Religious Education at Saint Ambrose Parish

Parish School of Religion (PSR)

Sharing the love of Christ with your child. 

PSR serves to support parents in the spiritual development and faith formation of their children.

Growing in faith means living a life centered on Christ, through active participation in Sunday liturgy (Mass), the sacraments, and generous service to others. Children with strong faith and values make for happier homes and have proven to do better in school.

Saint Ambrose PSR is committed to providing the best possible faith formation experiences for your child. We offer a variety of programs to support parents in their role as primary educators in the ways of our Catholic faith. Registration is required for the various PSR programs.

Everyone is welcome at Saint Ambrose!  Financial assistance/scholarships are available for your PSR tuition.  For financial assistance, please contact the PSR Office at 330-460-7302.  Just let us know how we can help.

PSR Contact

Brandan Bizzi  330.460.7325 or BBizzi@stambrose.us
Laura Fasnacht, PSR Assistant | 330.460.7300 Ext.405  | LFasnacht@stambrose.us

Religious Education Programs

Click on any of the titles below to view more information.

Classes are offered Monday 630-7:45 pm OR Wednesday 4:30-5:45 pm.

Choose 1 class, 1 day per week. Classes are led by volunteer catechists and assistants. Classes include textbook material and activities to reinforce the topic. Students, and their parent(s), participating in this program are expected to participate in all family-centered PSR events and grade level activities throughout the year. This fosters both parental involvement and connection with our faith community.

Classes are offered Monday 6:30-7:45 pm OR Wednesday 4:30-5:45 pm.

Junior High PSR offers faith formation for students in grades 6, 7 & 8 using the EDGE Curriculum. Our parish community is committed to making the junior high years an inspiring and prayerful experience, helping your son or daughter grow in the ways of our Lord. We are shaping a Junior High program that is engaging and spiritually formative for your younger teen with both PSR sessions and additional events. Students can live out their faith through various opportunities of service and fellowship. Each activity will offer teens chances to pray together, get to know one another or serve others. Hopefully, your entire family will grow in faith through this time. Registration is required for Junior High PSR.

Adults and high school students are encouraged to get involved and volunteer. Volunteer catechists, assistants and table leaders share their time and faith with Junior High students. We are in need of caring, creative and energetic people to support our Junior High teens in their most formative years.

In this PSR option, parents are responsible for covering textbook material and discussing the topics with their children as they learn Catholic teachings on a weekly basis, similar to PSR. Families participating in this program, along with their at-home studies, are expected to participate in all family centered PSR events and grade level activities throughout the year to foster a connection with our parish community. Parents participate in three meetings throughout the year for training and support as they serve as their child’s catechist.

Students typically prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist during their second grade year. Confirmation students are usually prepared during their ninth grade year. Enrollment in 1st Grade PSR is expected prior to enrollment in Sacramental Preparation for First Eucharist and enrollment in both 7th & 8th grade PSR is expected for enrollment in Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation.

This program is for those students who are 7 years old or older and have not yet celebrated the sacrament of Baptism. Students prepare for Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in these classes before entering regular PSR classes. This preparation process may take 1 or 2 years depending upon sacramental preparation needs of the student and family. There is a special program for those students who are entering the PSR program for the first time and are in the 3rd-7th grade, called O(R)CIC (Order/Rite of Christian Initiation of Children).

CONTACT: Chris Monczewski, 330.225.0025 or cpmonczewski@yahoo.com

Our program provides religious instruction for both children and adults with mental and/or physical disabilities.  Students celebrate the sacraments and learn how to participate in the Mass.  We meet on Saturday mornings, September through April, from 8:30 am – 10:00 am in the Lehner Center. We have a Special Education Mass in December and April. The students participate in whatever way possible.  Volunteers to work with these special children and adults need to be organized, compassionate and flexible.

If you prefer your student to participate in our inclusion program, please call Brandan Bizzi  330.460.7325 or BBizzi@stambrose.us to discuss your specific needs.

PSR Family Calendar

PSR Registration (Grades 1-8)

Classes are offered Monday 6:30-7:45 pm OR Wednesday 4:30-5:45 pm. Students attend for 1 hour, 1 day a week.

Tuition & Fees

  • $75 for first student in a family
  • $50 for each additional student
  • $10 family discount if registered BEFORE May 15

Registration Fee can be paid online with credit card when registering or by check or cash in the PSR Office in the Lehner Center at Saint Ambrose Church.  Please make checks payable to Saint Ambrose Church. Registration is not complete until payment is submitted.

Journey with Jesus (Preschool)

First Reconciliation & First Eucharist

For 2nd Grade Students at Saint Ambrose School or PSR

Cathechists & Assistants

Catechists and assistants work together to educate and create engaging and enriching learning activities. They are volunteers who give of their time and talents because of their love of God’s children and desire to share their faith.

In all PSR programs, all adults are required to fulfill all diocesan VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children requirements, including background checks, VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training course and reading and acknowledging the Policy for the Safety of Children and the Standards of Conduct in Ministry.

If the Lord is calling you to help guide and educate our children, please complete the PSR Volunteer Form. It is a small time commitment with an AMAZING reward.