St Thomas - Freeport

Freeport, IL

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Dear Parishioners,

As a newly appointed associate pastor of Msgr. McDonnell, I am glad to help him in serving the parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. I am Fr. Manuel “Manny” Recera from the Philippines. I am from the Diocese of Dipolog. My bishop has allowed me serve here in the Diocese of Rockford.

I am the second child of eight children in our family. I was born on October 12, 1958. After studying my seminary formation under the St. Vincent DePaul Fathers at San Carlos Seminary, I was ordained as a priest on May 3, 1985. I served as an assistant in the parish and was a seminary formatter and Spiritual Director after my ordination. In 1990, I came to Chicago to study for my masters degree in CTU. I served at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish on Ashland Ave. and at Transfiguration Church on W. Carmen, Chicago. I returned to my home diocese in 1997 and served there as VP for three Diocesan Colleges, then I served as Associate Pastor in the Cathedral and lastly I was Rector at the Diocesan College Seminary After ten years, I decided to come back to Chicago and decided to work and serve in the Diocese of Rockford. I am glad that I am assigned here in Freeport. I served with Fr. Burt for one year and Fr. Ariel one year at St. Mary and St. Joseph Churches and now here at St. Thomas Aquinas. I have seen the beautiful churches here, I also feel the warmth and welcoming presence of the parishioners. I am certain that your love, friendship and devotion to God will make my ministry with you a wonderful and fruitful experience.

Love in Christ,

Fr. Manny

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Aquin PreSchool Openings Available

It's not too late to enroll your child in our christian-based learning environment--join 'Puppy PreSchool' today!

Aquin PreSchool has openings available in all three programs for the 2009-2010 school year. All classes are held at the PreSchool Campus located at St. Thomas Church in Freeport. The 2-Day Program is for 3 year olds on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:45-11:15am. The 3-Day Program is for 4 year olds and meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:45-11:15am. The 5-Day Program is for 4-5 year olds and meets Monday-Friday from 12:15-2:45pm. All programs implement the 'Opening the World of Learning' (OWL) Literacy Program and are recognized by the State of Illinois. Our professional staff take students on field trips, have daily online communications with parents and help students create lifelong friendships. For more information, please contact Aquin Catholic Schools at 815.232.6416 or go to our website at www.aquinschools.org.