PREP

Welcome to Our Lady of Grace PREP!

The Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) of Our Lady of Grace Parish commits to leading the children of the parish to a relationship with God in the Catholic Tradition. Following the example of Jesus, the members of the PREP community will grow in the knowledge of the Catholic faith, become devout in the practice of that faith, and reach out to the community by sharing their Christian values.

PREP Office Staff can be contacted by phone or email.
215-757-5530
Chris Flack: dre@olg1.org
Kathy McMahon: mcmahonk@olg1.org

In light of the ongoing pandemic we have decided to begin the Fall 2020-21 PREP year virtually. We hope to be able to be in person by Spring of 2021. This applies to both Tuesday and Family PREP.

Home Prayer Centers
Since faith formation will now be moving into your home (where it best takes shape!)
We are asking all PREP families to set up a prayer space in your home and to use this space both as a family and individuals for prayer time.
Use this link if you're looking for ideas. Prayer Center 
Prayers your child should have memorized by each PREP Level. Catholic Prayers to Know

Tuesday Classes
Tuesday PREP Calendar 2020-21
Classes will be held for 30 minutes on Zoom each Tuesday during regular PREP Times.
(Staggered to allow for sharing of devices between siblings - see below) There may be a short assignment they need to do after the zoom and submit to the teacher. Live attendance at the zoom is expected each week and attendance will be taken. Your child’s catechist will email you with information and zoom codes. Tuesday PREP Classes will begin on Tuesday September 22. Tuesday PREP will have a pick-up day on Tuesday September 15 from 4PM-6PM in the school parking lot so that everyone can get their textbooks, a lesson schedule and any other handouts the teacher would like completed. Our plan is to give you what your child needs for PREP through December.

Tuesday Staggered start times on zoom
          4:30-5:00PM – Levels 1 & 2
          5:00-5:30PM – Levels 3 & 4
          5:30-6:00PM – Levels 5 & 6
          6:00-6:30 PM – Levels 7 & 8

Family PREP Sundays (For both Family and Summer PREP Families)
Family PREP Calendar/Schedule
Parents will need 1 device to log in to the parent talk and children will need a device each to log in to their class. (A device can be a phone, tablet, laptop or video/mic enabled computer.)  Each month there will be a Family Activity that may require supplies. We will email activities to you ahead of time or make arrangements for pick up.


 

Current PREP Families: All current PREP families should have received their re-registration forms by email in early March. If you need a new form please email Kathy McMahon at mcmahonk@olg1.org

New PREP Families: Welcome! We are currently accepting New Registrations by mail at: PREP Office, 300 Hulmeville Ave., Penndel PA 19047. Please use the form below. 
New Registration Form for 2020-21

Summer or Family PREP Information: Please read the document here carefully so you fully understand what is expected of families with these two programs. This information is also given below under Summer and Family PREP Models.

One Child: $225.00
Two Children: $275.00
Three or More Children: $325.00
Additional $25.00 activity fee for Summer and Family PREP option.
We will accept a deposit of $100.00 for registration with payment in full by June 21 for Summer and August 1 for Tuesday and Family PREP. After that date payment is expected in full with registration.
A $50.00 discount is given to all early registrations if paid in full by June 5th, 2020.

2020-21 PREP classes will be offered at the following times:

• Tuesday Session: During the school year from 4:45 to 6:00 PM for Levels K through 8
• Summer PREP: June 22-26, 2020  |  8:00 AM-2:30 PM
  • There are extra requirements beyond the one week of class. Please see the description below.
• Family PREP: 2nd or 3rd Sunday of the Month from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, September-May
  • There are other requirements for this option. Please see the description below.

Supplemental classes are offered between sessions for those children who need extra instruction to prepare to make sacraments.

Summer PREP
This is a one week intensive program meant to not only teach the faith but help pass on a strong Catholic identity through daily Mass, experience of prayer, studying the Saints and more. Participation in 5 family PREP Sundays will assist parents in bringing their faith into their home while giving the kids a refresher on what they learned in the summer. It also gives families a chance to share faith with each other.

Requirements:

• One week of Catechist-led instruction: June 22-26, 2020 (7:50/8:00 AM-2:30 PM)
  • Attendance on all 5 days for the full day is required.
• 5 Sunday Family PREP Days (9 offered, choose 5)
• Parish Involvement
  • Weekly Mass Attendance, Reconciliation at least 1x a year

Family PREP
This program centers around faith formation in the home, because families are considered the Domestic Church. Two monthly lessons are completed at home as a family after the parents first get an update on the topic on the Sunday PREP day. We equip parents with the tools to bring faith into their homes and teach their children about their faith, giving them the ability to have faith touch all aspects of their family's lives.

Requirements:

• 1 Sunday a month, 9:00 AM-11:00AM. Mass attendance required before or after session.
• 2 lessons a month led by parent at home
• Weekly Mass Attendance, Reconciliation at least 1x a year

Parents are an integral and important part of our program. Some of our parents serve as Catechists or Aides who give of their time and talents and we are most grateful. Parents also serve as Hall Monitors and help in the office. We invite you to share with us some of your time and talents as we lead your children to grow in their faith. Please call the Office of Religious Education at (215)-757-5530 if you feel called to be part of this important ministry.

Can my child attend PREP at Our Lady of Grace if we are not parishioners of Our Lady of Grace?
Our Summer and Family PREP options are for registered parishioners only. Non-parish members may register for our Tuesday PREP classes. A letter from the parish you are registered at must state that your children may attend our PREP program and indicate where they will be expected to celebrate the Sacraments. (Either at the home parish or here at OLG) A copy of your child’s Baptismal certificate and any other Sacrament information must be given at the time of registration as well.

What if my child has special needs?
Children with special needs may attend PREP and prepare for and receive their sacraments with their peers. Using the student’s IEP and other pertinent information provided by a parent, we will collaborate to develop a plan of sacramental preparation consistent with each child’s needs and abilities. For more information, please contact Christine Flack at (215)-757-5530 or dre@olg1.org.

I want to get involved in PREP as a volunteer. How can I help?
We welcome new youth and adult volunteers to Children’s Catechesis. It’s a great way to continue your own faith journey and show your gratitude to those who formed you in the Catholic Faith.
Volunteer opportunities include:

• Catechist
• Catechist Aide

Please contact Christine Flack at (215)-757-5530 or dre@olg1.org for more information and to get started.