GENERAL INFORMATION:

Click here to download a PDF version of the Handbook.

1. Sacramental Preparation:

The sacraments of 1st Reconciliation, 1st Holy Communion, and Confirmation are two year programs. Students must complete two years of Sacramental Preparation and instruction prior to making their Sacrament.

2. It is the Diocese’s mandate that each child be enrolled in a religious education program two years prior to receiving the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation:

Class attendance is required. Attendance will be taken during each class session. Parents are required to call the Aimee Thomas (Faith Formation Coordinator) at 815-342-6318 or email at [email protected] to excuse an absence and discuss makeup work. Students are required to make up any missing class work. Parents will be contacted after two absences. If a child is absent more than three times, a conference may be arranged between parents, teacher, Pastor and Coordinator.

3. Chastity / Safe Environment Programs:

All Faith Formation students are taught an age appropriate lesson on Chastity and Safe Environment. All parents are required to sign a permission form prior to this lesson being taught. If parents do not wish for their child to be included in the lesson, the parents must communicate this with the Coordinator and the lesson will be sent home.

4. Behavior:

All behavior expectations will be displayed and discussed on the first day of Faith Formation class. Students and parents are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate Christian fashion. This includes behavior before, during, and after class as well as in the church. If a child's behavior disrupts the learning environment, the child will be removed from the classroom for a discussion with the Coordinator. If disruptive behavior persists, parents will be contacted for early pick-up and an appropriate behavior plan will be developed to ensure the behavior ceases. If this disruptive behavior is not corrected the child will be removed from the program. The parents will then set up a meeting with Father Burt and the Coordinator to develop a plan either for home study or earn the privilege of returning to Faith Formation class.

• Level One:
  Removal from classroom, discussion with Coordinator, return to class
• Level Two:
  Removal from classroom, parent contact, early pick-up, meeting with parents and behavior plan prior to return to class.
• Level Three:
  Removal from the classroom, parent contact, early pick-up, meeting with parents, Coordinator and Father Burt. All parties will discuss and plan for future Faith Formation.

5. Service within our Church:

All Faith Formation families are asked to dedicate some time serving our church. Many opportunities are available throughout the year. I agree to pursue an opportunity to serve our church either as an adult or assist my child/children in serving.

6. Dismissal / Pick Up:

Parents of students grades 1st and 2nd must come to the classroom for pick up unless teacher communicates differently. Doors will stay locked until pick up time. Staff will monitor parking lot dismissal.

7. Contact Information:

St. Peter’s Catholic Church Website:
StPeterCatholicChurch.org

St. Peter’s Faith Formation e-mail: [email protected].

In case of emergency you may call or text Aimee Thomas at 815-342-6318.

8. Communication:

Teachers will email families directly regarding homework and missed work. Parents should email both teacher and Coordinator to report an absence. The BAND site will be used for general announcements and information. Turn on notifications in your phone settings.

9. Fees:

All fees must be paid in full according to the specifics of the registration form. Families who need financial assistance due to hardship should contact the parish office to discuss a payment plan.

10. Registration:

Registration forms for the upcoming year are available in the Parish Office, the church, and on the website beginning in June.

11. Weather Emergencies/School Closings:

In the event of a school closing a mass email and text message will be sent. St. Peter’s Church will also follow decisions made by Districts #2 and #157. Please check text messages and email often on Faith Formation days especially if the weather is questionable. If you are concerned about a class contact the Coordinator at 815-342-6318.

12. Food/Snacks:

The classroom teacher may provide snack for the students or a snack/dinner schedule may be determined per class. Parents must communicate all food allergies to the teacher.

13. Mass Attendance:

Mass attendance for Catholics is vital for our spiritual development and growth, and is essential for all St. Peter's Faith Formation families. Our Catholic faith can’t be learned and practiced in only 1.5 hrs of Faith Formation class per week. If it becomes evident that a student is not participating in weekly Mass a meeting will be set up with Mrs. Thomas.

14. Education for Staff and Volunteers:

All St. Peter’s Faith Formation volunteers are required to complete Protecting God’s Children mandated Rockford Diocese program. In addition all Catechists and assistants over 18 are subject to a background check prior to working with children. If you are interested in becoming a catechist or assistant contact the Coordinator.

Requirements,Tuition and Fees

Tuition is based on the number of children a family has enrolled in the program. Tuition increases by $20 if received after July 18.

Registration Form

"*" indicates required fields

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Family Last Name*

Mother's Name*

First Last

Father's Name*

First Last

Are you a registered parishioner at St. Peter's*

Yes

No

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific State ZIP Code

Mother's Cell Phone*

Father's Cell Phone*

Email Address*

*Please note we will be using the BAND app as our primary method of communication. An invite will be sent to each family prior to the start of the year.

All classes will take place on Sunday evening on an alternating basis.

Registration for students in Grades 1-8

Student(s)

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Maximum number of students reached.

For Parental Review*

EMPOWERING GOD’S CHILDREN: The Diocese of Rockford requires that all students be given the opportunity to participate in an age appropriate lesson on chastity and feeling safe in our environment.

My child WILL participate in the Empowering God’s Children lesson during class.

I DO NOT want my child participating in the Empowering God’s Children lesson during class. My child/children will stay home or go to another classroom on the date the lesson is taught.

Is there any information regarding your child's learning environment you would like to share with our team? 

Photographs*

I give permission for my child to be photographed during Faith Formation class. Photo of my child may be uploaded to a photo site and distributed for St. Peter’s Church use.

Yes

No

Mass attendance*

I understand and agree to attend Mass weekly. In the unfortunate event where my family and I are unable to attend Mass in person, it is my responsibility to ensure my family watches Mass online. However, I understand online Mass is not an acceptable substitute for attending weekly Mass in person.

Yes

No

Discipline*

I understand and agree to the behavior procedures as stated within this handbook.

Yes

No

Discipline*

I understand and agree to the behavior procedures as stated within this handbook.

Yes

No

Chastity / Safe Environment*

I understand and agree that my child will be taught an age appropriate lesson on Chastity and Safe Environment.

Yes

No

Service within our Church*

I understand and agree that our family will pursue opportunities to serve our church either as an adult or assist my child/children in serving.

Yes

No

Faith Formation Handbook Agreement*

I have read the 2026-2027 Faith Formation handbook and I will follow the guidelines outline within this handbook.

Signature*

Click here to download the Faith Formation Calendar