Children’s Ministry

St. Mary’s Basilica utilizes Pflaum Gospel Weeklies Faith Formation Program for its religious education of children and families.  Each lesson in Pflaum Gospel Weeklies Faith Formation Program flows from the words of Jesus Christ in the Sunday Gospels.  Children learn their faith – including instructions in doctrine, sacraments, commandments, and prayer – within the rhythms and season of the liturgical year, encouraging a growing participation in the life of the parish community.

Why we use Pflaum Gospel Weeklies?:  Handout-for-Families

What are the components of the program?

Our program consists of a faith formation handbook – What the Church Believes and Teaches – for each child, plus 32 weekly Gospel-based lessons.  Together they provide a unique alternative to the traditional textbook or spending more time in front of a computer.  We provide the weekly guides after each session and online access to additional resources.

How do the handbook and weekly lessons work together?

The handbook leads children to understand the basics of the Catholic faith; the weekly guides inspire them to seek out ways to practice their faith in their daily lives. A special section in the weekly guides integrates each lesson with doctrine in the handbook.

How does the program involve parents?

Gospel Weeklies handout provides the most effective communication tool between parent and parish of any program on the market.  Every session reinforces the need for parents and children to actively participate in the Sunday Mass and the life of the Church.

Sample Parent Handout:  Gospel-at-Home

Is the program in conformity with the Catechism?

All five editions of Pflaum Gospel Weeklies: What the Church Believes and Teaches have been found in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and meet the requirements for children’s religious education in the Diocese of Phoenix.

Preview your child’s weekly handout resource?

Children are divided into four sections, which are:  Promise: 1st Grade; Good News for Children: 2nd and 3rd Grade; Venture: 4th, 5th and 6th Grade; and Visions: 7th and 8th Grade.  You can preview a sample lesson below for each section.

Good News for Children:  2nd and 3rd Grade
Sample Lesson:  Preview Pages

Venture:  4th, 5th, and 6th Grade

Vision:  7th, 8th and 9th Grade

Registration and Schedule Information for 2023-2024:

Registration Form:  Registration Form 2023-2024

• Download the registration form and fill it out completely.  Handwriting needs to be legible.
• Return the form and payment to one of the below registration and orientation dates.
  We ask parents/caregivers to sit through an orientation before registering their child.  Safe Environment Course will also be required.
  • July 9, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • July 16, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • July 23, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • July 30, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • August 6, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • August 13, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • August 20, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • August 27, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • September 3, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Last Day to Register)

Payment Plan Form:  Payment Plan Form 2023-2024
If you need financial assistance in paying the registration fee please download and complete the above form and bring it to one of the above registration and orientation Sundays.

Parent and Caregiver’s Letter:  Introduction Letter
Children’s Faith Formation Schedule: Children’s Faith Formation Schedule 2023-2024
Gospel Weeklies Handout: Handout-for-Families
Parent Sessions Handout: Parent Chat with Sister Pat

For More Information

Coordinator of Children Ministry
Theresa Rodriguez
Phone:  (602) 354-2068
Email: [email protected]

Director of Faith Development
Br. Scott Slattum, OFM
Phone: 602-354-2082
Email: [email protected]