Our Summer PREP Session is full, and we are unable to offer a waiting list.
Parents who have pre-registered will receive further instructions to complete their registration.
Registration for our Sunday morning program will begin in April.
Thank you and God bless!
SUMMER PREP REMINDERS
Our session will run from 8:30 am to 3 pm June 24-28.
Each day will include a BYO lunch and outdoor recess.
There will be one certified teacher and one class for each grade. Each class is limited to 25 children.
Each class requires a minimum of five students.
If a class does not meet that minimum, those students will be transferred to the fall session.
REQUIREMENTS
All students must attend all five days of the Summer Session without any unexcused absence,
lateness or early pick-up, and must complete all assessments and assignments.
SACRAMENTAL NOTES (Grades 2 and 7)
Incoming second- and seventh-grade students will be required to do additional work to prepare for their sacraments. Seventh graders must complete the Confirmation Packet and participate in required retreats, service opportunities and Confirmation practices.
Second graders must participate in three Zoom sacramental preparation sessions each for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Second graders must also participate in sacramental practices and a retreat.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SUMMER STUDENTS
We also want to stress that religious education classes are very important, but no class or lesson can take the place of the worship of God at Mass.
The Holy Mass and the Eucharist are the source and summit of our faith. As parents raising children in the Catholic faith, you are committing to attend Mass with your family on Saturdays or Sundays and on Holy Days of obligation.
In addition to Mass attendance, all Summer PREP students will be required to perform a minimum of five spiritual or service activities
between June and April in order to complete the PREP grade. Examples include participation in Stations of the Cross, visiting a shrine, attending Confession or participating in a parish service project. A Google form will be circulated to assist you in recording and reporting these activities.
FEES
1 Child: $350
2 Children: $550
3 or more Children: $650
WELCOME TO OUR PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (PREP)!
Our PREP aims to bring the love of God and neighbor to hundreds of our young parishioners.
PREP oversees sacramental preparation for all of our parish youth, regardless of school.
Adult volunteers are always needed and welcome.
Please contact our Coordinator of Religious Education to learn more.
We look forward to sharing our faith with your children!
CONTACT:
Patty Briganti
Coordinator of Religious Education
(610) 874-3418 x 105
Our mission is to help parishioners in Grades 1-7 develop a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Through example, service, study and prayer, we seek to nurture a love of God and service while teaching the values of our faith and preparing children for their sacraments.
We offer a Sunday morning program during the school year, an intensive Summer Session, and an Adaptive program for youth of all ages with special needs.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires that religious education students be enrolled every year, beginning in Grade 1, to complete their sacraments on schedule. Years may not be skipped.
Students who leave the program temporarily must return to the same grade level.
Our PREP students must be registered parishioners of SJC.
In addition, enrollment in PREP (or Catholic school) is required for participation in St. John's CYO.
We understand that some families have special circumstances that affect their child's religious education.
Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss any special needs.
Catholics with disabilities have a right to participate in the sacraments as fully as other members of the local ecclesial community .... Sacramental celebrations should be accessible to persons with disabilities and open to their full, active, and conscious participation'
"Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments
with Person with Disabilities"
St. John Chrysostom Parish treasures all parishioners as children of God with unique gifts. We are pleased to provide an Adaptive Religious Education program that offers instruction and sacramental preparation and reception for youth of all ages in accordance with their abilities. Parents seeking special arrangements are asked to contact the PREP Office as soon as possible to discuss the needs of their children.
Nothing is more important than our children's safety!
To that end, please review the procedures below carefully and follow them precisely.
Non-compliance risks everyone's safety and will delay every family.
If you have any questions, please contact the PREP Office.
ARRIVAL
1. All students must enter through the main doors of Mother of Providence Regional Catholic School.
Do NOT enter through the gym.
2. Students should go directly to their classrooms upon arrival.
Classes for grades 1-7 meet from 10:45 am to noon Sundays.
Adaptive PREP meets from 9:25 to 10:35 am.
We meet at Mother of Providence Regional Catholic School, on the parish campus.
Please check the calendar often, as schedules are subject to change.
St. John's PREP enrolls hundreds of children. Our program depends on the assistance of many adult volunteers.
Adults serve as catechists, aides, substitutes and other helpers. No teaching experience is necessary ... just a love of the faith and a desire to install that in our children. We are eager to help you help our children and will provide all materials and plenty of support.
Online catechist training is available free through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Catechists are expected to obtain Basic Catechetical Certification by their second year. The certification materials are available free and online and may be completed at the individual's own pace from home. Please contact Patty Briganti for the link and log-in credentials..
Note: All adult PREP volunteers must fulfill the requirements of the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Program.
Contact Patty Briganti, Coordinator of Religious Education, to learn more.
SUMMER PREP FEES
1 Child: $350
2 Children: $550
3 or more Children: $650
NEW FAMILIES: Please register at your earliest convenience. We will be in touch shortly.
NEW FAMILY REGISTRATION
ALL FAMILIES, PLEASE NOTE:
Registration is required each year for every student.
The Archdiocese requires attendance beginning in first grade.
Students must complete the full year of PREP before advancing to the next grade. Grades may not be skipped.
Students with an extended absence will return to the same point in the program. This may delay their reception of the sacraments.
Enrollment in PREP (or in Catholic school) is required for participation in CYO Sports.
Registration is not complete until tuition is paid and a confirmation email is received.
Keeping kids learning and engaging in their faith can be a challenge.
Here are some helpers we like. Let us know if you find others!
1. Help your child learn the Mass with an easy-to-follow, kid-friendly activity!
Get our Kids' Mass Guide.
2. The Kids' Bulletin offers puzzles, word searches and simplified explanations
of the week's teachings and readings. Get it here.
3. Mary Jo Cole's "Bible in a Bag" on YouTube neatly summarizes the Sunday
Gospel using her "Bible in a Bag." Watch it here.
All parish children, regardless of school, traditionally celebrate First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in 2nd grade and Confirmation in 7th grade. Students who leave the PREP program must return to the same grade, which may delay their sacramental schedule. Adaptive PREP students may receive their sacraments at any age, in accordance with their needs.
We understand that some families have special circumstances that affect their child's religious education. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss any special needs.
Once again, St. John's has teamed up with Growing Catholics to offer its amazing parent webinars to everyone inour parish. Parents whose children who will be receiving sacraments are strongly encouraged to participate in the sacramental webinars. Webinars are free, but registration is required. These webinars and speakers are fantastic, and you can listen in from anywhere.
Register here: www.growingcatholics.com/webinarregistration