helping the Youth of the Parish grow their faith.

Please reach out to Nora Hunt at nhunt@stlinusschool.org or call at 708-422-2400 ext 139 and leave a message for more information.

Nora Hunt
Faith Formation Coordinator

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ABOUT OUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM

WE BELIEVE in the Second Vatican Council's statement on formation and education: that as baptized persons are gradually introduced into a knowledge of the mystery of salvation, that they may daily grow more conscious of the gift of Faith which they have received; that they may learn to adore God the Father in spirit of truth...and that in our religious formation at Saint Linus, our children/teens will learn how to relate all human culture to the news of salvation so that the light of Faith will illuminate their knowledge of the world, of life, and of humankind.

WE BELIEVE as stated in the pastoral letter, TO TEACH AS JESUS DID, that the purpose of our catechetical ministry is to proclaim authentically and fully the message of Jesus, to foster an understanding of and build community in all areas of life, and to encourage service to each other for the good of all.

WE BELIEVE that our program should be a "true community of the faith in which the formational efforts of Catholic families are complimented, reinforced, and extended".

WE BELIEVE that you have entrusted your children to us to deepen the Faith that you as parents/guardians have given to them.

WE BELIEVE they we can do very little to help your child grow in Faith without your complete cooperation, e.g. attendance at parent meetings, celebrating the Eucharist and the Sacraments together, reinforcement of Christian values in the home.

WE BELIEVE that the goal of religious formation is to make us aware of the action of God in our lives--both within us and outside us. That religious formation is faith experience brought to understanding.

Father Mark Walter - Our Lady of the Ridge / St. Linus Parish Pastor

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE HOURS

• Saint Linus Office of Religious Education - 10300 S. Lawler Avenue in Oak Lawn, IL 60453
• Summer Hours - Please email us at religioused@stlinusschool.org or leave voicemail at 708-422-2400 ext. 139 with questions
• Monday thru Friday (Sept - May) - 8 am to 1:30 pm

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CONTACT INFORMATION

• Call the RE / FF Office at 708-422-2400 ext 139 or by email religioused@stlinusschool.org.
• Absentee messages anytime Day or Night at 708-422-2400 ext 139.
• Phone number for Saturday Class Absences at Our Lady of the Ridge is 708-424-4440 - Please note that there is no voicemail at this Saturday Phone Number.

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INVITATION TO BECOME A CATECHIST OR CLASSROOM AIDE - Ongoing

Do you feel a calling from God to become a catechist or classroom aide? - We would like you to consider serving the church by becoming a catechist or classroom aide for Our Lady of the Ridge - St. Linus Parish.

What are the qualifications you ask? - A desire to share the faith with the young members of our parish as well as grow in your own faith.

Please contact the RE / FF Office to learn more about this wonderful ministry.