Every spiritual quest needs to begin with a dry diaper. The nursery is a safe, adult-supervised place where your littlest ones can play and rest while you enjoy worship. It is staffed by professional adult caregivers and some youth volunteers. Nursery care is free at St. Mary's. Located on the lower level adjacent to the Dining Room. For more information, contact Rev. Martha Durham martha@stmaryspr.org   read more »

On Sunday mornings at 9:30 children and parents gather in the Grauer Lounge to sing simple songs while preparing to enter their Sunday School rooms. At 9:45 they go as a group to their respective classes.   read more »

Welcome to the world of the Good Shepherd. Children who are 3 years old in September through Kindergarten age experience the unconditional love of God through an internationally known program, “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.” All of our teachers, called catechists, are trained in this Montessori based program. Children are given the tools of language and environment within which to experience and explore the unconditional love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. This rich program draws on scripture, liturgy and learning in age appropriate lessons.

Children are welcome at the Family Sing at 9:30 a.m. or may meet their classmates in the Atrium room at 9:45 a.m. Their work continues through the first part of the church service, after which they are brought to their parents in church for the Eucharist. For more information, contact Rev. Martha Durham martha@stmaryspr.org   read more »

Children grow in their relationship with God and each other while exploring meaning and mystery in Lectionary based Bible stories. We seek to nurture their imaginative spirit with art, music, crafts and games, balanced with wonder and reflection.

Children are welcome at the Family Sing at 9:30, or they may meet their classmates in their classroom at 9:45 a.m. Their work continues through the first part of the service, after which they rejoin their parents in church for the Eucharist. For more information, contact Rev Martha Durham martha@stmaryspr.org   read more »

The Junior High Youth Group meets on Sunday mornings from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm September through the end of April. Our time together mixes fun and games with growing in our faith. Students learn that they are valuable members of St. Mary’s and the Body of Christ. Through exploring passages from scripture, writings of famous people, engaging current media and reflecting on current events the students learn how their faith can become their own and become a foundation for their lives.

Junior High Students have a variety of events through the year available to them. These include service projects such as shopping for Cathedral Baskets and participating in the annual Park Ridge/Niles CROP Walk. Other events are there for just plain old fun: Laser Quest, Bowling, Scavenger Hunts, and Lock-ins are just a few activities we have done to help the students make friends and build community.

If you have questions regarding the Junior High Youth Group please contact the Rev. Dan Justin at (847) 823-4126 or dan@stmaryspr.org.   read more »

Our High School Youth Group gives our young men and women spiritual foundation for growth into adulthood.

Youth explore the meaning of Self, Spirituality, Society and Sexuality/Gender. Group time is filled with talk, teaching, bible study and laughter. The group meets Sunday mornings, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For more information, check out the latest e-newsletter (pdf version below) or contact The Rev. Dan Justin Dan@stmaryspr.org or 847.823.4126 x12.   read more »