Children

Partners in Faith is filled with actionable ideas parents will use to build a Christ-centered family life, to increase in knowledge of the Catholic faith and grow in devotion to the sacraments…all in friendly, everyday language that’s easy to read and absorb in just a few minutes.

• July & August 2023 Calendars
• June 2023
• May 2023
• April 2023
• Lent 2023
• February 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• Advent 2022
• November 2022
• October 2022
• September 2022
• July & August 2022 – calendar fun!
• June 2022
• May 2022
• Lent 2022 Calendar
• April 2022
• March 2022
• February 2022
• January 2022
• Advent 2021
• December 2021
• November 2021
• October 2021
• September 2021
• August 2021 – calendar fun!
• July 2021 – calendar fun!
• June 2021
• May 2021
• April 2021

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-2^nd), Rosary (3^rd & 4^th), Salvation History & the Mass (5^th & 6^th), and Life of Christ & Chosen (7^th & 8^th). 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!

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.

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