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St. Edward's Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) is a Catholic Sunday School program for youth in grades PreK-8^th attending public or parochial school.  Regular classes meet on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:15am.  Students are introduced to and educated on Catholic doctrine, prayers, saints, bible stories and rituals while sharing in community service projects. 

Our Staff – Administration, Teachers, Aides and Assistants

The St. Edward PREP staff is a group of dedicated volunteers who genuinely love working with children and sharing God's word on Sunday mornings.  Each classroom has an average of 2 teachers with an average 1:10 teacher-student ratio.  For anyone who is interested in teaching or being an assistant in our program, please do not hesitate to contact the Religious Education office. We have training classes for those who have never taught but are willing and able to dedicate some time to our younger generation.   Our teachers are provided development opportunities at St. Edward and through the Diocese of Nashville to refresh their knowledge in the faith and to deepen their spiritual journeys. 

Our Parents

During PREP class sessions, parents are encouraged to participate by volunteering to help in the program or continue their own education in our Adult Faith Dialog (AFD) group that meets at the same time in the Carell Room.  It is our goal to ensure that religious education continues throughout the journey on this earth.

"Parents are the first and foremost teachers of their children. They teach informally but powerfully by example and instruction. They communicate values and attitudes by showing love for Christ and His church and for each other, by reverently receiving the Eucharist and living in its spirit, and by fostering justice and love in all their relationships. It is the parents' nurturing of faith in their children that show them the richness and beauty of lived faith". (Sharing the Light of Faith #212)

Sacramental Preparation

1^st and 2^nd grade religion classes prepare children for their First Eucharist and Reconciliation. Children are required to attend both years in order to be readily prepared for receiving the Sacraments. This has always been a special time for children and their families, bringing much excitement as they learn their prayers and become spiritually aware. A separate program is available for children in grade 3 or higher who have not yet celebrated these sacraments (please see RCIC).  Any exceptions to these programs must be approved by the pastor.

Religious Education also includes the preparation and coordination for the Sacrament of Confirmation which is conferred in the eighth grade.

7th grade students planning on receiving their Confirmation in 8^th grade who are not currently attending a parochial school, are required to attend regularly scheduled Pre-Confirmation classes during PREP class time. During this time they will discern the nature of their faith and its commitment and come to understand that it is their decision to continue the faith journey as participating members in the community. Confirmation is the young adult stating to God, “Yes I want to follow your teachings and acknowledge your presence in my life.”

8th grade students (who have completed at least one year of Pre-Confirmation classes and are not in parochial schools) are required to attend classes on scheduled Sunday mornings from September through January. (Approximately 5 class sessions) Classes are held Sunday mornings during regular PREP class time. 

All 8^th grade students, including those attending parochial schools, are then required to attend scheduled Sunday afternoon sessions beginning in late January through April.  Minimal absences will be allowed due to the small number of class sessions. Students will also be required to attend an all day Saturday retreat and complete an allotted number of service hours during the course of the year.  Any exceptions must be approved by the pastor. The Confirmation Ceremony will take place according to the schedule of the Bishop.

For further information regarding PREP, feel free to call the Religious Education Office at 615-834-4927 or email us at stedprep@gmail.com.