SJB PREP:  Parish Religious Education Program
-Held on Sundays during the School Year  beginning with 9:00 AM Mass until 11:30 AM-

Want to find out more About SJB PREP? Download our brochure here

Preschool age through teen families are invited to join us  Sunday mornings during the School Year

for informative, fun and engaging Catholic Youth Faith Formation! 

The PREP office is open! 
Registration packets were emailed to all returning families. 
If you are a new or returning parish family, or with children in prek, k or first grade,
download a registration packet here! 

Any students who have not received the sacraments or had religious education are welcome! 
Please contact us by phone at 215-482-4600 x107  or email our new Director, Poornima DSouza,

at prep@stjohnmanayunk.org!

What is PREP and can we enroll?

Yes!  PREP is open to parish (registered) Catholic families with children and would like  their children to become fully initiated Catholics, receiving the sacraments of Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation in their PREP formation years.  Instruction is based on Catholic teaching, scripture and tradition. Our Program is offered to all registered Parish Families with children from pre-k through Grade 8 at all levels of formation and the sacraments. 

We welcome families with children in:

Pre-K & K for families with young children (sessions do not count toward instruction for First Communion)
Elementary students Grades 1-8 (PREP Sunday Program)

Children in elementary grades (past grade 2) who have not received any religious education (Tuesday Sacramental PREP)

Children in elementary grades (past grade 2) who have not received the sacraments of initiation (Tuesday Sacramental PREP)

Level 1 begins at age 6, in Grade 1, and continues through Level 7; we welcome students with Special Needs.  Two years of Preparation is required for students preparing to receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist. Generally children that receive First Communion are Level 2 (Second Grade) and Confirmation is conferred by the Bishop in Level 7 (7th Grade).  Children that are not baptized and older than age 6 are also encouraged to join and would matriculate; and transfer students from Catholic School or other programs are welcome. 

When is PREP held?

As Catholics the source and summit of our faith is in Holy Eucharist at the Mass.  Therefore, PREP begins with all families attending 9:00 AM Mass on Sundays, and when Mass concludes students assemble in church and head to their classes.  Dismissal from PREP is at 11:30 AM. 

Can I Enroll my Preschool Age Children? 
Yes!   Registered parish families with young children (Pre-K, K) who would like to attend or have other children in PREP are encouraged to enroll.  Although enrollment does not apply toward Parish Religious Education or sacramental preparation, we encourage you to add your preschooler / Kindergartener on the Registration, or fill out one form if an only child.

All 7th Grade & Older parish students are invited to join us for our Youth Group!
(Post-Confirmation Youth Group is 7th-8th Grade Level Students that are fully initiated and received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation as Catholics.) If you would like more information on social and service activities within the parish, email us at dre@stjohnmanayunk.org.  Our parish youth group meets weekly and is focused on Christian service and community. 

NEW FAMILIES - LET'S GET STARTED! 

1) PREP families must be registered in the parish.  Not registered?  Download a parish registration here.
2) Contact the church of Baptism for the child/ren you are registering and request a current copy of a Baptismal Certificate.
3) Fill out a PREP family registration packet. Complete and return to us at the Rectory - 146 Rector Street).

4) Not Catholic but seeking more information?  Call us at 215.482.4600 with any questions - we are happy to help!

FEES
Fees for 2024-25 are  ($100 one student, $125/two; $150/three or more).  Please do not hesitate to register due to a financial hardship and let us know; scholarship funds are available!  Checks may be made Payable to St. John the Baptist or visit the homepage of this website under Giving for a credit card payment option, choose "Dues and Fees".  Please note on your registration form if you are paying online.   Payment arrangements are available. Please do not hesitate to register.  Students should begin in Level one at Grade one if no other Catechesis has occurred, or for older students, our Teen Sacramental PREP class is an option.

HOME "WORK"
Catechesis begins at Home!   Regular home lessons and review of Sunday lessons through the online component of the text are essential.  Support your child in their faith journey and refresh and reinforce our faith as adults! 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PREP AND ALL PARISH STUDENTS

ALTAR SERVERS
For children grade 4 and up that are Catholics Initiated through Baptism and Holy Eucharist that are interested in the ministry of Altar Serving, please contact us at sjbphila@stjohnmanayunk.org. 

SJB YOUTH GROUP FOR THE FULLY INITIATED

All 7th Grade & Older, Post-Confirmation Youth that are registered in the Parish, are invited to join us for our Youth Group. (Post-Confirmation Youth Group is 7th-8th Grade Level Students that are fully initiated and received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation as Catholics.) If you would like more information on social and service activities within the parish, email us at dre@stjohnmanayunk.org.  Our parish youth group is focused on Christian service and community. 

PARISHIONER INVOLVEMENT

CLASSROOM HELPERS
Parents and Young Adults are strongly encouraged to assist with this important ministry to our Parish Youth.
All volunteers must submit required state and Archdiocesan clearances for any program working
with children through our Safe Environment Program (See SEP Below).

CATECHISTS AND AIDES
If you are a practicing Catholic and interested in joining our Program as a Catechist, are a Catholic School Teacher, a parent or grandparent interested in assisting as a Classroom Aide, or are interested in learning more about assisting with this important ministry, please email us at dre@stjohnmanayunk.org. 
 

CATECHISTS, AIDES AND ANY VOLUNTEERS:  SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (SEP)

All Staff and Volunteers are required to obtain Pennsylvania State Clearances in working with youth and also complete the required Mandated Reporter trainings to report any suspected forms of child abuse.  If you are interested in helping with the program, please visit the link below.  All updated clearances must be on file in the Parish Office before the start of the PREP year.   Visit the Office of Child and Youth Protection here for full requirements :

http://childyouthprotection.org/index.php/staff-volunteers/checks-and-clearances

CATECHETICAL CERTIFICATION

Catechists and Aides continually expand on the knowledge of our faith and work toward full certification. Visit

http://phillyocf.org/certification/ for more information or contact a team member at anytime.  Online courses available for registration at:  https://www.scs.edu/school-of-theological-studies/catechetical-institute/#!/~/

CONTACT US
Call 215.482.4600 x107 or email prep@stjohnmanayunk.org for more information!