Back in class, Family Mass and First Communions

The Next Family Mass is April 28

Vacation Bible School and Totus Tuus
summer programs

Religious Education Registration is now available

Tax Credit Scholarships will be available

McLoraine Scholarships for High School

Partners

with

Families
in Faith

St. Emily and St. Thomas Becket Parishes

April 23, 2019

Dear Families,

On April 24 (May 1 for the second grade), we will offer the mandatory child protection training required by the United States Bishops. Please see below for more details.

We have a big weekend coming up. Some of our students will be celebrating their First Holy Communions on Sunday, April 28. Please keep them in your prayers.

At the 9:30 AM mass on April 28 at St. Emily, we will have a Family Mass. There are still many ways that you can participate in this monthly event. Check out the details and sign up below.

It is time to register for next year (deadline is June 1 to avoid a late fee) as well as for our summer programs, Vacation Bible School and Totus Tuus.

I'm pleased to announce that our Lenten Penny Slam for Fields of Life raised $289.31. The class that won will be announced at our May Crowning on May 8.

The information about the McLoraine Scholarship, which is awarded to St. Emily parishioners who wish to attend Catholic high schools , is here. Please look it over and apply!

In addition, if you thought you could never afford Catholic school tuition, you will want to check out the information about the Tax Credit Scholarships. Due to a generous donation by a parishioner, there are funds available for qualifying families.

Child Protection Training

Mandatory class for all levels

On April 24 (May 1 for second grade), we will offer the required Safe Environment Training for all students. This is part of the agreement that the United States Bishops made in 2002 as one aspect of the program to combat child sexual abuse.

The training is structured in such a way that students are given age-appropriate lessons and materials to help them understand how to say 'no' to predatory behavior.

Of course, parents may preview the materials before they are presented. Please contact Cathy Crino to see the materials ahead of time.

You also have the choice to opt out of the lesson entirely.

In order to do so, please return this form to the Religious Education office.

Family Mass

Join us on April 28 at 9:30 AM

Family Mass is a great opportunity to not only worship together, but to minister together.

Each month, different families sign up to be the greeters, readers and gift bearers for our community.

The next mass of the year is Sunday, April 28 at 9:30 AM. You can sign up here.

The greeters will welcome parishioners upon their arrival to mass and hand out bulletins as they leave.
Two readers will read the first and second readings.
The gifts of bread and wine can be brought to the altar by the whole family.

For more information and to sign up, go here.

Registration for our Religious Education Program

Register now for 2019-2020

We are proud of the quality programs we offer to the families of St. Emily and St. Thomas Becket parishes. We hope you join us for the coming school year.

It is essential for a child's strong development in the faith that he or she be enrolled in each year of grade school.

Enroll now for 2019-2020 - and make sure you get the Early Bird rate. After June 1, families pay an additional $25.

Preschool and Kindergarten children are welcome to enroll in the St. Emily Sunday School which takes place during the 9:30 AM mass.

Totus Tuus

June 16 to June 21

This summer, St. Emily and St. Alphonsus Liguori Parishes are hosting Totus Tuus, a one-week summer Catholic youth program named after Pope John Paul II's motto, "Totally Yours".

The program is dedicated to sharing the Gospel through catechesis, Christian witness, Eucharistic worship and Marian devotion. As well as having fun, young attendees will also grow in their faith and learn more about Catholic tradition.

Vacation Bible School

July 22 to 26

Join us in ancient Athens, as we meet St. Paul and the early church there. VBS is a grand adventure exploring the Scriptures, the culture and art, food and crafts, science and games of the Greek world. Check out the last few years of fun.

Rising Kindergarten through fifth graders can register here.

Rising sixth graders through adults are welcome to volunteer.

Applying for a Tax Credit Scholarship

A way to afford a Catholic School education for your child

Through the "Invest in Kids Act," tax credit scholarships are available to Illinois children, in grades K-12, from low-income households who want to attend private schools, including our 209 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

This program started during the 2018/19 school year and many families in our Catholic schools are benefiting. The scholarships are funded by donors who receive a 75 percent credit on their Illinois state income tax as a result of their donation.

The scholarships offered through the program could cover up to 100 percent of tuition and eligible fees for one year and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis, subject to the availability of funds.

To find out more about eligibility and application, go here.

Dates to Save