Children

Children

“And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”    Matthew 18:5

Our children’s ministries provide opportunities for their baptismal graces to flourish as they continue to grow in relationship with God.

Resources

We are happy to subscribe to Partners In Faith newsletter. It's filled each month with good information for parents on faith-filled topics.

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Faith Formation Program

Our Faith Formation program offers formation for our parishioner children in Kindergarten - 8th grades who attend a public, non-Catholic private school or are home schooled. Offered September-May. To register your child(ren), click on View More to the right and scroll down to the registration form in this section. We will follow up with you once the registration is received. If you are new to our program, email parish@stphils.com so we can put you on our contact list.

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When We Meet

The program is offered September-May on Sunday mornings from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Detailed questions should be directed to Father David or Jenny Witt: parish@stphils.com or 309-682-8642. We will begin the 2023-24 year on Sunday, September 10 with a parent/student welcome and orientation at 10:00 a.m. Our first full class will be Sunday, September 17.  Click here for a complete calendar for 2023-24.

Fees

Fees are $40 for the first child, $30 for each additional child. There is a $50 fee for first Communion, $50 for confirmation and $25 if you need a confirmation gown. Gowns are required for confirmation, but if you have one from a sibling, friend or other family member (girls = white, boys = maroon) you do not have to purchase a new one. If you are facing a financial hardship and need assistance with fees, please reach out to Father David. No one will ever be denied participation in our programs for financial reasons. We accept exact cash or check payable to St. Philomena in the office or in our 24-hour secure drop box. If you’d like to pay your fees online, please visit our secure giving website by clicking here. 

Program

Our curriculum has two pillars: scriptures, where God invites us into a loving relationship; and sacraments, where we respond to the invitation. We utilize different tools for different grade levels that help us build on these pillars: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PreK-2nd), Rosary (3rd & 4th), Salvation History & the Mass (5th & 6th), and Life of Christ & Chosen (7th & 8th). We Are Disciples, YOUCAT, and a Bible may also utilized for 5th-8th grades. All of our catechists (teachers) are volunteers from our parish. If you are interested in being a teacher, please call the office or email faithformation@stphils.com. 

  • 2nd Grade students are finalizing their preparation for the sacraments of First Confession and First Communion. A parent meeting is held prior to the reception of the sacraments to allow the whole family to prepare together. Second graders and their family members have the opportunity to bring up the gifts at the offertory during a weekend Mass. 
  • 5th Grade students have the opportunity to become altar servers (boys and girls) beginning in 5th grade. Training sessions are required. The altar server schedule is prepared by the parish office.
  • 8th Grade students prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation, including a special enrollment Mass and an retreat held just before the sacrament is received.

Resources

Saint of the Day New Advent: Information about Catholicism Saints and Angels: Lots of biographies!

Registration Form

Sacraments:

Children's Chapel and Nursery

Our church has both a children's chapel and nursery to welcome our youngest members of the parish.

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The children’s chapel (pictured), formerly called the cry room, is located to the right of the sanctuary allowing our little children to see and hear the holy Mass. Behind the children’s chapel is our church nursery. The nursery welcomes children under the age of two with the supervision of a parent the freedom to move, crawl, toddle, and explore in quiet play while listening to the Mass. The nursery also has a changing table and nursing area for mothers.

3 Year Old Preschool

St. Philomena Parish offers a 3-year-old Montessori preschool on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00-11:00 a.m. For 2023-2024, children should be age 3 on or before September 1, 2023. Children must be able to independently use the bathroom to be in the program. Extended care is not available for students in PreK-3. An informational parent meeting for the next school year is typically held in late January/early February each year here on campus. Meet our director, Jenny Witt and head teachers, Carol Winschel and Katie Van Ryn as we overview the program, and distribute admission packets. As long as your family is registered at St. Philomena Church and we have your child's information (including birth date) you will receive our initial mailing. Feel free to contact the parish office if you are unsure of your registration status or have further questions about the program.

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Totus Tuus

Totus Tuus is a Latin phrase that means "totally yours" a motto give to us by the Pope Saint John Paull II in describing his dedication to Jesus through Mary.

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For one week during the summer, Catholic children in grades 1-12 are provided a prayer-filled environment that will help them come closer to Christ through His Mother, Mary. In 2023 Totus Tuus will dive deep into some exciting new theology. Our creative and enthusiastic team will also help youth come to know and devote themselves to Mary, Our Mother, as they study and pray! St. Philomena Parish is not a site for Totus Tuus in 2023; however, below is information on where your child can attend Totus Tuus and specific information for St. Vincent dePaul. If you are interested in attending at a different church, please contact that church directly (Diocese of Peoria parish directory). 

Totus Tuus Diocese-wide Sites

Totus Tuus at St. Vincent dePaul Parish

Participant Registration Form at SVdP

Adult Volunteer Form at SVdP

Youth Volunteer Form at SVdP

 

Registration Form

Sacraments: