Parish Catechetical Leader
Nancy Fenner

979-541-9457
*Please contact by TEXT ONLY before 5PM Monday-Friday*

MAYBE YOU COULD HELP.....

Our CCE Program requires
four (4) additional volunteers
every CCE Class night
for safety purposes. 
Two volunteers to monitor the parking lots and two volunteers
to monitor the school hallways.

Contact Nancy Fenner to sign up -
no long-term commitment!

Must have Safe Environment Training prior.
Go to victoriadiocese.org
and follow "SAFE ENVIRONMENT"
link to sign up.

May 15, 2020
St.  Philip First Communion Parents:
     The First Communion date has been set for Sunday, May 31^st.  We are happy that this special  day is happening soon.  Due to the social distancing protocols, we will have two masses, 10:00 am. and 2:00 pm.  There WILL NOT be a practice on the Saturday before the Sunday First Holy Communion masses. 
The Church is allowed to have only twenty-five percent in attendance due to the social distancing guidelines.  Therefore, only the communicant and his/her parents will be allowed to attend the assigned mass.  This means a total of 3.  To make seating easier, we will have assigned seating for you in the pews.  Your name will be on the assigned pew.  Ushers will give guidance to where your pew is located.  We thank you in advance for understanding these unusual times.
The dress is Sunday best.  We do not require any certain dress for your child. We want it to be modest and age appropriate.  Please do not have spaghetti straps unless a short jacket is used.  Sleeveless dresses are permitted.  White gloves may be worn, but must be taken off before receiving Holy Communion.  Suggestions:  white or pastel dresses for the girls; suit or slacks including a solid colored shirt with a collar is suggested for the boys.  A white mask will be provided for the communicant by St. Philip Church.  It is highly suggested for parents to wear a mask as well. 
No videos or picture-taking are permitted during mass and receiving holy communion.  Glen Frels will be taking a picture of each child receiving the Body of Christ.  NO group picture will be taken after mass due to COVID-19 protocols. 
Those needing religious articles blessed, please bring them to mass with you and Father Michael will bless them at the closing of mass.
It is extremely important that your child goes to reconciliation before receiving his/her First Holy Communion.  It is available this Thursday, 7:00-9:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am.-12:00 pm.  Please check the church’s website for the days and times for the following two weeks.  Your child will have the opportunity of at least six different days to do this.  Please do not wait until the Saturday before the Sunday your child receives his/her First Holy Communion.  Upon arrival for reconciliation, please enter the glass doors at the entrance of the church. Please line up on a blue tape on the St. Joseph side of the church.  Enter the sacristy through the side doorway.  Walk up to the screen and start your confession.  Penance should take place after leaving the church. 
Upon arrival to mass, please drop your child off at the Mikeska Fellowship Hall.  Please do not bring your child  more than thirty minutes before mass time.  We will have chairs set up for your child to sit in while waiting to go to mass.  When your child arrives, an adult will hand him/her a white mask before entering the building.  After leaving your child with us, you are welcomed to go over to the church and be seated in your assigned pew. 
During communion, your child needs to be sitting at the end of the pew.  Father Michael will bring communion to your child.  Please remove your child’s mask before he/she steps out into the aisle (whether seated on the side or in the middle aisle) to receive Holy Communion. 
Reminder:  Glen Frels will follow Father Michael and snap an individual picture of your child receiving the Body of Christ.  Order forms with envelopes will be by the glass doors at the entrance of the church.  Picture orders may be placed in a basket provided. 
If you have any questions, please call the rectory.

If you are not a REGISTERED member of St. Philip the Apostle Parish, you will need to provide a letter from the pastor of your registered parish stating the reason(s) you are wanting your child to attend the St. Philip the Apostle CCE program.  This letter must be turned in at the same time as the registration forms.  This letter will be required yearly.

ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS NEED TO BE ASSISTING AT MASS
-As Altar Servers, Hospitality, Ushers, or Choir Members. 
This is part of your Confirmation requirement. 

Parents are the primary religious educators of their children. (CCC1653)
The home is where a child should first experience the Catholic Faith.
Our CCE program aims to work in partnership with parents,
in order to assist them in living that faith.
CCE Teachers complement your child's religious education, not replace the catechesis that children should be receiving in the home.

  




As baptized Catholics, we need to grow in our own faith and spirituality
and share our faith with the next generation of Catholics.
 
What is a Catechist?
Anyone sharing and passing on our wonderful Catholic Faith is considered a catechist.
The word “catechist” literally means “to echo.”
A catechist echoes the Word of God to his/her young disciples.
We do not teach a subject, we teach a life-style…the Catholic-Christian, life-style.
 
What qualifications do I have to have to become a Catechist?
If you are a faith-filled individual, enjoy being with children,
are dedicated to the Catholic faith,
and feel that God is calling you to get more involved…
YOU may be just the person we are looking for.
 
What about training and support?
Most potential catechists do NOT have a degree in education or religion or theology.
A degree is not required. 
We Will Help You.
Training, assistance and support will be provided.
There will be simple workshops and classes offered throughout the year.
You can choose to attend (OR complete online!) any number of training or
enrichment sessions to further your own understanding of the faith and your skills as a catechist.
The Catechist manuals are also a tremendous help to the first time catechist.
They are written specifically for volunteers who have NO previous experience in Religious Education. The manuals offer creative ideas and tips for each lesson being presented.

Help yourself by helping us!

As you nurture the faith of our young,
you will grow in your own faith, learn the teachings of the Church,
and deepen your relationship with Jesus!

You will be handing on a
2000-year-old Tradition that changes lives. 

You will be challenged, you will have fun, you will be evangelizing!!

Ask yourself in prayer and
respond without fear!! 

As you prepare and while you teach, you will discover that
YOU are also learning more about our faith!

Please pray for the success of our CCE Program,
the Volunteers, and the students.