Pastor’s Letter: February 8, 2026

Pastor’s Letter: February 8, 2026

6 Feb 2026 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear St. Philomena Parish Families,

Know of my prayers and blessing for you all this day!  Today I’m writing just a bit earlier than usual—since I will have been away this past week for my continuing education (does anyone remember the future perfect continuous tense or the future perfect progressive tense from English class? =) ). Now that we are a couple of weeks into our launch of our Changing Lives St. Philomena Tuition Assistance Campaign, I hope you have had a chance to dive deeper into the brochure, get any questions answered, and take in the great testimonies from our students and previous grads. This week, I have some short reflections from current school parents to share. As we lead up to our commitment weekend of Feb 14-15, please continue to pray for our campaign and ask the Lord’s guidance for how you might support this good work. Know of my prayers and that I send everyone my blessing!

In Christ,
Father Luke

Testimonies from Parents of St. Philomena School Students:

“St. Philomena School has been an extraordinary blessing to our family, helping to form our children in faith, virtue, and learning in a way that reaches both their hearts and their minds. Because of tuition assistance and the generosity of our parish community, our children are able to receive a top-notch Catholic education rooted in Christ and the sacraments, surrounded by exceptional faculty and staff who genuinely care about them. A faculty member once shared that at the first faculty meeting of a school year, the principal reminded everyone that their number one goal is to help the students get to heaven—and that says everything about St. Philomena. This clear and unwavering mission, made possible by our generous parishioners, is a true gift to so many families.”

“There are no words to express how our family felt the love of Christ through the love and support of our Saint Philomena family. In a time of unexpected and devastating news, we were immediately met with emotional, spiritual and financial support. From teachers, administrative staff, our priests, and numerous families, we experienced support that was abundant, loving and generous. We are grateful for the support that this community provided at the start of our difficult journey, as well as the continued outpouring of love and support that continues to be provided.”

“St. Philomena has been so generous in helping our family with tuition during a difficult time. The tuition assistance has been such a gift to us! St. Philomena is such a wonderful community- the teachers are phenomenal, and they truly go above and beyond to help students learn. St. Philomena also has so many ways for students to grow and get involved in extracurricular activities which helps them grow. And the way the faith is communicated to our students is so beautiful during Atrium and all school Masses and Adoration. We are so grateful for the St. Philomena school community. It is truly the best and is the best gift we can give our children!”

“We are so grateful that God led us to St. Philomena School 15 years ago. Since then, we’ve had five children graduate from St. Phil’s. The experiences our children have had there shaped them into critical thinkers, problem solvers, artists, musicians, servant leaders, and ambassadors for Jesus Christ. St. Philomena School understands that there is more than just academics when it comes to developing the whole child. Their emphasis on bringing faith to life and life to faith isn’t just a motto. It is put into practice every day within the walls of the school and carried out into the community in service to others. St. Philomena School will always hold a special place in our hearts. We truly believe it is the best school around, and we wouldn’t want our children anywhere else!”

“If we had not received financial assistance over the years, we would not have been able to send our children to St. Philomena School. The generosity of others has allowed our children to experience a learning environment where they can feel safe, loved, and challenged to grow. We are incredibly thankful to those people who have donated to St. Philomena School’s Tuition Assistance Fund. Because of them, our children have received an incredible education and have grown deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. That is an immeasurable blessing!”

“We knew that St. Philomena’s had an amazing reputation as a premier private school but we did not realize the incredible lengths the parish and school community go to and all the ways they supports one another. St. Philomena School offers our children a safe school environment and community to learn and grow in their faith.”

“Academically the school is exceptionally above where our public school district currently is. I especially love the focus on our faith. The kids have taught me so much in the years we have attended than I have learned throughout my formative years, which in turn has strengthened my faith.”

“Parishioners support other families to be able to attend St. Philomena really shows the gift of God’s love and the desire to share and spread the experience for anyone who needs it. The reality is that when we first started at St. Philomena would not have been able to afford to send all our children to school without tuition assistance.”