St. Julie Billiart Parish uses art to engage students with their faith

Ryan Vieck traces the artwork he created as part of his project. Young people work on “stained glass” images representing mysteries of the rosary during a sacred art class at St. Julie Billiart Parish in Tinley Park on April 26, 2025. The class began in February to teach the faith through art. Students created a project for the parish's passion play, will have their stained glass displayed in the parish hall and will complete a personal project that will be unveiled during a gathering in July. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Ergel Manuel adds color to artwork of the Blessed Mother. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Nilo Anderson looks over his work and determines next steps. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Vielle Manuel talks through a step in her picture with Pat Langevin, a parishioner and art teacher assisting in the class. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Nathan Roy, Director of Lifelong Formation, assists Patrick Schaffer while Sophia Roy and Amelia Vieck work on a drawing of the Blessed Mother. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Patrick Schaffer and Roy have a little fun with the stone the class made as part of the set for the parish’s Passion Play during Holy Week. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Perla Anderson traces the artwork she just created as part of her project. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)