PSR - Parish School of Religion

Holy Ground Youth Group and PSR (3)
PSR (3)

Our Story

Our PSR classes include Kindergarten through Grade 8. The students are from St. Joseph Parish and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in South Amherst. Our teachers for the program are under the direction of the PSR Coordinator Mrs. Amy Makruski. If you have questions about our program please contact Mrs. Makruski at 440-988-4244 ext. 212, email at:  amy.makruski@sjs-amherst.org.    Our PSR program fees and Sacramental costs are collected through Facts Management System found at the bottom of this page.

Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved with Saint Joseph Parish & Nativity of BVM Parish. Attend one of our events, become a member, or volunteer your time. If you are interested in teaching or helping out with our PSR program, Mrs. Makruski would love to talk with you.

Dear Parents,

Wow, this school year went very quickly!  I am glad so many children were able to participate in PSR this school year.  Thank you for sharing your children with us and allowing the catechists and myself to help with their faith formation.

Even though this school year has come to an end, I now need to switch gears and begin planning for the 2026-2027 school year.  Therefore, PSR registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open.  You may sign up your child/children using the link below.  Please complete the Google Form for each child you would like to enroll in the program.

If you would like to enroll an 8th grade student for Confirmation preparation, the student must have attended PSR or participated in some other faith formation for their 7th grade year.  If this is true, please enroll the student in Confirmation Prep year 2.  Students wishing to participate in Confirmation preparation who have not completed year 1 must do so first before moving on to year 2, regardless of the grade level they are enrolled in at school.

PSR will again be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:45 PM.  Sessions will begin in October and end in April.  Fees will be invoiced once classes have begun.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  I am always happy to help.

 

Sincerely,

Amy Makruski

PSR Coordinator

amy.makruski@sjs-amherst. org

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First Holy Communion

An application for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion is required. Use the link below to apply.
A copy of your child's baptismal certificate must be submitted to the PSR Coordinator (even if your child was baptized at Nativity or St. Joseph). You can contact the parish of baptism for a copy if you do not have one on hand. This can be submitted in person or through email-amy.makruski@sjs-amherst.org

Confirmation

An application for the sacrament of Confirmation is required. Use the link below to apply. 
 
Other Requirements: 
A copy of your child's baptismal certificate must be submitted to the PSR Coordinator (even if your child was baptized at Nativity or St. Joseph). You can contact the parish of baptism for a copy if you do not have one on hand. This can be submitted in person or through email- amy.makruski@sjs-amherst.org.
-Mass attendance weekly. 
-Participation in Holy Ground Youth Group which is held on Sunday evenings following the 5:00 mass until 7:30. 
-A Confirmation sponsor. Must meet the following requirements:
  1. Must be a fully initiated Catholic (Received Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)

  2. Must be a practicing Catholic and able to obtain a sponsor certificate from their home parish. (Parishes are very familiar with this process)

  3. Should be able to attend Confirmation to stand up with the student in front of the Bishop. (There are special allowances to have a proxy stand in under extenuating circumstances.)

  4. Must be 16 years of age

  5. Cannot be a parent or stepparent

-Submit a saint report based on their chosen Confirmation saint (this is thoroughly discussed during class)
-Complete 3 service experiences of the student's choice- one must be for a community agency, the other two can be for their school, parish, neighborhood, etc. It CANNOT be for family/at home. The idea is to step outside of their immediate circle and get involved/create experiences.
-Participation in the Confirmation retreat.
-Participation in Confirmation practice.

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