Education Programs
Helping children, families, and adults grow in the Catholic faith.
Stay tuned for registration information for the 2026-2027 year.
Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)
- For Baptized Catholic children
- Religious education and sacramental preparation
Family Faith Formation Program (FFF)
- Catholic families who want to grow in faith together
- Parent-led faith formation at home
Order of Catholic Initiation of Children (OCIC)
- Unbaptized children or baptized non-Catholics
- Initiation into the Catholic Church
Order of Catholic Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
- Adults exploring Catholicism
- Adult initiation into the Church
- We have partnered with St. Jane’s Church for the OCIA Program
Education Program Comparison Table
For best viewing on your cell phone, rotate it horizontally to see the table below
| Feature | PREP | FFF | OCIC | OCIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Model | Classroom | Family & home-based | Children faith sessions | Adult faith sessions |
| Sacraments | Reconciliation, Communion, Confirmation | Reconciliation, Communion, Confirmation | Baptism (if needed), Confirmation, Eucharist | Baptism (if needed), Confirmation, Eucharist |
| Parent Role | Support at home | Active at home | Sponsor/Mentor support | Sponsor/Mentor support |
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly & home | Weekly or regular sessions throughout the year | Weekly or regular sessions throughout the year |
| Mass Participation | Families expected to attend Mass regularly | Families expected to attend Mass regularly | Expected to attend Mass and Special Formation Rites | Expected to attend Mass and Special Formation Rites |
| Best fit for | Families who prefer a structured weekly class for children | Families who want a flexible schedule | Children entering the Catholic faith or completing initiation | Adults exploring or entering the Catholic faith |
Sacramental Preparation is done during the education programs offered.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is part of the program of Religious Education where they receive these sacraments in the 2nd grade year. Students must attend 2 years of PREP in order to receive the sacraments. First Reconciliation traditionally is celebrated in February and First Holy Communion in May.
Confirmation preparation begins in the 7th grade. Students practice Christian life by fulfilling service hour requirements over 2 years, attending mini-retreats, and additional faith formation through the PREP programs. Confirmation is celebrated in the Fall of 8th grade as the Bishop’s schedule permits.
