PREP – Grades 1 - 5 

Dear Families,

The Catholic Church believes parents are the first teachers of their Catholic faith to their child. Thank
you for carrying on the Catholic faith with your child with the help of IHM’s Faith Formation
program.

It is with great joy and gratitude that I welcome you to another year here at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, please know that you are an important part of our parish family and of God’s beautiful plan.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to help each person — child, teen, and adult — Encounter Christ, Grow in His love, and Witness His presence in the world. Faith formation is not just a program; it is a lifelong journey of deepening our relationship with Jesus and living out the Gospel in our daily lives.

Our theme for PREP 2026-2027 is “We are ALL WONDERFULLY made!”  This reminds us of a foundational truth of our Catholic faith: every person is intentionally created by God, infinitely loved by Him. The Catechism teaches that God created man “in his own image, in the image of God he
created him, male and female he created them” (Gen 1:27) This means:

• Uniqueness in creation: Only man is “able to know and love his Creator” (CCC 356).

• Dignity as a gift: Human dignity is not earned but is rooted in creation itself, making every person valuable from the moment of conception (CCC 1700).
  

•  Purpose: We were made to serve and love God, and to offer all creation back to Him (CCC 358).

I invite you to be active participants — attend sessions, pray together at home, and join parish events.  Your presence, prayers, and example are powerful witnesses to our young people and to one another.

Enjoy your children and thank you for sharing the IHM’s Faith Formation Program with them. May God continue to bless your families with health, happiness and love. We look forward to accompanying your child on their faith journey.

May the Holy Spirit guide us, strengthen us, and fill our hearts with joy as we grow together in faith.

In Christ’s love,

Carrie Aragon
Director of Religious Education