CRECHE: About Us

Catholic. Vibrant. Spiritual. Organized. Apostolic.

CRECHE (Children Receiving Education in a Catholic Home Environment) was established in 1999 by a small group of Catholic homeschooling families to help support the efforts of parents, as primary educators, to teach their children at home. We’ve not only grown in numbers, but have also grown in our Catholic faith, realizing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Faithful to the Catholic Magisterium, and guided by the pope and the bishops in union with him, we unabashedly promote homeschooling as an intellectually and spiritually rewarding alternative to traditional education methods.

CRECHE is a not-for-profit Catholic homeschool support group and apostolate located in the far-western suburbs of Chicago. CRECHE promotes homeschooling as a spiritually and intellectually rewarding alternative to traditional schooling and exists to support families engaged in providing their children’s principle education at home. CRECHE is not a co-op, but provides activities that encourage friendship and vibrant family life, striving to help members grow as disciples by bringing Christ to the world.

May God bless you on your homeschooling journey!

A Focus on Imitating the Holy Family

The Holy Family models for us what family life should exemplify. It is a school of virtue for both parents and children. There we find God, and learn how to connect with God and with others. The family is where love is freely given without self-interest. It is where we learn to love, to pray and to practice the gift of charity. Pope John Paul II has said, “The family, more than any other human reality, is the place in which the person is loved for himself and in which he learns to live the sincere gift of self.” (Nov. 27, 2002)

What we offer and when we meet:

Specific dates, times, locations, and details for all events can be found on the CRECHE Calendar. However, for the security of our members, you must be a CRECHE member to access the calendar.

First and Third Fridays

CRECHE families meet most 1st and 3rd Friday mornings of the school year, September through May. Children of all ages are welcome.

These Friday Meetings are held at a local church, and begin with Mass or another devotional activity. Mass is followed by a variety of activities. Examples of activities in past years have included: art class, crafts, gym/recreational activities, saint studies, book studies, poetry, writing, speech, chess, among other things.

Second and Fourth Fridays

These Fridays are generally reserved for scheduling field trips, pilgrimages, or service projects.

Family Events

CRECHE strives to offer a variety of activities to engage our families. Family events provide an opportunity for us to gather, socialize, and have fun. Events usually begin with Mass, followed by a shared meal.

Past Family events have included:
September – Kickoff/Welcome Back Celebration
January – Epiphany Party and Nativity Play
February – Valentine’s Day Swap and Bowling Party
June – End-of-Year Celebration

Moms’ Events

Moms’ Events have included an Advent dinner, monthly book study, moms’ night out, and moms’ retreat.

FAQ

If you are interested in homeschooling but don’t know where to begin, please visit the Home School Legal Defense Association website: www.hslda.org.  CRECHE is a member organization of this important homeschooling resource. Many of your questions can be answered at their website. In addition, you will find a list of all member homeschooling groups in your area.