a lasting Faith Formation
The St. Maria Goretti Religious Education Program (PREP) seeks to plant seed on rich soil for building a strong relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ, and a foundation in faith that will last a lifetime. All children in our programs learn in a safe and supportive atmosphere. We offer several opportunities to meet the needs of our parish families.
a lasting Faith Formation
The St. Maria Goretti Religious Education Program (PREP) seeks to plant seed on rich soil for building a strong relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ, and a foundation in faith that will last a lifetime. All children in our programs learn in a safe and supportive atmosphere. We offer several opportunities to meet the needs of our parish families.
2026-2027 PREP Registration is Open
New PREP Families, returning CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) Level II & Level III Families can now register through Parish Giving for the 2026-2027 school year.
Registration is available in nine languages, including Vietnamese, Spanish and Haitian. Please note: All registrations must be made through Parish Giving. There are NO paper registration forms available.
2026-2027 PREP Registration is Open
New PREP Families, returning CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) Level II & Level III Families can now register through Parish Giving for the 2026-2027 school year.
Registration is available in nine languages, including Vietnamese, Spanish and Haitian. Please note: All registrations must be made through Parish Giving. There are NO paper registration forms available.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
“Summer Catch up”
one week | in-person
July 27, 28, 29, 30; August 3, 4, 5, 68:30 am to 1:00 pm (student provides own lunch)
St. Maria Goretti Education Center
FREE Eight-day PREP class for parish students who are at least three (3) years out of sequence with the traditional PREP classes. Ex: a 6th grade public school student who has not attended PREP since First Holy Communion (2nd grade).
Upon full attendance of all 8 days and completion of all assigned work, the student will advance one PREP grade level.**Please note: Summer registrants MUST sign up for the September – May, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Catch-Up Catechesis course prior to registering for the Summer Catch-Up Catechesis session.
Please click here to register for the September – May course.
Financial assistance is available for this September – May course.
Traditional
Weekly | in-person
sundays
For children in PREP level 1-7
SESSION: 10:45AM-12:15PM
CURRICULUM:
Grades 1-2: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Model
Grades 3-5: Our Sunday Visitor, Alive in Christ
Grades 6-7: Rotating Confirmation series
Traditional
Weekly | in-person
sundays
For children in PREP level 1-7
SESSION: 10:45AM-12:15PM
CURRICULUM:
Grades 1-2: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Model
Grades 3-5: Our Sunday Visitor, Alive in Christ
Grades 6-7: Rotating Confirmation series
home based
Self-paced | at Home | Parent-led
Available for children in PREP level 3-5
DESCRIPTION: The home based PREP program invites the parent to be the primary catechist, following the appropriate curriculum provided by the CRE
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must participate in 3 online meetings with the CRE
- Must complete 2 at-home assessments administered by the parent
- Parents & children will attend all required PREP events and liturgies
- Parents & children must attend ALL meetings, retreats, practices for sacraments their children will receive that year
- The parental catechist will work towards achieving his/her Catechetical Certificate through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia within the first two years of participating in Homebased PREP
CURRICULUM: Our Sunday Visitor, Alive in Christ
home based
Self-paced | at Home | Parent-led
Available for children in PREP level 3-5
DESCRIPTION: The home based PREP program invites the parent to be the primary catechist, following the appropriate curriculum provided by the CRE
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must participate in 3 online meetings with the CRE
- Must complete 2 at-home assessments administered by the parent
- Parents & children will attend all required PREP events and liturgies
- Parents & children must attend ALL meetings, retreats, practices for sacraments their children will receive that year
- The parental catechist will work towards achieving his/her Catechetical Certificate through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia within the first two years of participating in Home Based PREP
CURRICULUM: Our Sunday Visitor, Alive in Christ
ADAPTIVE
BI-WeEKLY | IN-PERSON
Available for children in PREP level 1-7 with diverse learning needs
SESSIONS:
Saturday | 5:45PM – 6:45PM
Sunday | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Monday | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Monday | 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
DESCRIPTION: The adaptive PREP program is a multi-age class specially designed for children in grades 1-7 with diverse learning needs, neurodiversity, or various movement circumstances. Parents are required to attend each session with their child(ren)
CURRICULUM INCLUDES: crafting, songs, movement & sharing to showcase the love of Christ
Additional program information and weekly Adaptive PREP lesson plans can be found at http://www.smgadaptiveprep.org.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Michele Haytko at smgadaptiveprep@gmail.com
ADAPTIVE
BI-WeEKLY | IN-PERSON
Available for children in PREP level 1-7 with diverse learning needs
SESSIONS:
Saturday | 5:45PM – 6:45PM
Sunday | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Monday | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Monday | 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
DESCRIPTION: The adaptive PREP program is a multi-age class specially designed for children in grades 1-7 with diverse learning needs, neurodiversity, or various movement circumstances. Parents are required to attend each session with their child(ren)
CURRICULUM INCLUDES: crafting, songs, movement & sharing to showcase the love of Christ
Additional program information and weekly Adaptive PREP lesson plans can be found at http://www.smgadaptiveprep.org.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Michele Haytko at smgadaptiveprep@gmail.com
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
This Montessori-based model of religious education is designed to nurture a child’s relationship with Christ
Through a deep engagement with Scripture and the liturgy in a carefully crafted environment, known as the “Atrium”, children come to know and love their Catholic faith
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
This Montessori-based model of religious education is designed to nurture a child’s relationship with Christ
Through a deep engagement with Scripture and the liturgy in a carefully crafted environment, known as the “Atrium”, children come to know and love their Catholic faith
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Contact our team for any questions about our PREP program so we can best support your child in their faith journey
Robin McLaughlin
Coordinator of Religious Education
robin.mclaughlin@stmariagoretti.net
Jo Ann Prahler
Admin. Asst. of Religious Education
joann.prahler@stmariagoretti.net
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Contact our team for any questions about our PREP program so we can best support your child in their faith journey
Robin McLaughlin
Coordinator of Religious Education
robin.mclaughlin@stmariagoretti.net
Jo Ann Prahler
Admin. Asst. of Religious Education
joann.prahler@stmariagoretti.net
