Frequently Asked Questions

Formal PREP classes begin with Level 1, typically when a child enters 1st grade. We also offer Kindergarten PREP on Sundays during 9:30 AM Mass. Registration opens in March, with a re-registration deadline of August 1. While we accept late registrations, class times and bus availability may be limited, so please contact the Director of Religious Education (DRE) to register late.

PREP classes for Levels 1-6 are Monday or Tuesday, 4:15-5:30 PM. Classes are held weekly September-May.

Kindergarten meets on Sundays during the 9:30 AM Mass, October-April.

Confirmation PREP meets on Sundays, 10:30-11:45 AM, October-May.  

For more details, please download a copy of our Family Handbook.

Go to Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days. Bring your child with you when you go to Confession. Pray every night before bed and before meals. Put children's Bible stories in the regular rotation of bedtime readings. Let your child see your growing faith!

The decision on when to begin PREP is up to parents.  All children begin with a year of initial catechesis before entering sacramental preparation, consistent with the Archdiocesan Guidance for Sacramental  Preparation. We may offer "Catch Up Classes" or other options based on your child's individual needs. 

We are happy to work with every family! Please contact us to make an appointment to talk about the best path for your child's individual faith needs.

Late registrations are accepted whenever possible! Please contact our DRE as soon as possible so we can help set up the best faith formation path for your child.

Confirmation takes place in the Fall for students in 8th grade and above. Preparation begins the year prior, and candidates must complete Levels 3–6 before entering Confirmation PREP. If your child has missed any prerequisites, don't worry—we offer catch-up options! Contact us to discuss a tailored plan for your family.

It is NEVER too late! God continues to call us! We are so excited to walk this journey with you. Please contact Barney McGee at 610-834-1975 or speak with Fr. Szparagowski for more information.

YES! First, you should have a desire to grow in your own faith and share your faith with others. The state of Pennsylvania requires background checks and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia provides personal safety lessons, and our program will provide all the training you need to help children grow in their own faith. Contact the DRE for more information!

Tuition is $250 for one child or $325 per family. Bus transportation from WES, CES, and RP is available for $75 per family. You can also sign up for weekly snack pretzels—often the highlight of the PREP day!—for $25 per child.

No child is excluded due to financial reasons. Please reach out to the DRE if you a concern.

We welcome all children and offer accommodations for students with learning differences. Please contact the DRE so we can discuss how to best support your child.

For weekday classes, we follow St. Philip Neri (SPN) and Colonial School District (CSD) weather closures—if either closes or cancels after-school activities, PREP is canceled. For Sunday classes, closure decisions will be made by 8:30 AM and sent via email. 

In addition to standard class prerequisites, sacramental preparation requires parent meeting attendance and student retreat participation. Please check the schedules on our Important Forms page for specific dates..