“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.
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.
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Faith Formation Program
Our Faith Formation program offers formation for our parishioner children in 1st - 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.
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 2022-23 year on Sunday, September 11 with a parent/student welcome and orientation at 10:00 a.m. Our first full class will be Sunday, September 18. Click here for a complete schedule for 2022-23.
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. The students participate in a “Jesus Day” retreat held during the week prior to making the sacrament. The retreat includes a tour of the church, an opportunity to go to confession, crafts, baking bread, and a special lunch. A parent meeting is held prior to the reception of the sacraments to allow the whole family to prepare together.
- 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 all-day retreat held off-campus just before the sacrament is received.
Resources
Saint of the Day New Advent: Information about Catholicism Saints and Angels: Lots of biographies!
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. and an afternoon program 12:00-3:00 p.m. For 2022-2023, children should be age 3 on or before September 1, 2022. 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 teacher, Carol Winschel 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.
Children's Chapel and Nursery
Our church has both a children's chapel and nursery to welcome our youngest members of the parish.
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.