"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
—St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Reflecting our parishes’ womb-to-tomb approach, two central Religious Education programs are offered for children at SMTC: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Parish Religious Education Program, known as PREP. Program.  Overviews and further information can be found below.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

AGES: 3 to 7 years old

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program (CGS) is a common religious experience involving children and adults in which the religious values of childhood, primarily those values of contemplation and enjoyment of God, are predominant. CGS is offered by the Missionary Sisters of Charity, who continue the legacy of St. Mother Teresa.  There is no fee to participate.

For more information on CGS, please contact the Parish Office either by email or by calling 312-842-6777 (STWS) or 312-842-7979 (SBWS).

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)
AGES: 6 years old and up

The Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) is for students in grades 1-8 in public school. Classes are on Sundays from 9:15 to 10:15 AM at St. Therese worship site from September through May, 2025.  These classes help prepare students for their sacraments, build their understanding of the faith, and develop a relationship with Christ. 

PREP is blessed with certified catechists, who are not only prepared to teach the faith, but also be excellent role models for your child. Pilgrimages, altar serving, community service, Lent and Advent projects, Christmas pageant, retreats, parish celebrations and RE-led liturgies are also part of PREP.

More details about the Sacraments
  • PREP prepares students for his/her sacraments .  
  • Students must complete at least one year of religious education in order to prepare for his/her First Reconciliation (Confession), typically in second grade.
  • Students should complete two years of religious education to prepare for First Communion (Eucharist), usually in third grade. 
  • Confirmation is a two-year program. The current 7th and 8th grade students are in their second year of Confirmation preparation.  They are currently preparing for Confirmation in 2025.

To register your child for PREP, click on this link. The fee is $125 per student.  Deadline for the 2024-25 year is Sept 1, 2024.  For more information on PREP, contact Chris Delfin at [email protected].