When it comes to forming our children in the Catholic faith, our Parish School of Religion (PSR) is here to help parents in this important effort! Our PSR specifically focuses on religious education and is designed to help students who do not attend a parochial school.
PSR is offered weekly from September to May. In addition to providing religious education, the program also helps prepare students for the sacraments.
“The receiving of the Sacraments of Initiation is only the beginning of a lifelong journey,” says Gina Wolf, who has served as PSR coordinator for the past three years. “Often the children are too young to either understand or remember receiving any of these sacraments. PSR/parochial school instruction of these sacraments and the others only reinforces and builds on what has transpired. Further education regarding all the sacraments allows the child to ask more informed questions and make better decisions while on life’s journey.”
Our PSR program is offered for children in kindergarten through eighth grade — however, the classes are open to anyone. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child who is enrolled in the program. PSR also hosts a Family Faith Night, a special class night set aside for parents, students, and siblings. Most recently, the program offered a night of instruction about the Mass.
“Both our priests were present — one explained what was taking place, while the other said the prayers and went through all the gestures and movements of the Mass,” Gina says. “This was a unique way to have Mass and to educate not only the children but to enlighten the parents as well.”
The format for PSR varies from class to class. Some of the different structures include Weeklies, Blessed Are We books, missals discussing the readings and Gospels, videos, and art projects. There are also three special Masses held throughout the year including an opening Mass, a Thanksgiving Mass, and a closing Mass.
There are currently 31 students enrolled in the class. They meet at St. Peters School classrooms on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For one to two children in a family, the cost is $85, and for a family of three or more, the cost is $200. Helpers are welcome to assist with in-class activities.
“Watching the children come in for class each week and leave after class brings me joy,” Gina says. “When they wait for their parents, I ask what they have learned in class, and most are quite enthusiastic in telling me. It truly makes my heart full of happiness and contentment.”
If you have questions or are interested in PSR, contact the parish at 217-222-3155, or Gina Wolf at 217-257-9966 or g.wolf@cospq.org.
