Elementary Formation - (Directives per the Diocese of Ft. Worth):
Currently, St. Philip does not offer a formal preschool formation program. However, there are many simple and life-giving practices families can participate in as The Domestic Church, to help form preschool age children in the Catholic faith. We are here to support you!
1. If you don't already do so, pray daily with your child. Here are some suggestions...
During the fall semester, please go to the Home Study K-6th tab for more information. Or you may choose to use the suggestions for Preschool children as they will also work well for K-1st graders.
A second grader who has been baptized in the Catholic Church and is seven or older will prepare for First Penance/First Communion. Please click on First Communion to read about this preparation process and to enroll your child.
Please note: if your 2nd grader is your only child, the only formation classes you’ll attend for the year are the sacramental preparation classes found on the First Communion page.
This program has been adjusted to virtual for the fall semester. Enrollment opens September 22, 2020.
Children in 3rd-6th grades will meet monthly through Zoom on either Sunday afternoons from 1-1:45PM or Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:15PM.
Topics third through sixth graders will explore include Angels and Saints, Sacraments, The Holy Family, The Holy Trinity, The Bible, Prayers, The Liturgical Year and so much more! Through community with other children, they will dive deeper in learning Faith topics.
Dates for Zoom Classes:
Sundays 1-1:45PM
Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 21, (no March class), April 18, May 16
If your family would like to enroll in Home Study/Online Formation for the 2020-2021 school year, email Kim at kimc@stphilipcc.org. Read about the various online options we support this year.
For K-6th families who would like their children to receive Formation exclusively at home during the 2020-2021 school year, we have various options to consider. For families who enjoy workbook learning, consider a Workbook Curriculum. For families who like online learning, Online Programs may be a good option for you. For families who enjoy reading and sharing, consider doing a Book Study (or even a few!) by reading good spiritual books throughout the course of the school year. Options for each of these learning styles are listed below. If you have any questions regarding these recommendations, please reach out to Kim Carr for help and support.
[Workbook Curriculum]
Family of Faith is one of the curriculums we incorporated in our Family Sessions during the 2019-2020 school year. Families interested in using this curriculum in 2020-2021, will receive new themed workbooks for the year including one Parent Guide and Student Workbooks for each child. Workbooks can be used as desired since they incorporate activities for all ages. Parents are responsible for purchasing the books after enrollment. This option applies to 3rd-6th graders. Website: https://families.sophiainstitute.com/
Be My Disciples was a curriculum used in previous years with our Elementary Formation program and it shares the Christian story using reflection on Scripture and doctrine, plus a prayer celebration in every class and during all the major seasons of the Church year. Parents will receive one Teacher's manual and a grade level student workbook for grades K-6th grades. Parents are responsible for purchasing the books after enrollment.
Website: https://rclbenziger.com/be-my-disciples-parish-products
[Online Programs]
3rd-4th Book Recommendations: A Picture of God, 3 in 1 by Joanne Marxhausen, My Path to Heaven by Geoffrey Bliss, Shadow in the Dark by Antony Barone Kolene, Shh...God is in the Silence by Fiona Basile
Volunteers
Elementary sessions require the help of a core group of adult and teen volunteers. If you're interested in helping, here are the different roles you can serve in...
INTERESTED IN SERVING in Elementary Formation?
- Greeting & Snack Team: Welcome the children with a friendly face and warm ‘hello!’ You will keep attendance, monitor the restrooms and help with setting out snacks and clean up.
- Activity Team: Help plan and lead with other members of a core group an interactive and fun activity to help the youth build relationships and enjoy their time.
All Are Welcome
We realize that all children learn differently, and that all children have their own individual needs. If your child needs special assistance of any kind, please make us aware of those needs. By sharing this information, we can then modify class material, recruit additional aides, or advise the catechist of your child's learning differences. Please contact Kim Carr for more information.
Preparing for the Sacraments?
See the First Communion page for more information.
Safe Environment Policies
Anyone having contact with our children and youth in Formation is required to fulfill the Diocese of Fort Worth's Safe Environment program. This includes a Volunteer Ministry Application with references, a criminal background check, and attendance of a Safe Environment Awareness Session. After the initial session, volunteers must attend a renewal session every two years. Visit our Safe Environment page for more information.