(PREP) is a spirit-led ministry. Our mission is to enable our children and their families to develop an intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Starting with our Kindergarteners and continuing through 8th grade, our children are led in the doctrine, history, teachings, practices and traditions of our rich Catholic faith.
Classes meet weekly from September through May. Our Catechists* [instructors] are volunteer parishioners committed to continuing the primary task of the Church which is to "make disciples of all nations". All our textbooks and resources adhere to the Archdiocese of New York's curriculum and are approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB]. Please visit www.NYFaithFormation.org or www.usccb.org for further information about our curriculum.
Weekly Mass attendance is a required part of our program and it is strictly observed; especially, for all our families preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Family activities such as Thanksgiving Service/ Family Sharing Table, Breakfast with Santa, Easter Egg Hunt and the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday are some of the activities we prepare and celebrate throughout our Religious Education year, parents are asked to volunteer to help make these special events successful.
If you would like further information, or are interested in becoming part of our ministry, contact Mrs. Basler at (845) 735-2036, or [email protected].
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* Our Catechists should be Confirmed, practicing Catholics 18 years or older. Teacher Aides should also be Confirmed, practicing Catholics of at least high school age. All must submit to criminal background checks by the Safe Environment Office of the Archdiocese of NY and fill out applications from the Catechetical Office and Safe Environment Office. Teachers and Aides are given Safer Spaces Training provided by the Safe Environment Office. The Archdiocese also offers Catechist Formation Classes in the areas of spirituality, theology and methodology. Meetings are held on an as-needed basis in the Religious Education Center.
2024-25 Schedule
Class Sessions are as follows:
Sundays 9am to 9:45am Kindergarten
Mondays 4:30pm to 5:45pm 1st through 4th grade
Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:45pm 1st through 4th grade
Wednesdays 4:30 to 5:45pm 1st through 5th grade
5th grade through 8th grade sessions will be offered Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8:15pm
The sessions we offer each year depend largely on the volunteers we can secure to help us throughout the year. The more volunteers we have, the more flexible we can be with the class sessions. Contact Mrs. Basler to discuss how you can help.
Prep Report Fall 2024
The PREP year is off to a great start, and it is truly because of all the dedicated catechists that have volunteered their time, patience, and talent! I am truly impressed each day by the fun and engaging activities that they plan to help our students grow in love and knowledge of their faith. I would particularly like to welcome our newest catechists: Kelly Anne Trombley, Bernadette Carroll, Ryan Carroll, Mary DeSapio, Christina Honan, Mary O’Sullivan, Linda Sheridan, Maureen Dowling, Mary Beaudry, Nancy Shine, Vincent Romano, Mary Hackett, Kate Schmid, Patrick Basler, Liam Devine and Fr. Emmanuel. God bless and thank you for all you do!