Our Lady of Peace Parish Religious Education Program
The PREP program serves to educate children in the tradition of our Catholic Church. We seek to incorporate our students into the wisdom of two thousand years of Catholic thought, history, culture and arts so that they might understand themselves and their world in the light of the Faith and acquire the character to live happy and integrated lives in the service of God and others. Education in this deep and comprehensive sense extends beyond the classroom and is more than just the acquisition of skills. It encompasses the whole of one’s life. For this reason, OLP PREP seeks to involve families more deeply in the life of the Parish and in the education of their children.
There are four necessary components of providing effective religious education: Message, Community, Attending Mass, Service
Meet our PREP Teachers
1st Grade: Sarah Golden
Sarah Golden was born and raised in South Philadelphia. She attended grade school at St Nicholas of Tolentine School. She graduated from St Maria Goretti High School in 2000. While attending Pierce College, she worked at Fels Community Center daycare and after school programs. She also worked as a camp counselor during the summer. She graduated from Pierce College in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Busines Administration. That same year she and her family moved to Ridley Township. They joined Notre Dame de Lourdes parish in 2005. Sarah began working at AmeriHealth Caritas in 2007 and is still there today. She is an investigative data analyst with the Special Investigations Unit. Shara married her husband Joe at Notre Dame in May 2010. They have 2 boys, Joseph & Vincent, who corrently attend the Prep Program. She began teaching at Prep in 2024. She teaches first grade and enjoys working with the children.
2nd grade: Judy Augustine
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3rd grade: Barbra Walker
Barbara Walker has been a long time member of OLP parish and held several volunteer positions. When I heard there were opportunities to teach in the parish Perp program I decided to make an appointment for an interview.
She has been the third grade teacher for several years, I count my blessings for making the decision to join this amazing program helping our parish children learn about their religion.
4th grade: Laura Lee Ryder
I was born and raised in Our Lady of Peace parish making all my sacraments, as well as attending grammar school graduating in 1996. I have been an active member for 42 years and married my husband, Andrew here in OLP church. We have 3 children, who attend the PREP program where I serve as the 4th grade teacher for the past 4 years. My children are involved in CYO and participate in the Drama Program. I currently serve on the Pastoral Council and am part of the Next Generation Parish Envisioning & Implementation teams.
5th grade: Ken DiFonzo
Ken attended St Pius X grade school and Cardinal O’Hara high school, has a Mechanical Engineering degree from Widener University, a Master of Mechanical Engineering degree from Villanova University, and Professional Engineer license in Pennsylvania. Ken retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia in 2024.
Ken became a member of Notre Dame de Lourdes parish in 1987. His wife, Sherry, is currently the Librarian at Notre Dame de Lourdes school. Our son, Christopher, is a 2024 graduate of Notre Dame de Lourdes school and is currently attending Cardinal O’Hara high school. Ken teaches 5th grade at the PREP program of OLP parish
6th grade: Kelly Schuman
Kelly is in her 18th year teaching Kindergarten at the Southeast Delco Kindergarten Center. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Arcadia University. She received her Masters in Arts degree in Instructional Delivery from Gratz College and received her Masters in Science degree in Special Education with a concentration in Literacy from Bryn Athyn College. She decided to work with sixth grade instead of the younger grades at the Notre Dame de Lourdes PREP program to have more in depth discussions and share her passion for the teachings of Christ with the older students.
Kelly grew up in the Upper Darby School District and was an active member of the St. Laurence parish in Upper Darby throughout her childhood and adulthood until she moved to Ridley. Kelly’s children, Jacqueline and Chase, attend the PREP program and Jacqueline is an active member of the Drama program.
7th grade: Deacon Ellis Jr.
Message
The purpose of all Catechesis is “to make faith become living, conscious, and active through the light of instruction” by proclaiming Christ’s message and passing on the Church’s teaching. The instruction we provide in the classroom focuses on three primary areas:
- What Catholic Christian believe (The doctrines and teaching of the Church)
- How Catholics Pray (The traditional prayers of the Church especially the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition and the Sacraments of the Church)
- How Catholic Christian live (Particularly Jesus’ law of love, the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments)
Community
In our classrooms, the sense of community or belonging is nurtured as the students come to know one another and work together under the guidance of caring adults. We try to provide communication with out parents and try to involve them in as many activities as possible. Such as:
- May Procession
- Christmas Party for the students
- Parental talks pertaining to the Sacraments
- and more
Attending Mass
Going to Mass each week is an important part of who we are as Catholic Christians. We emphasize the importance of worship by gathering students each week for community prayer in the classroom. During this time, we expose students to a variety of experiences in order to help them grow in their relationship to Jesus, Mary and the saints. We also schedule communal Reconciliation services on a periodic basis.
Service
Service flows from community. People who are about one another want to help one another. We will be providing opportunities for our students to practice Christian service throughout the year.
Registration
Any new students please contact Mary Beinlich for information.
We are also in need of teachers for PREP! Please consider sharing your faith with the young children of our Parish.
Please click the link above and fill out the form(s). Please make all checks payable to: Our Lady of Peace
Mrs. Mary Beinlich, PREP Director
(610) 532-8081 ourlady.prep@gmail.com
Tuesdays from September-May
4:30-5:45 PM in Notre Dame de Lourdes School
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