Religious Education

Our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) helps more than 200 children and their families grow in faith, prepare for the sacraments and come to know Jesus in the life of the Church. Adults seeking baptism, Confirmation or full communion with the Catholic Church are welcomed through OCIA.

Catechist teaching a small group of children in a sunlit parish classroom

Programs for every age

From a child's first lessons in prayer to an adult's journey into the Church.

PREP for children

Weekly classes for students in grades K through 9, taught by trained parish catechists. Children learn the Scriptures, the Mass, prayer and the teachings of the Church in an age-appropriate way.

Class dates and times are posted on the PREP calendar.

Sacramental preparation

A two-year program prepares children for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and older students for Confirmation. Confirmation starts with 8th grade and Confirmation is in the end of the 9th grade year. Parents take part alongside their children.

 

OCIA for adults

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults welcomes anyone who wishes to be baptized, complete their sacraments or come into full communion with the Catholic Church. Sessions run through the year, with sacraments celebrated at the Easter Vigil. Call the office for more information at (561) 798-5661.

2026-2027 PREP calendar

Classes begin Monday, August 17. There are no classes in December — please come to the Christmas Festival instead!

Class times

  • Monday: 4:00-5:15, 5:30-6:45 and 7:00-8:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 4:00-5:15 and 5:30-6:45 PM

Important dates

  • August 17 - Classes begin
  • August 29 - Confirmation parents meeting, 9 AM
  • September 26 - Parents meeting for online students, 9 AM
  • October 16-18 - Confirmation retreat
  • December - No classes; please attend the Christmas Festival (Dec 4-6 and 11-13)
  • January 23 - First Communion parents meeting, 9 AM
  • April 17 - First Reconciliation, 11 AM
  • April 23 - First Holy Communion rehearsal, 6 PM
  • April 24 - First Holy Communion, 11 AM
  • April 30 - Confirmation rehearsal, 6 PM
  • May 1 - Confirmation Mass, 11 AM

Faith formation class dates

  • August: 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
  • September: 1, 14, 15, 28, 29
  • October: 5, 6, 19, 20, 26, 27
  • November: 9, 10, 16, 17
  • December: no classes
  • January: 11, 12, 25, 26
  • February: 1, 2, 8, 9, 22, 23
  • March: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16
  • April: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
  • May: 3, 4

Children's Masses

Families are asked to attend these Children's Masses together:

  • October 4
  • November 8
  • December 24
  • January 10
  • February 14
  • March 14 and March 28
  • April 18
  • May 9

How to register

Registration for the new year opens each summer, and families may join at any point in the year if space allows. You will need a copy of your child's baptismal certificate and to be a registered member of the parish.

  1. 1

    Register with the parish

    If you are new to Our Lady Queen of Apostles, stop by the Parish Office to register your family first.

  2. 2

    Complete the PREP form

    Forms are available at the Parish Office.

  3. 3

    Bring your documents

    Baptismal certificate for each child and the registration fee. 

  4. 4

    Submit PREP volunteer hours

    Families contribute volunteer hours to the program during the year. Click here to add your hours. 

 

More than 50 ways to share your time and talent. Volunteer hours served in any of these ministries count toward your family's PREP commitment.

Questions parents ask

What if my child has missed a year of classes?

Children are always welcome back. Please call the office so we can place your child in the right class and talk through any sacramental catch-up that may be needed.

Do parents need to attend?

Parents are the first teachers of the faith. Sacramental preparation includes a few parent sessions during the year, and every family is encouraged to attend Sunday Mass together.

Can I volunteer as a catechist or aide?

Yes, and we need you. Catechists and classroom aides complete the Diocese of Palm Beach volunteer requirements, and the office will guide you through them.

Ready to enroll or have a question?

Christy Warne and the Religious Education office are happy to help.

Call 561-798-5661 ext. 105