OLC PREP (Parish Religious Education Program)
Mrs. Eileen Wilson, DRE
The Sacraments of Initiation for Children
Let the children come to me, says the Lord, and do not hinder them.
Baptism: it is generally assumed that children who are attending PREP are baptized in the Catholic faith. Today, that is not always the case, nor is it a deterrent for parents who wish for their children to be educated in the Catholic faith. New students beginning PREP must have a Baptismal certificate from the parish where the child was baptized. We will need to keep this certificate, so kindly call the parish where the child was baptized for a copy of the original. If your child is not yet baptized, kindly contact the Pastor and make an appointment to see him about arranging for your child’s baptism. He is very happy to meet and discuss this with you.
First Penance and Reconciliation and First Holy Communion: In accordance with the request of Archbishop Chaput, and in conjunction with the local Regional Catholic Schools of our area, we now celebrate these Sacraments during 2nd grade. It is a general policy of the Archdiocese, to have at least two years of instruction prior to the children receiving their Sacraments. This is also our general practice at OLC.
Confirmation: is celebrated in the Fall of seventh grade. The students are instructed during the 6th grade/level of PREP and then again in the early Fall of seventh grade for the reception of this Sacrament. In our Archdiocese, the Bishops of the diocese write during the summer in order to arrange for a date. We are asked to submit three possible dates, and then in late summer, the Bishop’s Office confirms the date with us. Student-Candidates for Confirmation must be enrolled in PREP for the consecutive grades/levels of 4-6 th grades, or attendance at Catholic Parochial School for their preparation of the Sacrament.
Our celebrations of Sacraments are always to include our parish children who attend one of the neighboring Catholic Schools. This is a requirement which I am resolute. The main work of the Parish is to celebrate the Sacraments for all its members. These First-Sacraments are not school events, they are parish celebrations. Since our school abruptly closed in June 2011, I have not allowed our parish children to receive their sacraments in any other place. I care too much about our parish to do so.