St. Peter Church

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

St. Peter Church strives to provide for all ages catechetical programs that faithfully transmit the gospel of Jesus Christ and the tradition and teaching of the Catholic faith in such a way that this knowledge is internalized and leads to a deepened relationship with God.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

While recognizing that parents are the primary catechists of their children, St. Peter Church offers opportunities for children to participate in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd between ages three and twelve. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, an international movement begun over 50 years ago in Rome, recognizes each child’s innate unique relationship with God. Children and catechists come together weekly in rooms called “atriums” which are places of prayer, in which work and study spontaneously become meditation, contemplation and prayer. The atrium is a place in which the only Teacher is Christ; both children and adults place themselves in a listening stance before his Word and seek to penetrate the mystery of the liturgical celebration. The themes presented in the atrium are those to which the children have responded with depth and joy. These themes are taken from the Bible and the liturgy (prayers and sacraments) as the fundamental sources for creating and sustaining Christian life at every developmental stage and, in particular, for illuminating and nourishing the child in his/her most vital religious needs. Catechists join the parents in living with the children a shared religious experience according to the teaching of the gospel: “Except you become as little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 18:3).

Click here for St. Peter Church Religious Education Registration Info and On-Line Form

St. Peter Church offers Catechesis of the Good Shepherd on Sunday mornings, from 9:30-10:45 AM, and also on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 PM. Children must be registered in advance to attend. For more information contact Christina Klyce at cklyce@bellsouth.net.
To learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, visit the website of the National Association at www.cgsusa.org.

Youth Religious Education and Faith Formation

St. Peter Church focuses our ministry with adolescents on three essential goals:

• Empowering young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today
• Drawing young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work
  of the faith community
• Fostering the personal and spiritual growth of each young person

On Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:45, students in grades seven through twelve are invited to join us for traditional religious education classes. Our youth group meets on the second Sunday of each month at 9:45AM before the 11:00 AM Mass and participates in a variety of service projects and other youth activities. They are also actively involved in the Downtown Youth Organization. All parish youth are encouraged to participate in liturgical ministries as altar servers, lectors, singers, musicians, ushers, greeters, giftbearers, and Eucharistic Ministers (18+). For more information contact the church office.

Click here for St. Peter Church Religious Education Registration Info and On-Line Form

First Reconciliation and First Communion 2008

First Communion will be celebrated at St. Peter Church on Sunday, April 20 during the 11:00 AM Mass. Children will need to arrive by 10:00 AM, and estimated time of finish is 1:00 /1:30 PM. We will have reserved seating for families.

There will be a retreat for the children on Saturday, April 19. Times TBA.

First Reconciliation will be Saturday, February 9 at 10:00 AM.

There will be two sacramental preparation sessions for children and parents. (A pizza lunch will be provided, but parents are welcome to bring drinks, dessert, or fruit/salad.)

• Sunday, January 13, 12:00-2:00 PM
• Sunday, February 24, 12:00-2:00 PM

There will be a 4-5 additional preparation sessions for the children. These will be scheduled on Sunday mornings between 9:30 and 10:45 during January, February, March or April.

Dress for First Reconciliation is casual. Dress for First Communion is traditional. Girls may choose veil or flowers.

At the January meeting, children will be given a First Reconciliation book to work on at home. At the February meeting, children will be given a First Eucharist book.

This fall, children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion should do the following:

• Attend and participate in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.
• Attend atrium sessions (Sundays or Wednesdays) and/or Catholic school.
• Pray regularly with your family at home. (Reading the Bible together, praying before meals, or before bedtime…)
• Learn to read or memorize the prayers of Mass. (It is okay to take a missalette home to help you practice!)

For children who were not baptized at St. Peter Church, please bring a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate. After the child makes his/her First Communion, we will notify the church of baptism, so that they can update their records. This is important for the child’s future sacraments (Confirmation, Marriage or Holy Orders).

Questions? Contact Christina Klyce at 527-8282, ext. 29 or cklyce@bellsouth.net.

Confirmation 2008

There will be an informational meeting for Confirmation candidates, parents, and sponsors on Wednesday, January 9 at 6:00 PM. Sacramental preparation sessions will take place on Sunday mornings from January 6-May 4.

Confirmation will take place on Wednesday, May 7 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 7:00 PM.

The Confirmation retreat is tentatively set for Saturday May 3 from 9:00-3:00.

This fall, Confirmation candidates should do the following:

• Attend the T3 The Teen Bible Timeline class on Sunday mornings and/or Catholic school.
• Choose a sponsor and a patron saint. (See handout about sponsors.)
• Do corporal and spiritual works of mercy for service hours.
• Participate in Mass and the Sacraments.
• Read the Holy Bible.
• Pray

Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor

Choosing your Confirmation sponsor is an important step. Your sponsor will support and help you as you prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. On the night of Confirmation, your sponsor will sit with you during the liturgy. He/she will present you to the Bishop for anointing with the chrism oil. After Confirmation, your sponsor will continue to be an integral part of your faith journey through prayer, witness, and support.
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ST. PETER EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Click here for more information and schedule

Adult Faith Formation

Adults are invited to pursue lifelong catechesis via a variety of opportunities. During the school year, St. Peter Church offers an Adult Lecture Series, which meets on Sunday mornings in the Shrine of St. Martin de Porres Chapel from 9:45-10:45. Our Parish Lenten Series meets on Wednesday evenings. Women of the parish are invited to join our Women’s Bible Studies. Throughout the year, we also offer various retreats, mini-courses, and special lectures. For more information contact Christina Klyce at cklyce@bellsouth.net.

First Eucharist (Children): Contact Christina Klyce, Religious Education Office.
Confirmation (Children): Contact Christina Klyce, Religious Education Office.

RCIA

Adult Sacraments of Initiation: The normal process of adult initiation into the Church is through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This includes adults seeking baptism, entrance into the church, or the sacraments of First Eucharist or Confirmation. Contact Christina Klyce for further information. (Click here to go direct to RCIA page for more information)

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE: