St. Margaret Mary’s Family Religious Education Program
St. Margaret Mary Religious Education (RE) consists of our GATHER Family Formation Program, Finding God Together, Youth Ministry and Vacation Bible School and Sacramental Preparation.
Saint Margaret Mary Parish embraces the concept of life long Faith Formation. National research, Church documents and our own “lived” experience show the importance of active parent participation in the faith formation of children. We offer “GATHER” as one way to foster a community where everyone grows in knowledge of faith and communion throughout their lifetime.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.”
~Matthew 18:20
Gather is Saint Margaret Mary’s Family Faith Formation program for all students who do not attend Catholic school. All students grades Pre-school to High School participate with at least one parent. Catholic school families are welcome to participate.
Virtual Gather!
Welcome to our Virtual Gather Section. Below you will be able to link to our livestream videos of the Gather sessions, as well as linking to find any digital materials you will need for the sessions. As a general note, you may want to have your Gather bag with you as well, as we assume you will have the materials we gave you in them. And of course, do not forget to have your Family Bible available.
Virtual Gather Session
Gather Materials
AS FAMILY
In 2020-2021 GATHER year we will gather safely in a smaller capacity of 50 or less people in the Gym. Each table will host your family- only in which you will experience prayer, special topic to learn, fun activities or special skit and closing inspiration. We will work and grow in faith together as a family and work towards community building in creative and new ways.
GATHER is offered for 11 sessions on
- Sunday A = 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
- Sunday B = 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
- Wednesday A = 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday B = 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Only If needed:
- Tuesday A = 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday B = 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
We GATHER in the Education Center (119 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin) and will have specific entry and exit protocols to follow for optimum safety for your family. Information to follow via email after registration. Childcare (15 months-4yr) will not be available until further notice.
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2021/2022 SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS APRIL 15TH
Click Here for Our GATHER Family Registration Form (PDF)PRINTABLE
Click Here for Our GATHER Family Handbook (PDF)
GATHER Session Dates for 2020-2021
| Sundays 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM |
Wednesdays 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Sept 13, 2020 | Sept 16, 2020 |
| Oct 4, 2020 | Oct 7, 2020 |
| Oct 25, 2020 | Oct 28, 2020 |
| Nov 15, 2020 | Nov 18, 2020 |
| Dec 6, 2020 | Dec 9, 2020 |
| Tuesday, Dec 1, 2020 – First Reconciliation |
|
| Jan 10, 2021 | Jan 13, 2021 |
| Feb 7, 2021 | Feb 10, 2021 |
| Feb 21, 2021 | Feb 24, 2021 |
| March 7, 2021 | March 10, 2021 |
| March 21, 2021 | March 24, 2021 |
| April 11, 2021 | April 13, 2021 |
| Saturday, May 1, 2021 – First Holy Communion |
Second Grade Families— Please click here for the Sacramental Preparation schedule.
Family Events
- Quake Mass and Community Meal: Sunday, September 13, 2020 @ 4:30 PM
If you are unable to attend the session that you registered for, you are welcome to attend the alternate date. Please call the Religious Education Office (847-658-9339) or Youth Ministry Office at (847-658-7881) to inform us of your intent to attend another date, so we can mark attendance and plan on extra supplies. Thank you.
Catechists Needed
We need help with our new GATHER: Family Faith Formation, and there is a place for you whether you can volunteer to help in the Planning and Design group, or volunteer just a few hours with project prep or meal and snack prep.
We especially need:
- Teachers and Aides for Preschool (Sunday Only)
- Teachers and Aides for 1st grade and 2nd Grade (Wednesday and Sunday)
- Child Care Coordinator and volunteers to help in our Child Care room Sunday
Will you be willing to share the gift of your time and talent for Jesus in this way? Thank you so much for your faith and your dedication to the baptismal promises of your children.
Ellie M. Nelson, DRE, 847-658-9339
to TopFOR SECOND GRADE PARENTS
This is such a special year as you continue to prepare your child for the First Reception of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The following dates are for your child’s Reconciliation Retreat, Reconciliation, and First Communion Retreat. These dates are important and require parents to attend… Please click here to go to our special section on Second Grade Sacramental Preparation.