Religious Education Update - A Year in Review
This year has been full of blessings, Sacraments, and fun!
This year we had a total of 116 students in grades Pre-K to 8th grade.
Each week on Sunday from September to April we came together for Faith and Fun as they learned more about the love of Jesus Christ through our AMAZING teachers and from each other. In October we had a Fall Festival for our families. It was a fun time getting together and enjoying a beautiful day.
In October we again displayed the Altar of the Dead. In December we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe ( when Our Lady came to Juan Diego ) and Las Posadas ( the story of Mary and Joseph trying to find lodging for the night ). Our Hispanic Ministry brought these beautiful traditions to life.
RCIC – Rite of Christian Initiation for Children
Each Tuesday, eight young people joined Deb Schwiebert and Debbie Patronagio to catch up on their Sacraments. Each of them received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
April 27, 2025 – Confirmation with Bishop Tylka
How exciting for our Sacred Heart 8th graders to receive Confirmation from Bishop Tylka. This year’s group of 40 Confirmands were truly inspired by the amazing examples of the Saints. This year special and unique Saints were chosen to inspire and guide these young people as they continue their faith journey into adulthood. Saints like: St. Veronica, St. Blaise, St. Padre Pio, St. Roch, St. Fiacre, St. Faustina, St. Rita, St. Peter, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Dymphna. It was followed by pictures with the Bishop and a reception in the St. Damien Center.
May 4th and 11th – First Holy Communion
The Month of May ~ the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ is a perfect month to celebrate our 2nd graders receiving Jesus for the very first time.
Earlier, in March the children came together for their retreat where they made their banner and chalice, had fun and got excited to receive Jesus.
May 4th, 2025
May 11th, 2025
Service
Our 7th and 8th graders worked very hard to show the importance of helping one another. Over 1000 hours of service were done in their homes, our community, and our parish. No matter how small the deed, it was done with love and kindness.
PHOTO GALLERY
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2025
“COOL KINGDOM” MARY LEADS ME TO JESUS
Come and spend a week in HEAVEN with us!
July 7-11, 2025
Check out our website for a Registration Form
[this one has graphics, as well]
WE NEED YOU TO HELP MAKE THIS WEEK AMAZING!
We need adults to help with games, music, and snacks.
This is a win for your family…..you help, and your children attend VBS at no cost to you!!
Our AMAZING Religious Education Teachers
Without these amazing teachers we would not have the program that we have here at Sacred Heart. Our undying gratitude to:
Pre-K/K - Mandi Stout & Cheri Schloemer & Bailey
1st - Veronica Kaufmann
2nd - Sarah Rockwell,
3rd - Kathy Hoegner & Jan Ward
4th - Kaitlyn Rockwell
5th - DeAnn Gandia
6th - Rachel Rockwell
7th - Sarah Chavez
8th - Amy Mack
RCIC - Debbie Schwiebert
CLOW - Amy Mack & Vera Noe
Staff/Helpers - Angelina Vallejo, Wenndie Kline, Nataly Vallejo, Saddie Shemek
We say goodbye and well done good and faithful servant to: Sarah Rockwell, Kaitlyn Rockwell, and Wenndie Kline
What you shared with those who you touched will remain forever with them.
Our program here at Sacred Heart needs new people, innovative ideas, and new ways of sharing the faith with our students. We welcome anyone who wants to lead the class or help in the classroom or be a part of our support staff. As a thank you, your children can attend classes for no cost except the sacramental fee. Please contact Debbie Patronagio at the Lee Parish Center (309) 762-2362.
Director’s Note:
I would like to thank the following people for their support, guidance, and faith; for without them, I cannot do my job:
Father Mark, Father Matthew, Deacon Matt, Deacon Mike
The office and maintenance staff of Sacred Heart
Parents: thank you for letting us “plant the seeds” of faith in your children.
Sacred Heart Parishioners: for all your encouragement and support in what we are trying to do for our children. You are the “pillars” of our church.
The Hispanic Ministry: thank you for sharing your culture and faith.
Teachers, staff, and helpers: you are the glue that binds our program together.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.“
Thank you for serving with a willing heart and joyful spirit.
Debbie Patronagio
Director of Religious Education
Sacred Heart Parish