Register Your Child in our 2025-2026 PREP Classes

Weekly classes begin in September 2025, Sundays, 9:45am—11am at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, N. 18th St., Allentown

Open to children in grades 1 through 8, who have been Baptized Catholic; are registered parishioners in the Cathedral Parish of St. Catharine of Siena, or St. Francis of Assisi Church, Allentown; attend either public school, a private non-Catholic school, or are not Home-Schooled in all subjects.

For Children entering the 1st grade, or Students transferring from another parish: Contact our Director of Religious Education, Donna Sciacca, to schedule an appointment to register.

Phone 610-432-7655 or send an email to: prep@cathedral-church.org

A copy of your child's Baptismal certificate is required at the time of registering. In addition, if your child is transferring, copies of any sacrament already received; their final report card, incl. grade level and attendance record required.

Returning Students: Download and print and the "Returning Student" PDF registration form below.

Note: A separate Registration form is required for each child.

Return your completed and signed Registration form, along with the PREP materials fee (indicated at the top of our registration form), by mail or you may drop it off at the Cathedral Parish Office.

A LATE FEE of $25.00 is applied to every registration receive after July 14, 2025.

Checks payable to:

Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena
Mail to: Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena - PREP
1825 W. Turner Street, Allentown, PA 18104

Our Parish Religious Education program recognizes and embraces parents in their role as the primary catechists of their children. In partnership with our parents, the mission of our Religious Education Program is to provide your child with a weekly focused formal time in the classroom to the study and learn how to live as an authentic Catholic.

Catechesis curriculums are written in a progressive format intended to teach the Catholic faith to your child at a level that aligns with their religious education grade level. Students who attend our program are expected to attend each year, from 1st level through 8th level. Each lesson includes teachings from Church Doctrine, Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, the lives of the Saints, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Your child will also experience an opportunity to live their faith more fully through Advent and Lenten service projects, prayer, worship, and fellowship within the parish community. All PREP students are expected to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and if of age, receive the Eucharist and attend Confession regularly.

The Sacraments of First Penance (Reconciliation) and First Holy Communion are received during your child's 3rd consecutive year enrolled in a formal parish religious education program. Sacrament of Confirmation is received during your child's 8th consecutive year enrolled in a formal religious education program. Our 2-year Sacrament preparation program adheres to the Diocese of Allentown's suggested recommendations, fully immersing your child into an understanding of the necessity to live a life within the sanctifying Grace imposed upon them during the reception of the Sacraments. Students who are preparing for the reception of the Sacraments are expected to attend PREP class weekly, demonstrating a priority is given to their religious studies over conflicting extra-curriculum activities during this time.

Eucharistic Adoration

Eucharistic Adorations follows the 12:15 PM Wednesday Mass each week, and takes place throughout the afternoon until the closing prayers and Benediction at 7:00 PM. Sign-up sheets are posted in the lobby to be sure that someone is always in the church for Adoration. Confessions are heard from 6:30—7:30 PM. This spiritual opportunity is a beautiful way to celebrate this Holy Year of Hope.

Weather Cancellations: Please note that if SJV Regional School is not in session or if there is an early dismissal due to inclement weather, there will be no adoration or holy hour on Wednesdays. Daily and weekend Masses will always be celebrated as scheduled.

Register Your Child in our 2025-2026 PREP Classes

Weekly classes begin in September 2025, Sundays, 9:45am—11am at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, N. 18th St., Allentown

Eucharistic Adoration

Today's Mass Readings