PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (P.R.E.P.)
for children grades 1-7 who are not attending a Catholic School.
Documents needed for New Students:
- Birth Certificate
- Baptismal Certificate with Church Seal (if not baptized at St John the Baptist Church)
2023 – 2024
Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)
Registration is Open for PREP
Classes Begin Monday, September 18th, 2023
Class time: 6:15 – 7:30pm Monday in the school
New to our Parish? Children who are entering grades 1-7 in September should register in our Parish Religious Education Program. Students who attend our religious education program are required to be registered parishioners. Parents, if you have not yet registered your family in our parish, please contact the parish office at 610-847-5521 or feel free to drop in anytime during our business hours. Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm. A copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate is required at the time of registration.
2023 – 2024 PREP REGISTRATION – NEW STUDENT
2023 – 2024 PREP REGISTRATION – RETURNING STUDENT
2023 – 2024 PREP CREDIT+DEBIT CARD PAYMENT FORM
2023 – 2024 PREP ELECTRONIC CHECK PAYMENT FORM
CURRICULUM Links below:
For Grade Levels 1-7: “Faith & Life Series” Parish Edition https://www.ignatius.com/promotions/faithandlife/downloads.htm#ParRes
Grade Level 2: The Dynamic Catholic’s Blessed Sacrament Series, “First Reconciliation” and “First Holy Communion.” https://dynamiccatholic.com/blessed/program-view
On the landing page of the above website, scroll down to the bottom half of the page where you may click on the Session number your child is to read/watch. The text book is verbatim to the video. This is a program you too will enjoy as you help your child prepare for their Sacrament.
For Grade Level 7:
“Confirmed in the Spirit” https://www.loyolapress.com/faith-formation/sacramental-preparation/confirmed-in-the-spirit/parents-and-students/resources/resources/resource-grade/
SACRAMENT REQUIREMENTS: Two years attendance in a formal religious education program are required by our parish for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: First Penance; First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
The Sacraments of First Penance (Reconciliation) and First Holy Communion are received in 2nd grade. Children preparing for these sacraments are expected to attend PREP class, and a Sunday worship Mass each week.
Sacrament of Confirmation is received in the 7th grade. The sacrament of Confirmation preparation begins in the 6th grade. Candidates preparing for this Sacrament agree to the covenant as outlined in their “Red Confirmation Folder” received in 6th grade which includes attendance weekly at Mass.
St. John the Baptist Parish Religious Education Program recognizes and embraces parents in their role as the primary catechists of their children. Canon Law states that “parents above others are obliged to form their children in the faith and practice of Christian life by word and example; godparents and those who take the place of parents are bound by an equivalent obligation” (Can. 774). Both the General Directory and the National Directory for Catechesis echo the same sentiment. It is our mission to provide catechesis on the Catechism and teachings of the Catholic Church so that your child will be formed in the faith and heritage of authentic Catholicism. Our program provides children an opportunity to live their faith through catechesis, service, worship, and fellowship, developing and deepening their personal relationship with Our Lord.
Our program embraces all of its children regardless of special need or disability. We will make every effort to accommodate these children and provide them with an inclusive environment in our program. However, in order to provide the best accommodations possible, it may be necessary for the participant to attend another parish program that is better equipped to meet the participant’s needs. If your child has a special need or disability you are encouraged to contact our Director of Religious Education at prep@stjohnsottsville.org to discuss enrollment options.
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OUR PRAYERS
ACT OF CONTRITION
O’ my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy punishments, but most of all because they offend thee, my God, who are all-good and worthy of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER – OUR FATHER
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A fun way to help your child follow along with the Mass each week is to give them a subscription to: Magnifikid
For additional information, contact Mary Ann Corcoran, Director of Religious Education at 610-847-5521 or by email at prep@stjohnsottsville.org