• PREP

-          Faith is not something that can be taught. No matter how well instructed the child is in the religious education program, faith is grown and fostered primarily in the home through prayer, sharing of religious traditions, and participation in the liturgical, sacramental and communal life of the parish. IT IS THE PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY TO FOSTER FAITH AT HOME PRIMARILY THROUGH PRAYER, FAITH TRADITIONS AND BRINGING YOUR CHILD TO MASS WEEKLY.  IF YOU ARE NOT DOING THIS, PLEASE PRAYERFULLY RECONSIDER.  We assume you bring your child to us for sacramental preparation and religious education because you want your child to be grounded in a religious tradition and grow in faith and moral virtues. That will not happen without your commitment and participation.  BY SIGNING THE PARENT AGREEMENT FORM ON PAGE 5 OF THIS BOOKLET, YOU ARE MAKING A COMMITMENT TO FOSTER FAITH IN YOUR HOME AND ATTEND MASS WEEKLY AND ON HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION WITH YOUR CHILDREN OR SEE THAT SOMEONE ELSE DOES.  If you are struggling with ways to incorporate your faith into the life of your family, please contact the religious education office.  We have many programs and resources to help you and your family feel more a part of the parish family and to help your own relationship with God grow.

Payment is due at the time of registration.  A late fee of $20.00 will be charged for all registrations received after July 1, 2007.  A schedule of installment payments can be worked out if necessary.  Please call the PREP office for more information.

Regular class attendance is expected of each student in PREP. It is recommended that parents schedule all extra curricular activities at times not conflicting with religion class. 

When a student is absent from class, he or she is expected to complete missed work and assignments. The catechist will inform the student of missed work upon request by the student.

1.       When an absence is anticipated, the parent/guardian must call the PREP office in advance of the class.

Should a parent/guardian wish their child to leave before the end of class time, the PREP office must have a signed note (in advance) from the parent/guardian requesting the child be dismissed and the time she or he will be picked-up and by whom. The child will remain in the PREP office until the responsible person comes into the office to get the child. No child will be released early unless prior written permission is in the possession of the coordinator.

Proper conduct and respect is expected of students at all times.  Parents are urged to explain to their children that the time they spend in PREP class is just as important as the time they spend in their school classes.  All students are required to follow the rules of the classroom, which are determined by the volunteer catechist and are in addition to the rules and policies in this handbook.

A permanent record and sacrament record is kept on file in the office.  If you are transferring to another religious education program please notify the office so we can forward your child’s records to your new parish.

Sacrament preparation is a gradual process of catechetical formation which begins at Baptism. This process provides education and formation which continue throughout the PREP years and beyond. There are, however, times when a person enters into a particularly focused time of preparation. Such a time consists of study, prayer, and discernment preparatory to receiving a sacrament.

Children are prepared to receive the sacraments of First Eucharist and First Reconciliation in first and second level religious education classes. During second level the program involves parent meetings, updating for parents, and celebrations which gradually introduce children to these sacraments.  Please see the Reconciliation and Eucharist parent books for more information. (Given out at parent meetings.)

Please see the Confirmation handbook for more information.  (Given out at parent meetings.)

Prep Calendar

Prep Volunteers