(schedule is below)

Mark Postma - Director
Xan Swailes - Sunday Coordinator

Attendance and Drop off/Pick up Policy (here)

Religious Education at Immaculate Heart of Mary does more than merely present information or basic instruction for our children and youth, rather we work to catechize them.  "Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people, and adults which includes especailly the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life." (emphasis added)

- CCC 5

"The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends."

- CCC 25

Catechesis is about the transformation of the heart toward the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Transformation, or continued conversion is a concern of all baptized people where doctrine opens doors for prayer and reflection which aid in our relationship with the Lord.  Dr. Petroc Willey, a brilliant catechist and professor from Maryvale Institute in England states that we should have a "Dogmatic Spirituality."  Our children should be taught the essentials of the faith while at the same time be able to live this daily in family life (and school life, etc).

Our hope is provide families with materials and content that will also help develop more young people to be in love of the Lord.  Adults, look forward to great opportunities during Religious Education times for further catechesis and "at-home-ideas."

click here for adult offerings

2009-10 schedule for grades 1-8 Religous Education

all classes meet Sundays from 9:40-10:45 a.m. (between Masses)
meet in IHM school building

Sept 20- Religious Education Kick-off | all children/youth and parents atten
Sept 27 - Class
Oct 4 - Class
Oct 11 - Class
Oct 18 - Class
Oct 25 - Class
Nov 1 - Class
Nov 8 - Class
Nov 15 - Class
Nov 22 - Class
Nov 29 - NO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASS
Dec 6 - Class
Dec 13 - Class
Dec 20 - ADVENT BREAK - NO CLASS
Dec 27 - CHRISTMAS OCTAVE BREAK - NO CLASS
Jan 3 - Class
Jan 10 - Class
Jan 17 - Class
Jan 24 - Class
Jan 31 -Class
Feb 7 - Class
Feb 14 - Class
Feb 21 - NO RELIGIOUS EDUATION CLASS
Feb 28 - Class
March 7 - Class
March 14 - Class (check your clocks! daylight saving time)
March 21 - Class
March 28 - Class (Palm Sunday)
April 4 - EASTER SUNDAY -NO CLASS
April 11 - SPRING BREAK - NO CLASS
April 18 - Class
April 25 - Class
May 2 - Class
May 9 - MOTHERS DAY - NO CLASS
May 16 - Class
May 23 - TTS

SPECIAL DATES

Second Grade Children
November 21 - First Reconciliation Retreat | 1-3:30 p.m. | deMazenod Room | (schedule)
Decebmer 12 - Sacrament of Reconciliation | 10 a.m. - Noon | Church | (rite)
April 21 - First Communion Retreat | 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | deMazenod Room | (schedule)
April 24 - First Communion Mass | 5:15 p.m. Mass| the church | (day schedule)

8th Grade Youth
Youth Ministry Events (includes 7th grade) (here)
Confirmation Retreat | March 14, 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Camp Beechpoint in Allegan
Sacrament of Confirmation | Aprill 22 at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew