Children's Faith Formation (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.

The Faith Formation Office Staff can be contacted by phone or email.
215-757-5530
 Director of Religious Education, Chris Flack: [email protected]
Administrative Assistant, Maureen Giampietro: [email protected]

Office hours
Monday-Thursday 9:00AM-3:00PM
Sundays 7AM-1:00PM
Tuesdays from September-May also 4PM-7PM

Registration for the 2023-24 PREP Year began February 21, 2023. If you are a family who is currently enrolled in PREP you should have received a link via email to register. New families please call the office to request the link at 215-757-5530

PREP Calendar 2022

For new families - A copy of your child’s Baptismal certificate and any other Sacrament information must be uploaded at the time of registration.

DID YOU KNOW?

Most children should begin PREP classes in 1^st grade to be on track for receiving the Sacraments.

We also have a catch up program for children who are older.

We have a Kindergarten PREP class on Tuesdays.

We provide classes for children of all abilities. Children with developmental, intellectual, sensory, physical or behavioral disabilities are welcome and encouraged to attend PREP classes.

Our Summer and Family PREP options are for registered parishioners only. Non-parish members may register for our Tuesday PREP classes with a letter of permission from the parish where they are registered indicating where they will be expected to celebrate the Sacraments. 


Summer or Family PREP Information: Please read the information given below under Summer and Family PREP Models so you fully understand the requirements for these PREP models.

One Child: $245.00
Two Children: $295.00
Three or More Children: $345.00
There may be additional fees when your child is receiving a Sacrament which will be paid separate from the PREP registration fee.

PREP classes will be offered in person 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 19-23, 2023  |  8:00 AM-2:30 PM for Levels 1-8
  • 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
  • 2023 TBA : Parent Meeting on Zoom (codes sent week prior)
    Remaining 2023 Session Dates: 02/12/23    03/12/23     04/16/23     05/07/23
  • There are other requirements for this option. Please see the description below.

Supplemental classes are offered on Tuesdays after the regular 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 19-23, 2023 (7:50 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. 
• 2 lessons a month led by parent at home (a 3rd lesson is added during Sacrament years)
• Weekly Mass Attendance, Reconciliation at least 1x a year

PREP is in need of volunteers for the 2023 PREP year.  We are all called to use our gifts and talents in Christ’s service.  Are you good with children, have teaching experience, or simply want to help out?  Please prayerfully consider whether He is calling you to serve.  We have opportunities to teach, or be an aide. In addition OLG PREP welcomes children of all abilities into the religious education setting. To meet the varied needs of each child, classroom catechists and aides familiar with disabilities are needed to assist and support both students and catechists in providing faith formation for all our young people.

If you are interested please call email Chris at [email protected] or call the PREP office at 215-757-5530.

All those who volunteer are required to have a state police and child abuse history background check completed and attend a safe environment training classes.