Religious Education for Youth
Religious Education classes are provided each week September through May. The child’s age as of August 15 and their school grade level are the basis for placement in a particular class. Parishioners serve as catechists (teachers). Our Curriculum includes a diocesan required child safety component for students in grades K-12. There are training workshops throughout the year for the teachers.
Myra Huddleston
Director of Faith Formation
615-550-2837
MHuddleston@StPhilipFranklin.com
Juan Magaña
Assistant Director for Youth & Young Adults Ministries
615-239-5632
JMagana@StPhilipFranklin.com
Marielena Gonzalez
Assistant to the Director of Faith Formation
615-550-2831
MGonzalez@StPhilipFranklin.com
Maria Herrera
Assistant Director for Youth Catechesis
615-550-2840
MHerrera@StPhilipFranklin.com
Our Programs
All Families in our Religious Education program are expected to participate in a home study program, “A Family of Faith.” Included with this are monthly formation meetings for parents.
And…
Preschool-Kindergarten students will be placed in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Students in 1st-6th Grade religious education can also enroll in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), a Montessori-based curriculum, or “Spirit of Truth,” a book-based curriculum. Students in 7th & 8th grades should enroll in Confirmation Classes.
Religious Education Classes
Family Catechesis
K-8th Grade
Maria Herrera
Assistant Director for Youth Catechesis
MHerrera@StPhilipFranklin.com
A Family of Faith by the Sophia Institute, is an at-home, self-paced book program to encourage and equip parents to fulfill their God-given duty and privilege of educating their children in the Catholic Faith. A Family of Faith covers the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in four years. One special advantage of teaching children catechism at home is that it is an opportunity to draw your family closer together. It also can be the occasion for correcting any errors that your children might have picked up, whether they go to Catholic or public school. This program is a great addition to any religious education that you or your children are enrolled in. Family of Faith reinforces our Catholic traditions and our baptismal promise to our children.
A Family of Faith creates communities of families who grow in faith and in relationship with one another. Catholic families not only learn the Faith but live it fully, becoming lifelong disciples.
Pope St. John Paul II, in Catechesi Tradendae, wrote “Family catechesis… precedes, accompanies and enriches all other forms of catechesis. Thus there cannot be too great an effort on the part of Christian parents to prepare for this ministry of being their own children’s catechists and to carry it out with tireless zeal.”
CGS (Montessori-based)
3 Years Old – 6th Grade
Maria Herrera
Assistant Director for Youth Catechesis
MHerrera@StPhilipFranklin.com
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, our faith formation program for children 3 years old to 6th grade, is a distinct approach to Catechesis, through which the youngest children develop deep, lifelong relationships with Christ and His Church.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori approach to Religious Education. The program is rich in education around Liturgy and Bible. Good Shepherd has three multi-age levels for children beginning at age 3 through 6th grade. Each level builds progressively on the next. More about CGS
Spirit of Truth (book-based)
1st-6th Grade
Maria Herrera
Assistant Director for Youth Catechesis
MHerrerr@StPhilipFranklin.com
Spirit of Truth, a book-based classroom K-8 religious education program, takes students on an immersive and memorable journey through the Catholic Faith.
Sacrament Preparation
First Communion
Maria Herrera
Assistant Director for Youth Catechesis
MHerrera@StPhilipFranklin.com
Appropriate Sacramental Formation is critical to the proper reception and life-long practice of the Sacraments. To that end, all students wishing to receive any sacrament must attend Religious Education Faith Formation classes for the two years prior to the sacrament being received with a minimum of 75% attendance.
During the first and second year, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level II students prepare for and celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time. Parents have an important role in the preparation for these sacraments; and are asked to attend the 6 mandatory Meditation Series evenings with their child. All meetings are held for the purpose of presenting talks on the respective Sacraments, and all details related to the Sacraments. Parents are also encouraged to attend Adult Faith Formation as they continue their own faith formation journey.
Confirmation
Juan Magaña
Assistant Director for Youth & Young Adults Ministries
JMagana@StPhilipFranklin.com
Confirmation Preparation
Grades 7–8
Confirmation preparation at St. Philip is a two-year journey that helps young people know God, love Him more deeply, serve Him and their neighbor, and be sent as witnesses of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Through weekly Faith Formation, prayer, the sacraments, retreats, service, and family support, candidates are invited to grow in their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God and prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation with faith, confidence, and joy.
Registered Confirmation families can use our Confirmation Parent Portal to find schedules, lessons, forms, requirements, retreat information, sponsor and saint details, prayer resources, and important updates.
Confirmation Parent Portal (Access granted after initial Parent Meeting Aug 30)
Want to learn more or register?
The Confirmation Parent Portal is mainly for families who are already registered for Confirmation preparation at St. Philip. If you are new to the program, discerning whether your child is ready for Confirmation, or looking for registration information, we invite you to visit our public Confirmation page for an overview of youth Confirmation preparation.
Teen OCIA
Juan Magaña
Assistant Director for Youth & Young Adults Ministries
JMagana@StPhilipFranklin.com
Teen OCIA is for teens past 8th grade looking to be confirmed or teens who never received baptism and or 1st communion.
Teen OCIA students are asked to attend weekly Faith Formation sessions with a minimum of 85% attendance.
For Teen OCIA we utilize “Journey of Faith” for Teens by Liguori publications. Drawing from the success of their long-standing adult initiation series, this curriculum presents the Catholic faith to young people in a way that connects with their real-life experiences. It offers a dynamic, teen-friendly approach to OCIA that encourages genuine engagement. Because teens learn best when they’re actively involved, the program blends hands-on activities, group conversations, and personal reflection. Each lesson equips teens with a solid understanding of the faith while inviting them to reflect on what that faith means for their own lives. in addition to the weekly class, Teen OCIA students are also required to come to Connect, our high school youth group.
By fostering a deeper understanding of their faith and identity as beloved children of God, the curriculum helps students build a strong foundation to live out their Catholic faith confidently and joyfully.
Each year of the Confirmation preparation process has specific requirements tailored to help students grow in faith and service. In general, they should expect to:
- Attend Sunday Mass
- If baptized can participate in the sacraments like reconciliation.
- Family Catechesis participation.
- Attend mandatory retreats to deepen their spiritual journey.
- Complete ministry service within the church, 2 service events minimum.
These experiences are designed to nurture a sense of responsibility, compassion, and a deeper connection to Christ and His Church.
Youth Ministry
Ordered by age group
Vacation Bible School
Maria Herrera
Assistant Director for Youth Catechesis
MHerrerr@StPhilipFranklin.com
VBS is held during one week in June. Religious concepts and scripture passages are taught through various activities including drama, art, crafts, music, games and science for our PreK through 5th graders. VBS needs volunteers as teachers and in various activity areas.
Our VBS Page
Fraternus
Scott Schwieger, Ministry Lead
Fraternus@StPhilipMinistries.com
For over ten years Fraternus has been mentoring 6th – 12th grade boys into virtuous Catholic men. The program works because it is more than a program – it is a brotherhood. Fraternus does not begin in a technique or system, but in trusting the teachings of the Catholic Church and in having a solid philosophy and anthropology (an understanding of the needs and nature of man). In other words, “what we do” works because of “who we are.” Join our brotherhood! We have Frat Nights on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM in the Community Center.
Help us launch Stella Maris
Seeking a Ministry Lead,
jmagana@stphilipfranklin.com
A Catholic mentorship and formation program for young women
Stella Maris is a new ministry being developed at St. Philip for girls in grades 6th–12th and adulthood. Inspired by Mary, Star of the Sea, this program will help young women grow as beloved daughters of God through prayer, virtue, sisterhood, mentorship, retreats, and Catholic formation.
Before we officially launch, we are looking for women of the parish who feel called to help build and lead this ministry. You do not need to be perfect, have all the answers, or have years of ministry experience. We are looking for faithful women who love the Lord, love the Church, and desire to walk with young women as they grow in confidence, holiness, and friendship with Christ.
Women who serve with Stella Maris may help as mentors, small group leaders, prayer partners, or behind-the-scenes support.
If you are a woman of the parish and would like to learn more, we invite you to express your interest below.
Help us form the next generation of Catholic women — rooted in Christ, formed in virtue, and sent with hope.
Edge & Connect
Middle & High School
Juan Magaña
Assistant Director for Youth & Young Adults Ministries
JMagana@StPhilipFranklin.com
Edge & Connect are the youth ministry programs at St. Philip for middle school and high school students. Edge serves students in grades 6th–8th, while Connect serves students in grades 9th–12th. Both groups meet on Wednesday nights from 6:30–8:30 PM during the school year (Sep-May). Each night includes dinner, fellowship, games or activities, Catholic teaching, small group conversation, and prayer.
Our goal is to give young people a place to encounter Christ, build healthy friendships, ask honest questions, and grow as joyful Catholic disciples. Registered families receive access to our private Edge & Connect Parent Portal, where parents can find the calendar, forms, reminders, retreat information, and important updates for the year.
9th graders who may be attending Confirmation 2 are still welcome to join us for Connect in addition to their Sacrament preparation. Teen OCIA students are required to come to Connect.
Get Updates:
Youth Announcements
Hover over an item to see its title. Click for more information.
Registration
Religious Education Registration
- $50 – 1 child
- $100 – 2 children
- $125 – 3 children
- $150 4 or more children
No one will be refused faith formation based on the inability to pay fees. If any of the financial obligations present a hardship for you please contact Ana Zarraga at (615) 550-2835.
Volunteer with Youth & Faith Formation
Faith Formation and Youth Ministry at St. Philip are made possible through the generosity of parishioners who give their time, prayer, and witness to help young people and families come to know, love, and serve God and neighbor.
There are many ways to serve, including catechists, classroom assistants, Confirmation small group leaders, Edge and Connect Core Team members, hall monitors, prayer team members, dinner helpers, retreat support, and ministries such as Fraternus and Stella Maris.
Whether you feel called to teach, mentor, welcome families, prepare meals, pray, or help behind the scenes, we would love to help you find a place to serve.
Faith Formation
Serve as a catechist, classroom assistant, CGS assistant, substitute helper, hall monitor, or prayer team member for children and families in Faith Formation.
Confirmation & Youth Ministry
Walk with middle school and high school students through Confirmation preparation, Edge, Connect, small groups, hospitality, retreats, and special events.
Support & Hospitality
Help with meals, check-in, set-up, clean-up, parent hospitality, behind-the-scenes support, or prayer for students, families, and volunteers.
All adults who serve with children or youth must complete the required Safe Environment process before beginning ministry. If you are not sure whether your training is current, we will help you with the next steps.
Not sure where you fit yet? That is perfectly okay. The volunteer interest form above will help us learn more about your gifts, availability, and areas of interest so we can help you discern the best place to serve.
Our Class Schedule
Age/Class
Meeting Time
“Spirit of Truth” (book-based)
Grades 1-6
Children in grades 1-6 can be placed in CGS (Montessori) or book-based religious education.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Montessori-based)
Level 1, 2 & 3 Ages 3—12
Level 1 ~ Ages 3-6 years
Level 2 ~ Ages 6-9 years
Level 3 ~ Ages 9-12 years
Your child must be 3 years old by August 15th 2025.
Please note St Philip Learning Center Students will receive Religious Education Formation during their Learning Center classes and will not need to attend a separate atrium session.
1st Year Confirmation
Must be 7th Grade or older
2nd Year Confirmation
Completed 1st Yr Confirmation
PRE SCHOOL – 6TH IN ENGLISH
Sunday – 9:45 to 11am
Wednesday – 5:00 to 6:30pm
CONFIRMATION IN ENGLISH
Sunday – 9:45 to 11am or 11:30am to 12:45pm
Wednesday – 5:00 to 6:15pm
TEEN OCIA
Wednesday – 5:00 to 6:15pm
IN SPANISH (CGS & Bookbased)
Sunday – 11:30am to 12:45pm
Connect (High School)
Wednesday, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Edge (Middle School)
Wednesday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Fraternus (6th-12th Grade Boys)
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Stella Maris (6th-12th Grade Girls)
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm