Holy Martyrs PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) PREP is a faith formation/ religious education program for Holy Martyrs Parish youth in grades 1-8. Under the PREP umbrella: areas of sacramental formation, celebrations and religion classes for children that attend non catholic private, public school, charter, cyber and full time home-school education programs. All parish children are welcome to celebrate their sacraments at Holy Martyrs Parish regardless of where they attend weekday school. Sacramental Celebrations: First Reconciliation: Winter -grade 2 First Communion Spring -grad e 2 Confirmation: Fall, grade 8
If your child attends catholic school and you would like for their sacraments to be celebrated at Holy Martyrs Parish, please contact the PREP director.
Religion Classes: Children begin religion classes in grade 1 and participate in a seamless catechetical program of study throughout grade 6. They follow a concrete plan of chapter study that concurs with the diocesan guidelines for each grade. In grade 7, students begin their formal study for Confirmation which concludes their elementary level of study. Graduation is a yearly event for 7th graders. Confirmation Candidates return in September for final preparation for Confirmation and are then welcomed into the Handprints program. Grade 1-3 students gather for classes on Sundays morning from 8:55 to 10:15 AM. Sept-May Grade 4-7 students gather for classes on Tuesday evenings from 6:45 to 8:00 PM Sept-May
Confirmation Program: The Confirmation Program is a two year multidimensional experience that includes Road Trips to Catholic sites, off campus retreat, a ministry service program using Confirmation book, along with PowerPoint and speakers to open dialogue and awareness of the Holy Spirit and the candidate’s mission in the church.
Handprints: Parish youth in grade 8 from any Catholic or non-Catholic school are welcome to gather weekly for prayer, current topics/ events, movies, games and snacks. No tests, no books, no fees. All are welcome!
Start Time: It is recommended that children begin religion classes when they start their first grade year in their weekday school. Since it is not required that children begin PREP religion classes in grade one, those who start in their grade 2 will be placed in level 1 PREP and advance through the years with the group they start with. Religion classes often consist of students from 2 different grades throughout the program years. This happens in nearly every parish. It is parish policy that students do not skip grades.
Non Traditional Path: Students who begin religion classes in later years fall into the non-traditional path for sacramental preparation. A child must attend classes for 2 consecutive years before the celebration of sacraments. Students may be placed one to two years below grade level depending on which grade they enter. It’s never too late. Please contact the PREP office for more information. Policy regarding nontraditional path established in January 2013. Transfers from Catholic School: Children who are transferring from catholic school in mid- year are to begin PREP classes immediately and have no gap when they leave the catholic school so as not to lose a grade. No grades are skipped for catholic school students.
PREP Registration: To allow enough time to obtain enough catechists, classroom space and books, registration for new and returning students begin in March with late payments incurred after May 15th. Registration ends in August. Classroom placement is not guaranteed after August 15th. Please contact the PREP office at 215-8874285 for new registrations forms and information. Registrations received between August 15 and the September start will be placed on a wait list and not assigned a classroom until after classes begin.
Holy Martyrs Catechists and Prep Staff: The Oreland area is lucky to be the home of many of God’s wonderful children. With this, the largest ministry in the parish “catechesis” is dedicated to assisting parents with the religious education of children. The catechists at Holy Martyrs are volunteers who have a love for God and the faith formation of parish youth. We currently have 25 adult catechists and office staff that serve over 220 students. Usually, high school students help weekly with set up and security. There are a number of Confirmation candidates from 6th and 7th grade who also help the catechists weekly in the Sunday classrooms.
If you would like to serve as a catechist for a semester or for the entire year on Sunday or Tuesday, please contact the PREP office.
Contact Information: Mrs. Carole Galante, Coordinator of Religious Education Holy Martyrs PREP 121 AllisonRoad Oreland, PA 19075 Business phone: 215-887-4285 (leave message) Email Address: [email protected] Website:holymartyrsprep.weebly.com PREP is closed during the summer months. All PREP payments and registrations are handled through the parish rectory during the summer months.