Faith Formation
The parish is the center of faith formation for Catholics. Every person in the pews, every Catholic in the parish community…child or adult…is on their own journey toward Christ and a life of discipleship.
Religious Education Classes Grades 1-8
Welcome to our K-8th Catholic Religious Education Program, where young hearts and minds begin a journey of spiritual discovery. Our dedicated catechists bring the wonders of commandments, saints, prayers, sacraments and so much more to life, guiding our students through Catholic teachings. What truly sets our program apart is our emphasis on building a personal relationship with Jesus. We believe this bond is as unique as each child. With thoughtful discussions, heartfelt stories, and engaging activities, we explore how this relationship blooms uniquely for everyone. Join us as we discover the beauty of faith, the warmth of prayer, and the transformative power of a personal connection with our Savior. In this safe and nurturing environment, we hope to foster not just knowledge, but a deep and lasting love for Jesus that lights the path for a lifetime of spiritual growth.
St. Mary and our partner parish of St. George have combined the Religious Education programs for children grades K through 8. Classes for the year 2025-2026 will be offered at St. Mary on Sunday mornings from 9:10 am - 10:10 am. Contact our
Coordinators Religious Education Program or call
618-224-9335
to register your child for Religious Education Program (formerly Parish School of Religion - PSR).
2025-2026 Religous Education Registration
2025 - 2026 Religious Education Calendar
Handbook - Religious Education 2025-2026
Sacrament Preparation for 1st Communion & 1st Reconciliation
Preparing second graders for their First Communion and First Reconciliation in the Catholic Church is a special and important process. SGM Religious Education Program provides age-appropriate catechesis on the sacraments of First Communion (Eucharist) and First Reconciliation (Confession). This is accomplished through hands-on activities, time spent in the church and a comprehensive sacramental preparation program. Parent involvement throughout the sacrament preparation is extremely important as they are the child's first teacher. Catechists and parents work together to help the children deepen their relationship with God as they grow.
Confirmation Preparation
Confirmation is normally celebrated annually in the Easter Season for our students in the eighth grade. There is a two year preparation for this sacrament and is held during the Sunday parish school of religion classes. There are other events that candidates are asked to participate in as announced. There is also a preparation class for parents and sponsors annually. Older persons who have not been confirmed can arrange for the Sacrament through the pastor.
Edge - Middle School Youth Ministry
EDGE is a Catholic middle school youth ministry experience, created for early adolescents in grades seven and eight. EDGE is designed to meet the educational, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of young adolescents. If you have questions about SGM Edge, you can email us at
sgmedge@gmail.com .
Life Teen - High School Youth Ministry
SGM (St. George/St. Mary) Life Teen is the high school youth ministry for our partner parishes, St. George, New Baden and St. Mary, Trenton. We are open to any teen in 9th-12th grade, regardless of religious background. SGM Life Teen strives to bring our faith to our young Church, where they are in life. We have Life Nights every other Sunday night, except when in a series, and a Life Teen Word, a Bible study, every Wednesday night. We participate in relevant catechesis, relational ministry, service projects, retreat experiences, social excursions and more! If you have questions about SGM Life Teen, you can email us at
saintgyouth@gmail.com
and you can follow us on our social media handles (Instragram and Facebook).
Adult Faith Formation
Various opportunities are offered as announced in the bulletin, web site and FaceBook page. Contact the parish office or a member of our pastoral staff to inquire about opportunities or to suggest a idea for adult formation. The pastoral staff is also in the process of developing "on-line" opportunities through FlockNote, a parish communication tool.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Previously known as RCIA/Rite of Christian Initiation.) process is the preparation program set up by the Catholic Church to bring people into the Catholic Faith. The OCIA originated in the earliest traditions of the Church for welcoming new members into the Catholic community. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process intended to help individuals journey to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. It includes prayer, study and discussion of all things Catholic for a period of nine months where individuals then seek to be full members of the Catholic Church, completing his/her reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation).
