We are here to help our children build the foundation for a life-long journey of growing and living in faith as disciples of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
       
We support the parents in their role as their children’s primary religious educators.

We offer catechism classes for Grades 1 to 7, from 6:30pm to 8pm on Tuesday & Wednesday nights.  We also have TEEN PREP (for students in Grades 8 to 12) from 6:30pm to 8pm on Tuesday nights. 

Our classes are handled by volunteer catechists under the direction of the Coordinator and the Pastor.  Our catechists receive training and are encouraged to continue their own faith journey through prayer and attendance at various workshops throughout the year.

We are using a new program called Call To Faith.  This program provides “a solid foundation of Scripture and Tradition, a rich diversity of prayer, and a developmental sequence of activities.  Each lesson draws on Church doctrine in ways that help students, catechists, and families appreciate the Church’s teachings as they apply to life today” (Harcourt Religion Publishers).  The Call to Faith Program offers interactive activities for students to bring home and has an excellent interactive website for children and parents at www.harcourtreligion.com.   

Baptism is the initiation to the Catholic Church -- it is the “gateway Sacrament”.  All candidates for First Communion and Confirmation MUST provide a copy of their Baptismal Certificate.

Children in Grade 2 will prepare for their First Reconciliation (confession) and First Holy Communion while children in Grade 7 will prepare for their Confirmation.  It is recommended that children preparing for the Sacraments also attend at least the previous grade in PREP.

Additional Requirements for Sacramental Preparation:

- Regular attendance at PREP Classes

- Attendance at parents' meetings

- Attendance at enrollment ceremonies

- Confirmation candidates attend the Archdiocesan Spirit Day and the Confirmation Retreat 

- Confirmation candidates are required to complete a service component

Our Sacrament preparation program (for Grades 2, 7 and the Special Class) guide and prepare the students to share in the fuller understanding and respect for the Sacraments they will receive.

The Special Class is composed of students in Grade 3 & up who have not received either the Sacraments of Baptism or First Reconciliation and First Communion.  They attend a separate six-week catechism program (usually during Lent) to better prepare them in receiving the Sacraments.

TEEN PREP is another program which caters to teenagers and their need for catechesis.  Most of them are being prepared for Confirmation but those teenagers who have not received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Communion are also prepared. 

Like our Faith-formation, catechism is also a life-long journey.  Each catechetical year builds upon the previous year.  Each and every grade is important.  To help your child attain the most of their PREP lessons, they are expected to:

- Faithfully attend all classes

- Faithfully attend Sunday Masses and PREP Masses

- Faithfully continue their learning of the catechism and prayers at home

Since we only have 90 minutes of catechism session per week, each class is very important and we highly discourage absences.  Although we understand that most absences are unavoidable and unwanted, we will require an explanation letter from the parents/guardians for said absences.  We will only allow up to a maximum of six (6) unexplained absences for the year.  Students who are absent for more than six (6) times may not be promoted to the next level.  Students who are preparing to receive the Sacraments may not be recommended if they have incurred more than six (6) absences.

As a part of our program, we invite families to attend PREP Masses and celebrations and to participate in various service opportunities.

As we all strive together to teach our children our Catholic Faith, may we be living examples to them in our walk with the Lord.

Lastly, should you need anything, please approach any of the volunteers.  Thank you very much and we look forward  to serving your children this year.  God bless.

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