Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)

PREP Mission Statement
We, the St. John Fisher Parish Religious Education Program (PREP), are committed to the religious education of our children. Our program strives to foster faith formation through teaching the message of Jesus Christ, celebration of the Sacraments, family involvement and community service. We encourage our children to bring the love of Jesus into their daily lives and to become stewards of our Catholic faith.

 

***  If you are interested in being a PREP volunteer, please print this form, fill it out and return it to the PREP office! ***

Volunteers Needed!

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to Saint John Fisher Parish Religious Education Program (PREP).  In-person classroom based catechesis remains the foundation for PREP at St. John Fisher, and is what we are planning again for the Fall, 2023. Parents can also provide for independent learning outside of the classroom, and remains an option for educating your child about our Catholic faith.

The importance of Sunday Mass cannot be emphasized enough.   The children are brought into the prayer life of the Church as they attend weekly community prayer time in Church but it is no substitute for being present at Sunday Mass, to hear God’s Word and receive Jesus in the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. As family life continues to expand with sports, day school activities, other after school activities, attendance at Saturday/Sunday Mass should be a priority for all Catholics. This is what the children learn in their study of the Catholic Christian faith (Head to Heart Knowledge)

 Our catechists and volunteers witness to the children with Christian example and love and many years of experience to help both students and parents grow in our Catholic Faith.  Our catechists and volunteers receive training and support to assist their dedicated service to our young parishioners. 

A safe and healthy environment is a constant priority for learning and growth.  This commitment to administer a complete and well-rounded program for religious education is a parish priority.  We have also sought to establish a fair tuition rate for families (see enclosed paper). Early registration for PREP helps you with a discount of $25.00 per family by June 30, 2022.  Be appreciative of your fellow parishioners as they are supporting the mission of religious education and formation for your children too.

Wishing you a happy summer and excited to see all of you in September!!   

Easter Blessings!  St. John Fisher, Pray for Us!

Kathy A. Aaronson

Director of Children’s Faith Formation

 

PREP Calendar
PREP 2023-2024 CALENDAR

Classes will begin on September 12 and 13, 2023 for the 2023-24 school year.  

Saint John Fisher offers afternoon and evening classes on Tuesday for Grades 1-5, and Wednesday evening classes for Grades 6 & 7. 

Grades 1-5:   

       Tuesdays 4:30-6:00 

       Tuesdays 6:15-7:45

Grade 6 & 7:

       Wednesdays 6:15-7:45

For the schedules for mandatory attendance for events involving First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, please click the appropriate link below:

2023-24 Registration:  We encourage you to register your children for the upcoming PREP year in the late spring or early summer. Students new to the parish or the PREP program should contact the Director of Religious Education by calling 610-485-0441, ext. 5. Please click and print the links below for registration forms.  Return the form to the PREP Office, located in the Rectory on the St. John Fisher Parish campus. 

2022-23 Handouts/Information

Tuition Angel Program (Financial Assistance Fund)
Financial Aid is available for registered parishioners attending Saint John Fisher PREP (Parish Religion Education Program) through our Tuition Angel Program. In order to be eligible for this program, families are expected to be active parishioners who attend Mass each Sunday and on Holy Days, contribute to the life of the parish, and live a sacramental life as per the Precepts of the Church. Please return to the Education menu to find more information about the Tuition Angel Program. 

About Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia conducted a study regarding the age or grade in which a child receives Confirmation.  Overwhelmingly, bishops, pastors, principals, and directors of religious education noted there is a much better understanding of the Sacrament of Confirmation by upper grade school students.  Based upon the results of this study, on January 18, 2018, the Archbishop determined that the new standard for the administration of Confirmation is in the 7th and/or 8th Grade.  This decision applies to the entire Archdiocese.  It is not a choice that can be made on the local level by individual parishes.

St. John Fisher Parish will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for both PREP and Catholic School students during the seventh year of catechetical formation. The 6th grade class will begin the preparation for the sacrament and return to PREP or their Catholic school for a seventh year of catechesis before being Confirmed at the parish.  If you have any questions, please contact the PREP Office, 610-485-0441, ext. 5.

Confirmation for Grade 6 for 2023 - 2024 - Grade 6 Confirmation 2023-2024 Schedule

Confirmation For Grade 7 for 2023 - 2024 - Grade 7 Confirmation 2023-2024 Schedule