Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena & St. Francis of Assisi Church Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)

"The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity." (St. John Paul II)

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING REGISTRATION in our 2024-2025 PREP CLASSES

Sundays, 9:45am—11am, beginning on September 8, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown

Our Religious Education Program is open to children in grades 1 through 8, who have been Baptized Catholic; are registered parishioners in the Cathedral Church 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. If you are new to our program, please contact our Director of Religious Education, Miss Donna Sciacca, to schedule an appointment to register. Call 610-432-7655 or email, prep@cathedral-church.org

A copy of your child's Baptismal certificate is required at the time of registering. Returning Students may register by downloading the "Returning Student Registration" form from the PDF's below. Please complete a separate Registration form for each child.

Return your completed form, along with the PREP materials fee (indicated at the top of the registration form), by mail or you may drop it off at the Rectory. A LATE FEE of $25.00 is applied to every registration receive after June 26, 2024.

Checks should be made payable to:
Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena — PREP
Mail to: Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena
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 time to the study and learn how to live as an authentically practicing 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. Our Sacrament preparation program adheres to the Diocese of Allentown's suggested recommendation of enrollment in a two-year preparation program, 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 to their religious studies over conflicting activities during this time.

Sacraments of First Penance (Reconciliation) and First Holy Communion are received during your child's 3rd consecutive year enrolled in a formal religious education program.
Sacrament of Confirmation is received during your child's 8th consecutive year enrolled in a formal religious education program.

Questions and or to register, please contact: Miss Donna Sciacca, Dir. of Religious Education by phone: 610-432-7655 or send an email to: prep@cathedral-church.org