PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (PREP)

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM

The parish community of St. Patrick is especially attentive to Jesus’ command to go out and teach all nations. The Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) provides faith formation and instruction for all registered members of St. Patrick Parish with children who attend public or non-parochial schools, ages four through seventh grade. No student is denied access to catechesis because of race, national origin, or physical or mental challenges.

Canon Law, the law of the Church, states that “parents above others are obliged to form their children in the faith and practice of Christian life by word and example; godparents and those who take the place of parents are bound by an equivalent obligation” (Can. 774 §2). The General Directory for Catechesis and the National Directory for Catechesis resound the same sentiment. St. Patrick’s Office for Religious Education recognizes and embraces parents in their role as the primary catechists of their children as they strive to fulfill this special role. Our religious education program is not meant to be the sole provider of your child’s faith formation. Instead, PREP has been established to aid you in meeting you responsibility as your child’s primary educator of the Catholic faith. We are here to support and supplement the religious formation you are already giving your child at home.  As such, PREP is not an extracurricular activity, but rather instructional classes built on the foundations of the Catholic teachings. Therefore, regular attendance is necessary to progress and our class dates/times are contingent upon securing enough volunteer catechists and classroom aides. 

CATECHISTS / PREP VOLUNTEERS

Our volunteer catechists strive to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a model for the children. We focus on the six fundamental tasks of catechesis which include: promoting knowledge of the faith, liturgical education, moral formation, teaching to pray, education for community life and missionary initiation. In conjunction with the Archdiocesan Guidelines we will assist you in teaching the basic truths and traditions of the Catholic Church.

The success of the parish’s Religious Education Program depends on the efforts and support of volunteers.  Anyone interested in becoming a catechist needs to be a person of deep faith and a desire to share their faith. Training is available for anyone who is interested.

There are a number of ways that you can help.  If you are interested in learning more and/or becoming a catechist or classroom volunteer, please click here to download the Volunteer Interest Form.

  • Option 1:  Return completed form to Maria Miller, Director of Religious Education, to the Parish Office at 205 Lafayette Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
  • Option 2:  Return completed form to Maria Miller via email at mmillerdresp@gmail.com.

PLEASE NOTE: All of our volunteers must complete some basic background checks and two required training courses prior to volunteering. Please see the requirements found here under SAFE ENIVORNMENT.

For questions regarding PREP, please contact Maria Miller, Director of Religious Education at 610-444-4364 or email mmillerdresp@gmail.com.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

PREP runs September through April. We offer families two options from which to chose. These options assists parents in providing a sound foundation in the Catholic faith for their children and are currently for children attending public schools in grades K to 7.

TRADITIONAL WEEKLY OPTION

This option consists of a traditional weekly program that is held in the school building:

  • Sunday morning for Levels K, 1, 2, & 7 from 10:05 AM – 11:35 AM.
  • Monday afternoon for Levels 1 – 6 from 4:45 PM – 6:15 PM. 

FAMILY CATECHESIS OPTION

This option consists of Faith and Spiritual Formation as a family unit for children in Levels 3 – 6. As part of the Formation component, families gather on assigned Sundays for class throughout the program year in the Parish Religious Education Building following the 9 AM Mass.

To qualify for the Family Catechesis Option families must meet the following requirements:

  • Attend Sunday Mass on a weekly basis and Holy Days of Obligation to the best of your ability.
  • Student must be in good attendance (i.e. no more than 4 absences during the 2024-25 year).
  • Be a registered member of St. Patrick Parish for at least one year, or had children enrolled in St. Patrick weekly PREP Program for one full year with permission from your home parish.
  • Complete all registration forms, signed Family Contract, and submit all required fees at the time of registration.
  • Have a reliable Internet connection for email and submission of e-Assessments.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

All baptized children from grade two and up who desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church with the reception of Eucharist and/or Confirmation are eligible for this program provided that they have successfully completed the previous levels of faith formation. For example, a child must complete Level 1 before entering Level 2 for First Penance & First Holy Communion. Levels 3-6 must be completed before entering Level 7 for Confirmation.

If you have questions regarding what level to register your child(ren), please contact St. Patrick Parish’s Director of Religious Education, Maria Miller, at 610-444-2214 or email at mmillerdresp@gmail.com.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

St. Patrick Parish embraces all of its children regardless of special need or disability. We will make every effort to accommodate participants with special needs and provide them with an inclusive environment in our programs. Parents of children who have special needs should contact the Director of Religious Education prior to registration so that we may ensure proper and adequate support is in place before classes begin.

REGISTRATION

Families of children enrolled in PREP are required to be registered with St. Patrick Parish or have permission from the pastor at St. Patrick along with a letter from the pastor of the parish they attend stating they are in good standing.

All entering students must be age 5 by August 31st of that year to enter kindergarten and age 6 to enter Level 1.

Registration for all returning families is now open through Tuesday, July 15. After July 15, returning families will incur a late fee.

FOR TRADITIONAL WEEKLY PREP OPTION:

  • Download Paper Registration Form Here – Please return Paper Form and Payment to the Parish Office located at 205 Lafayette Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Checks made payable to St. Patrick Parish.
  • To register and pay online through Parish Giving Click Here.

FOR FAMILY CATECHESIS OPTION:

PROGRAM RELATED DOCUMENTS

TRADITIONAL WEEKLY PREP OPTION

FAMILY CATECHISIS OPTION

LEVEL 2 SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION (FIRST PENANCE & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION)

LEVEL 7 SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION (CONFIRMATION)

CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION (CYO)

Children in grades 5 – 8 who are interested in playing sports through the CYO must be registered within a parish and attending PREP.  For more details, click here.