St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)
2014-2015 Parent Handbook
Table of Contents
Topic
Page
Contact Information……………………………………….3
WE BELIEVE……………………………………………. 4
Admittance Policy………………………………………....4
Parish Religious Education Program ……………………..4
Children’s Liturgy of the Word…………………………...5
PREP (Levels 1-6)…………………………………………5
PREP Levels Comparison to Elem. School Grades……….5
Alternative Programs for Sacramental Preparation………..5
Vacation Bible School……………………………………..5
Youth Ministry Program (Genesis & GYM)………………6
Registration………………………………………………...6 Tuition…...6
Class Day & Times……...………………………………...6
PREP Classroom Security………………………………….6-7
Safe Environment Program………………………………..7
PREP Parking Procedure…………………………………..8
Traffic Flow Map…………………………………………..9
Student Early Dismissal Request ………………………...10
PREP Closing Emergency/Closing……..………………...10
Attendance………………………………………………....10-11
Absence Policy…...11
Dress Code………………………………………………....11
Non-Custodial Parents……………………………………..11
Student Assignments & Progress Reports………………….12
Parents Responsibilities…………………………………....12
Behavioral Rules/Code of Conduct……………………….12-13
Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior ...………………13
Communication…………………………………………….13
Sacramental Preparation Information……………………..14
Curriculum Overview………………………………………14-15
Essential Topics and Prayers …………………………….....15
2
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to St. Cyril of Jerusalem Parish Religious Education Program. We look forward to beginning
another year of PREP and especially in a year in which we begin to celebrate our 50th Anniversary
as a Roman Catholic parish serving the people of Central Bucks County. We take very seriously our
commitment to support you in your role as a Christian parent and your responsibility of educating your
children in the Catholic faith.
I want to assure you that we have an extremely competent team of faith-filled catechists, assistants and
support personnel who are dedicated to your children and committed to teaching all aspects of our faith
which will prepare them for their life long journey as followers of Jesus Christ.
We always strive to have open communication with you and most certainly welcome your ideas, concerns
and suggestions. Should you have any questions or concerns about PREP, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
+ May God bless you and your family,
Deacon Joe
Deacon Joseph T. Owen, MA
Director of Religious Education
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Robert Powell 215-343-1288
Parochial Vicar: Rev. Michael Filippello 215-343-1288
Director Religious Education: Deacon Joseph T. Owen 215-343-3139 Deaconjoeo1@verizon.net
Director Youth Ministry: Daniel Rackers 215 - 896-6649 Drackers2@gmail.com
PREP Administrative Assistant: Carol Anghelone 215-343-1288 angcarolt@verizon.net
Elementary Program Administrator: Linda Kingsbury 215-343-1288 lkingsbury@verizon.net
Coordinators for Initial Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)/Holy Eucharist:
Cathy Milnik
hcmilk@verizon.net
Debbie Heaney
heaneyd@yahoo.com
Coordinator for Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW):
Suzanne Curran
securran@verizon.net
St. Cyril of Jerusalem R.C. Church
PREP Office
1410 Almshouse Rd.
Office hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 215-343-3139
3
Jamison PA 18929
WE BELIEVE
WE BELIEVE, that the purpose of our catechetical ministry is to proclaim
authentically and fully the message of Jesus, to foster an understanding of
and build community in all areas of life, and to encourage service to each
other for the good of all.
WE BELIEVE, that you have entrusted your children to us to deepen the
faith you have given them as parents.
WE BELIEVE, that with your cooperation, such as, attending parent
meetings, celebrating the Eucharist and the Sacraments together, and
reinforcing Christian values in your homes, we can help you, help your child
grow in their faith as they journey with you.
WE BELIEVE that the goal of religious education through formation is to
make us aware of the action of God in our lives, both within us and outside
of us. That religious formation is faith brought to understanding.
THEREFORE, we will work with you to awaken this awareness in your
children and encourage them to gradually accept responsibility for their own
Christian development, as they are able.
PREP ADMITTANCE POLICY
It is the policy of St. Cyril’s PREP to admit individuals who are of any race, color, national, and
ethnic origin or physically challenged and grant them the rights, privileges, programs and
activities generally accorded or made available to all individuals. All aspects of the program
including admittance, administration, curriculum development, policies, etc. are conducted free of
any discrimination.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem embraces all of its children regardless of special need or disability. We
make every effort to accommodate the needs of participants with special disabilities and provide
them with an inclusive environment in our programs. If your child has a special need or disability
you are encouraged to contact the Director of Religious Education to discuss your concerns and
enrollment options.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM
St. Cyril’s PREP is committed to helping students develop as persons who recognize, appreciate, and
celebrate the gift of God’s love in their life. It is our objective to assist parents, the primary educators in
their child’s faith, by teaching the truths of the Catholic Church enabling students to claim them as their
own; lead students to the realization that Catholic Christian living is our response to God’s covenant
relationship with His Church; and encourage families to celebrate the Lord’s presence in life and liturgy.
4
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is celebrated at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday mass from September
through June. CLOW is the proclamation of the Word of God designed for children from kindergarten
through the fourth grade. After the opening prayer of the mass the children are called forth by the Priest or
Deacon and sent with a blessing to the chapel. A catechist leads them through the Liturgy of the Word and
the children listen to God speak, reflect on who God is, and how they respond to God. The children
return to their families during the preparation of the gifts for the remainder of the mass.
Parish Religious Education Program (PREP): provides Catechist instructed classes for students from
first grade through sixth grade. Each program level has a specific core curriculum which is in
compliance with the curriculum guidelines and requirements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of
Catechetical Formation.
In accordance with the archdiocesan policy, students receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First
Holy Eucharist in Level Two and the Sacrament of Confirmation in Level Six. In preparation for the
Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation, it is required that a two-year preparation is completed.
PREP Levels comparison to Elementary School Grades:
When registering your children for PREP classes you need to be aware that there is no correlation
between the elementary school grade system and the PREP levels. The elementary school system is a
grade format based on the intellectual learning ages of children and their ability to grasp numerous
subjects at a particular age.
The PREP “Level” system is not an age based system nor based on the child’s ability to grasp a variety of
subjects. It is focused on the child’s progression in their religious education. For example, a child may be
in the second grade in an elementary school but has not participated in any religious education
classes…this child would be assigned to Level 1 in the PREP program. Thus, we use the term “level”
rather than “grade.”
Alternative Programs for Sacrament Preparation:
Alternative programs are designed for children who have been baptized but have not participated in a
religious education program or sacrament preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation.
Level 3 and higher – For children in Level 3and above who have not received the Sacraments of
Reconciliation (Penance) and/or Holy Eucharist
Level 7 and higher – For children in level 7 and above who have not received one of the following
Sacraments: Reconciliation (Penance) Holy Eucharist, and/or Confirmation
Children are accepted into these alternative programs on an as needed basis depending on individual and
family circumstances. Please contact the PREP office at 215-343-3139 to discuss your child’s situation
and the development of a specific individual program.
Vacation Bible School (VBS): Children entering Kindergarten or grades 1 through 4 are eligible to
attend. Vacation Bible School is a Catholic faith based program conducted on the grounds of St. Cyril of
Jerusalem Parish. The five half-day, Monday thru Friday program offers numerous activities including
5
song, prayer, arts and crafts, etc, and is staffed by adults, teens and pre-teens. The program is typically
conducted annually in June or July.
Youth Ministry Program:
GENESIS: A Catholic faith based program for 7th, 8th and 9th grade youth. The program is open
to all youths regardless of religious affiliation. St. Cyril parish membership is not required.
Genesis is a program focusing on three aspects of youth ministry; faith formation, service projects
and peer socialization.
GYM (God’s Youth Ministry) - is a high school youth ministry aimed at engendering and
nurturing knowledge and a love of God in our young men and women and guide them in
becoming dynamic disciples of Our Lord
REGISTRATION:
PREP registration is conducted on-line where you are able to register, make a 1st & 2nd choice for the class
day/time, pay tuition, pay the sacrament fee ($50.00 for Level 2 and Level 6 students) and volunteer to teach, all
from the convenience of your home or office. While you may register from mid-March through the end of August
there is a discounted tuition rate granted to those who complete the registration during the months of March and
April.
TUITION*
Tuition rates are reviewed annually and adjusted as necessary to meet program expenses. Tuition covers the cost of
facilities, student’s text books, folders, supplies, audiovisuals, resource materials, etc. as well as the administrative
expenses of the program. In the event of books being lost or damaged a replacement fee of $20.00 will be charged.
For parents who volunteer to be a catechist, catechist assistant or PREP office assistant tuition is waived for the
year regardless of the number of children.
*No child will ever be denied participation in PREP due to financial hardship. Should you be experiencing a difficult time,
please contact Deacon Joe Owen at 215-343-3139 to discuss how we may help you.
CLASS DAY & TIME
Monday afternoon – 4:45-6:00 p.m.
Monday evening – 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Tuesday afternoon – 4:45-6:00 p.m.
PREP CLASSROOM SECURITY
To best ensure the safety of your children during Religious Education sessions and to keep the buildings
secure, we have determined that the buildings in which classes are conducted will remain locked. All
doors in each building have “panic bars” so that even though the doors are locked, people may easily
exit. The following is the Security Procedure that will be implemented beginning with the 2014-2015
PREP year:
1. A catechist or assistant must be in the classroom at least 10 minutes before the class starting time.
2. Students are expected to be in the classroom no later than the class starting time.
6
3. Parents/Guardians must escort their child not to the classroom but to the designated drop off/pickup area in
each building as follows:
Church………….. drop off/pickup area is the Narthex (lobby). Do not go into the Cry Room or main
church
Rectory…………. enter the basement by the outside staircase and go to the entrance where the classes
are held, this is the drop off/pickup area. Do not enter the classroom area and do not
use the main rectory doors to enter the building
Social Hall………. enter through the main doors to the lobby area this is the drop off/pickup. Do not
enter beyond the glass doors to the classrooms
Portable…………..escort your children to the bottom of the ramp leading to the two doors, this is the
drop off/pick up area. Do not enter the portable.
4. The doors in each building will be locked 10 minutes after the classes’ starting time and no one will be
permitted to enter the building without authorization.
5. Late arrivals must call the PREP office at 215-343-3139 or go to the PREP office to request entry into a
building. A staff member will escort the child to their classroom.
6. Early dismissal requests require the parent/guardian to go to the PREP office to request approval/form and
be escorted and permitted access to the drop off/pickup area in the building. A staff member will retrieve
the student and bring him/her to the designated area.
7. Lavatory breaks for students in the PORTABLE will be monitored by an assistant who will have a key to
enter the Social Hall and re-enter the Portable.
8. All doors will be unlocked 5 minutes before the class ending time. Parents/guardians are to wait in the
drop off/area for their children.
9. Catechists, Assistants and Teen Aides are prohibited from opening any door after the building is locked
down.
10. After the doors are locked no one is permitted to open the door for anyone, even if the individual is known
or recognizable.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has mandated the establishment of a Safe Environment Program for each
parish in the archdiocese as part of an initiative for protecting our children.
St. Cyril’s Safe Environment Program is designed to increase children’s awareness of potential personal
threats and to increase their ability to resist potential overtures of individuals who may have the intention
of harming them. This is not sex education and is not intended to substitute for your responsibility as
parents in educating your children in the area of human sexuality and love.
Our program is usually conducted the second half of the year during a designated week. It is presented
during class time by your child’s catechist. You are most welcome to attend the session but if unable to
do so, the program’s DVD and lesson plan is available for your viewing upon request to the PREP office.
Also, it is your prerogative not to have your child participates in the education program. A few weeks
before the scheduled session you will receive pertinent information about the program and your options.
7
PREP PARKING PROCEDURE: (see map on page 9)
ARRIVAL - Enter from Almshouse Road –

Turn right and proceed to the lane that will allow parking as close as possible to the building
where your child’s class is located. NOTE: Parents/Guardians authorized to transport
several children to PREP are responsible to ensure the safety of these children and to escort
each child to the building where their class is located.

Exit your vehicle and escort your child to the entrance to the building.

Please exercise extreme caution as you would in any public parking area e.g. shopping centers,
malls, stadiums, etc.

Return to your vehicle and exit the parking lot proceeding to the Almshouse Road exit.

There is no entrance or exit from Meetinghouse Road and is restricted to pedestrian traffic only
DEPARTURE – (Dismissal)
Parents are requested to park their vehicle and enter the appropriate building to pick up their children and
escort them through the parking lot to their vehicle. We realize this may be inconvenient for some but it is
mandated to ensure the safety of the children.
Children must never walk without being escorted by an adult…regardless of PREP level.
It is permitted for a family with several children attending PREP to pick up all of their children at a single
location. In this situation, parents must provide a note to each child’s catechist authorizing the release of
their child to a specified location. The older child must go to the location of the youngest child. The form
to be completed for approval is available on the website.
DISMISSAL & PICKUP
CHURCH – pick up must occur in the Narthex
RECTORY – pick up in the rectory basement must occur in the area between the two classrooms outside
the room where the classes are conducted. But only after the door is opened.
SOCIAL HALL – Students in grades 1-3 will not be released by their catechists until a parent or older
sibling arrives to pick up the student from the classroom.
PORTABLE – pick up will be at bottom of the ramp to the portable classrooms.
8
9
STUDENT EARLY DISMISSAL REQUEST
We know unexpected situations arise which require a child to leave a class early. For the safety of the
children the following procedure must be adhered to in these instances:
1. Early dismissal requests require the parent/guardian to go to the PREP office to request
approval/form and be escorted and permitted access to the drop off/pickup area in the building. A
staff member will retrieve the student and bring him/her to the drop off/pickup area.
2. Should an individual other than the parent or guardian be picking up your child, you must write a
note indicating the individuals name, relationship to the child, provide a contact number for you
and sign the note. The individual must submit the note to the PREP office who will prepare an
authorization for early dismissal to be given to your child’s Catechist. A staff member will retrieve
the student and bring him/her to the drop off/pickup area.
3. Common sense, PREP policy and Archdiocesan policy prohibit a child leaving the building
unescorted.
4.
Extracurricular activities such as, sports practices/games, dance, karate, CYO events, or similar
activities do not constitute a valid reason for early dismissal and will be counted as a partial
absence. PREP is more than an academic exercise and should be seriously considered a priority in
your child’s faith development.
PREP EMERGENCY OR INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSING
The PREP schedule is created in consideration of the Central Bucks School District academic schedule
but does not follow all of the holidays observed by the Central Bucks District. Should the district
announce a closing does not necessarily mean PREP will also be closed.
For those rare occurrences of inclement weather that may jeopardize the safety of the children and other
family members, the Director of Religious Education will render a decision to cancel the PREP classes.
A PREP closing announcement will be posted on the parish website home page www.saint-cyril.com and
sent via e-mail to each family.
ATTENDANCE




The faith formation provided in our programs is delivered in a spiral format, which means each
year’s subject matter is built upon the subject matter learned in the previous year. Therefore, it is
imperative that children remain enrolled in the program consistently from year-to-year.
Attendance is taken by the Catechist Assistants at the beginning of each class. The attendance
records are picked up ten minutes after the beginning of the session. Any child reporting 10
minutes late or more may be marked absent.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has established a forty (40) hour minimum standard for in-theseat learning time for each year of PREP. The PREP year begins in September and typically ends
in May.
Unauthorized early dismissal will be counted as an absence.
10
ABSENCE POLICY
A forty (40) hour program of religious instruction is mandated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of
Catechetical Formation. To ensure the compliance of the St. Cyril’s PREP this policy has been developed
and will be strictly enforced. Provisions of the policy are as follows:
1) Children are expected to attend all classes including the times when the class goes to the church
for special services such as Forty Hour Devotion, Holy Mass, Reconciliation (Penance), etc.
2) Parents are not required to submit a note or call if your child is to be absent unless it is known that
the absence with be for two weeks or longer.
3) Should a long-term absence (2 weeks or longer) be necessary due to an illness or a family
situation, the parent must contact the Director of Religious Education to discuss the situation and
to arrange for a suitable plan to complete the grade level requirements.
4) Should a child incur four (4) absences they will be dismissed from the program and will be
informed that the child repeat the level in the next PREP year.
DRESS CODE
Dress is casual, however is should be appropriate for class or church. Tank tops, half shirts are not
acceptable. Shirts advertising alcoholic products, offensive language or suggestive words are
unacceptable.
NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
In situations of marital separation or divorce, both biological parents of a student participating in PREP
must submit to the PREP office the most recent “Custodial Order of Custody Agreement” document.
Should changes occur to the agreement during the year a revised custody agreement must be submitted.
At the beginning of each PREP year, both parties of the custody agreement will be requested to present
the most recent “Order of Custody Agreement Document.”
Our program abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of noncustodial parents. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, our program will provide the noncustodial parent with access to the records and other program related information regarding the child. If
there is a court order specifying there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial
parent to provide the program director with an official and latest copy of the court order.
If a court order prohibits our releasing a child into the custody of a non-custodial parent, it is the
responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the program director with an official copy of the court
order or custody section of the divorce decree.
11
STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS AND PROGRESS REPORTS









At the discretion of the catechist, take-home assignments may be given in the form of written
work, activities or study. As those primarily responsible for the faith formation of their children,
parents are expected to supervise the completion of these assignments.
Assignments for students who will be receiving a sacrament are outlined in the parent packet for
each of the sacraments.
Faith formation is not an academic exercise nor is it totally intellectually based. Faith is God
given and must be nourished, experienced, witnessed to, and lived. The faith formation programs
outlined in this handbook do not utilize grading procedures as a result.
The catechists, as a means to assess the understanding and formation progress of the students will
use appropriate review materials. A minimum of four (4) reviews and four (4)assessments will be
administered over the course of the program year. These reviews and assessments are a valuable
tool that will assist parents in identifying areas of difficulty in the faith formation of their children.
Review & Assessment lessons are posted in the lesson plans at the parish website by level.
Progress Reports are prepared to provide parents with feedback regarding the faith formation of
their children and are issued at mid-year in January and the end of the year in May. The reports
are based on assessment scores, class participation and completion of homework.
Parents are urged to read the report carefully, sign it, and return it the following week of class. End
of year progress reports do not need to be returned.
Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their children’s religious education and support
their children in completing all assignments.
Unsatisfactory work and/or prolonged or numerous absences may require the repeating of a level.
Advancement is not automatic.
PARENTS RESPONSIBILITIES –
Parents are expected to:
 Continue their own ongoing faith formation through prayer and adult education and by sharing of
time and abilities in the ministries of the parish and especially PREP.
 Review and enrich what has been presented in class each week, including weeks when your child
has been absent. It is impossible for a child to learn something if it only presented once a week.
 Help your children with homework assignments and projects and share their own faith experiences
with them.
 Pray with your children. Throughout the program, prayer is recognized as personal contact with
God. Students are taught and encouraged to pray in their own words.
 Be an example of a faithful and committed Catholic and do not let anything or anyone interfere
with your relationship with God.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION RULES:
The PREP seeks to provide an environment that will allow children to learn, experience, and grow as
members of our Christian community. A partnership between children, parents and catechists and
assistants is necessary to achieve this goal. The “Code of Behavior” encourages children to be
accountable for their behavior. They are expected to be courteous to other children and all adults. Every
person who chooses to belong to and worship at St. Cyril’s has the right to worship in an environment that
fosters reverence and respect for God, Church and each other.
12
STUDENT CODE OF BEHAVIOR:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Follow directions the first time they are given.
Raise your hand to speak. Do not interrupt others.
Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
Use encouraging words, no put-downs or name-calling.
Stay in your assigned seat.
Do not abuse the classrooms, restrooms, or others property
CONSEQUENCES OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
The catechist, supported by the PREP staff, will discuss the consequences of inappropriate behavior with
the children in general terms. At all times the catechists will attempt to administer discipline with dignity
for the child. The following is an outline for parents of what they can expect if it is necessary for the
catechist to take action in order to control behavior that is disturbing the class.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Two (2) warnings will be given to the child.
Parents will be called if a child does not respond to the warnings.
If a second call is required, the name of the child will be given to the DRE for follow up.
After two (2) calls, and intervention by the DRE, a parent will be required to accompany their
child to class
5. If further action is necessary, parents and child will meet with the pastor to attempt to determine
the reason for the child’s disrespect for the Code of Behavior.
6. Expulsion from the program is the last resort.
Most behavior problems can be solved between the catechist and the parents if there is a spirit of
cooperation present that the child can sense. The goal is the same – to create an atmosphere in which
learning can take place.
COMMUNICATION

All parents are welcome and encouraged to discuss any concerns, issues, situations and requests
with the Director of Religious Education, the administrative staff, the Catechist or the Sacraments
Coordinators.

Parents are provided with a calendar at the beginning of the PREP program year. This calendar is
subject to change during the course of the year. Parents will be notified of changes.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem PREP attempts to communicate effectively and frequently with parents
using the following means; email, “PREP NEWS & NOTES”, parish website www.saintcyril.com, the Sunday Bulletin, and US Postal Service.

Parents are requested to give their cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses to ensure effective
communications.
13
SACRAMENT PREPARATION INFORMATION
1) Archdiocese of Philadelphia Policy for the reception of sacraments;



A student must attend two consecutive years of Religious Education in order to be eligible
to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance), Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
Each parish within the Archdiocese prepares their own sacramental program within the
guidelines promulgated by the Archdiocese.
Children are required to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist,
Confirmation) in the parish in which their family is registered.
2) St. Cyril of Jerusalem Policy for the reception of sacraments:
 Children must be baptized
 Family registration in St. Cyril of Jerusalem parish is required
 Parents should be active participants of their Catholic faith and regularly attend Mass on
Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
 Students exhibiting chronic absences, lateness, or who is a persistent discipline problem
may have their reception of the sacraments deferred until the following year or later.
 Each family will receive a booklet explaining the sacraments preparation procedures.
 Parents’ participation in the preparation process is critical and they are expected to assist
their children with the preparation materials sent home as well as to attend parent
meetings.
 Preparation for the reception of a sacrament is a time of prayerful reflection and
discernment. A participant’s desire to receive the sacrament is reflected in his or her
positive attitude toward the preparation process. Thus proper attendance and behavior are
expected.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
LEVELS 1 THRU 5
We have chosen the Loyola Press’s catechetical series “Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts as
our religious education program. Finding God is rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola and
encourages catechists and students to recognize the presence of God in all things and to develop a life
long relationship with God. It is based on a spiral curriculum that integrates the fundamental themes of
the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as Scripture and Catholic Social Teachings. As
children are introduced to and revisit concepts and vocabulary from one year to the next, their knowledge
and experience both broaden and deepen. .
For your convenience, the following is the Finding God website where you may obtain interactive
session reviews (games) and study guides. >> www.FindingGod.com... click Children, Grade Level, and
then select activity.
The program goals and objectives by grade level, minimum standards for year-end achievement and
lesson plans for each grade level are available on the parish website, www.saint-cyril.com
14
LEVEL 6
The sixth year of religious education concentrates on the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the grace we receive in Baptism. It seals, or confirms, this
grace through the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit we receive as part of Confirmation.
We have chosen another Loyola Press series that focuses exclusively on comprehensive Confirmation
preparation.. The “Confirmed in the Spirit” series is a complete and flexible multicomponent sacramental
preparation program that invites, welcomes, and nurtures young Catholics as they grow in their faith, and
through the power of the Holy Spirit, embrace their role as mature, faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
The curriculum guides the young people to embrace the lifelong Catholic practices of worship, prayer,
stewardship, service, pursuit of wisdom, and moral decision making as they prepare for Confirmation and
the next phase of their lives as Catholic.
Interactive and printable activities can be located online at www.loyolapress.com/confirmation.
ESSENTIAL TOPICS & PRAYERS FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL
Level 1
God Found Everything Good – God & Creator
Memorize: Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, Glory Be and Grace before meals
Level 2
I am the True Vine - Reconciliation & Eucharist
Memorize: Previous year plus the following: The Hail Mary, Act of Contrition and the
Form for Confession, and the first three Commandments.
Level 3
Fishers of Men – Church and the Holy Spirit
Memorize: Previous years plus the following: Come Holy Spirit, the Ten Commandments
and the Seven Sacraments.
Level 4
Blessed Are the Poor – Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments
Memorize: Previous years plus the following: Apostles Creed, The Ten Commandments,
and Eight Beatitudes and Practice Praying the Rosary using the Joyful and Sorrowful
Mysteries.
Level 5
The Bread of Life – Sacraments & Worship
Memorize: Hail Holy Queen, Seven Sacraments, the Corporal and Spiritual Works of
Mercy. Previous years plus the following Practice Praying the Rosary using the Glorious
and Luminous Mysteries
Level 6
Confirmed in the Spirit – Sacrament of Confirmation Preparation
Memorize: Previous years plus the following: 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, 12 Fruits of the
Holy Spirit, Theological and Cardinal Virtues, the parts of the Mass - Liturgy of the
Word/Liturgy of the Eucharist
15