Welcome to our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)!

St. John's PREP warmly invites children and youths ages 3 to 14 to our programs! We offer religious education to pre-school age children ages 3 to 5; students in grades 1 to 8; and an adaptive program, Adaptive Finding God, for children with autism and other special needs.

PREP seeks to instill the message of our Lord’s commandment by spreading the word of God and teaching the truth and values of the Catholic Church. The program encourages children to develop a lifelong relationship with Jesus through example, service and prayer.

PREP also prepares children and youths for participation in the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

In addition to studying and living out the “Alive in Christ” Curriculum, children participate in service projects throughout the year to benefit the Chester area,nursing-home residents, shut-ins, and needy families. 

For an introductory letter from Theresa Hedlund, please click here.

View our ministry's 2015-16 objectives here.

Schedule:

PREP classes meet from 10:40 to 11:55 a.m. Sundays at St. John's or at other times in small groups in the homes of teachers for 24 weeks during the school year.

Click here for the 2015-16 PREP calendar.

Catechists are always needed and welcome.

Our dedicated volunteers include engineers, attorneys, nurses, teachers, homemakers, musicians, accountants, and other parishioners.

Catechist Requirements:

• State Police background check
• State Police child abuse check
• Attendance at one Safe Environment Program class (Protecting God's Children)
• Completion of online Mandatory Reporting module
• FBI fingerprint check if not a Pennsylvania resident for 10 continuous years

The class schedule for Protecting God's Children is available here.

Catechists are encouraged, but not required, to obtain certification by attending various workshops offered throughout churches in the archdiocese.

Catechists must make time during the week to prepare for each lesson. All materials are provided by the Religious Education Office.
 

All are welcome to join our "Alive in Christ" PREP!

Contact:

Theresa Hedlund    
thedlund@sjcparish.org
610.872.4673 ext. 131

Theresa Hedlund (left) is Director of Religious Education. Cheryl Stockman (right) assists in directing St. John's Parish Religious Education Program (PREP).