Our program provides formation in the Catholic faith for children from Kindergarten to Seventh Grade, culminating in a Confirmation program. We meet on Sunday mornings following the 8:30 Mass from mid-September to early May.
Our goals are to instruct our children in the Catholic faith, encourage their personal relationship with the Lord, and lead them to share His Word within the parish family and beyond! Our dedicated directors and teachers strive to meet these goals while encouraging parents in their roles as teachers of the faith. We have a Family Formation program to help our parents learn and grow as well.
On the first Sunday of the month one of our Classes hosts a Children’s Mass, with the students reading, ushering, bringing up the gifts and joining in the music. The students look forward to this opportunity to participate so fully in the Mass! As a group, we sponsor a young girl in the Dominican Republic with needed funds and many letters and pictures. We gather students and their families a few times a year for fellowship and fun. These events have included ice skating, roller skating, a visit to the Cathedral in Peoria, game nights and end of the year celebrations.
Mary Our Lady of Peace hosts the Orion area-wide Vacation Bible School on a rotating basis, in which 250 young people spend a summer week celebrating God’s goodness!
We are blessed to pass our faith along to so many wonderful children in our parish and are grateful for the parents and volunteers that keep our program strong.
Directors of Religious Education:
Julie Abbott and Emily Dochterman
Teachers:
Kindergarten – Nancy Hancock
1st Grade – Coni Jo Pronschinske & Nancy Hancock
2nd Grade – Amanda Kincaid & Carie Reed
3rd Grade – Dan & Robin Heiar
4th Grade – Theresa & Brad Keleher
5th Grade – Stephanie Gelaude
6th Grade – Mara Clarke
7th Grade – Morgan Leffel & Lia Nightengale
8th Grade – Emily Dochterman