Children 

• Sunday mornings 9:30-10:45 AM (school year)
• Children ages 3 – 12 (PK – 6^th grade)
• Upper and Lower Level “Atrium” (rooms where the children meet)

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).

St. Peter Church offers Catechesis of the Good Shepherd on Sunday mornings (9:30-10:45 AM) during the school year. Children must be registered in advance to attend. For more information contact Christina Klyce at cklyce@stpeterchurch.org. To learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, visit the website of the National Association at www.cgsusa.org.

• During 11:00 Mass (year round)
• Ages 3+
• Usually meets in the Choir Room

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word offered for ages 3+ at the 11:00 AM Mass. No pre-registration is necessary. All children are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Children are invited to the Children’s Liturgy of the Word after the opening prayer. We read and discuss the readings, sing a few songs, pray, and then return to the church during the offertory collection.  For more information contact Christina Klyce at cklyce@stpeterchurch.org.

Baptism

• While most children at St. Peter are baptized as infants, older children are very welcome to the Sacrament of Baptism.
• Children 3+ participate in age appropriate baptismal preparation sessions.
• Children 7+ may receive their First Communion and Confirmation at the same time as Baptism.

More information about Baptism at St. Peter available here. http://www.stpeterchurch.org/sacraments/baptism/ First Communion  Most children at St. Peter receive their First Communion in 2^nd grade.  More information available here. Confirmation  Most children at St. Peter are confirmed in 8^th grade.  More information available here. http://www.stpeterchurch.org/sacraments/confirmation/ Becoming Catholic  Children who have not yet been baptized or who were baptized in another faith tradition are welcome and encouraged to participate in all of our children’s programs at St. Peter.  For more information about the process for a child whose family is joining the Catholic Church, please contact Christina Klyce at cklyce@stpeterchurch.org.

Throughout the year, we offer special events for families, including Breakfast with Santa, and Easter Egg Hunt, and family service projects.  Please stay tuned to the parish bulletin and weekly emails for more information.

While recognizing parents as the primary catechists of their children, St. Peter Church expects all children to participate in formal religious education through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Catholic School, and/or Home Schooling Catechesis (with approved curriculum). Family catechesis and prayer are the backbone of a child’s formation, and parents are encouraged to read Scripture and pray daily with their children, as well as bring them to Mass on Sundays. If your children have not been attending regularly, it’s not too late.  Please contact Christina at cklyce@stpeterchurch.org so that we can work out a plan that works for your family.