SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION OF CHILDREN, TEENS & ADULTS

We prepare children of catechetical age for the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Reconciliation. Children's Masses and Children's Liturgy of the Word are available at the parish.

BAPTISM
Baptism for infants is by appointment. Phone Rectory for information before or shortly after the child's birth.

For children who are candidates for Baptism, preparation occurs simultaneously with the preparation for First Eucharist.

FIRST EUCHARIST
First Holy Communion is received during the child's second year of religious education. The first year of instruction covers the basic topics of God, Jesus, and Church. The second year is a time of immediate preparation for First Eucharist, emphasizing the community, forgiveness, the mass and our personal relationship with Jesus.

FIRST RECONCILIATION
The sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in the second year of religious education for all Baptized students. Children in Grades 3-8 who have celebrated First Communion, but not First Reconciliation should contact the Religious Education Office to arrange individual preparation.

OLDER CHILDREN
Occasionally children who have not celebrated these sacraments enter the Religious Education Program. These children are dealt with on an individual basis, considering their age, needs, abilities, and backgrounds. A special class is
available after students have completed one year on their grade level. Be sure we are aware that special preparation is needed.

SACRAMENTS
After preparing children for the first celebration of the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, we encourage them to celebrate these sacraments often. Students in Grades 3-8 will have the opportunity to celebrate Reconciliation during the year . TOP

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION OF TEENS

Presently students receive the sacrament of Confirmation in their Sophomore year of High School. Students are required to participate for 2 years in the High School Religious Education program at St. Peter preparing for Confirmation. However, if a student is enrolled in a Catholic High School, the requirement for the first year is waived. The Confirmation preparation class builds on the student's faith foundation, encourages community building, and helps them to make good life decisions. TOP

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION/FAITH FORMATION - TEENS

Through the academic year students from grade 9-12 are offered an opportunity to further their knowledge of the Catholic faith. With a foundation in the directives of the Catholic Catechism, the program offers a balance between the classroom, various ministry projects, and family life involvement. Students are required to take 2 six-week courses per semester. The courses vary in topic and include such subjects as Personal Growth and Self Esteem, Morality, Relationship with Jesus, The Old Testament, The New Testament, Prayer and Social Justice. To encourage and to enliven their faith, students are also required to work within the community to minister and give service to others as Jesus asked. TOP

ST. PETER YOUTH MINISTRY

7-12th grade students are invited to participate in this program geared to their interests. Activities, coordinated by the Directory of Youth Ministry, include opportunities to gather with peers to socialize and grow in their relationship with Christ.

This program provides opportunities to meet the needs of the total individual, focusing on both their faith life as well as issues they encounter each day. Some examples are Parent/Teen activities to promote better communication, monthly youth nights on various issues teens are faced with often and programs that nourish the student’s faith life. Faith life programs include retreats, Live Stations of the Cross, Youth Masses, and more. Youth activities are planned by a group of teens and interested adults known as the Youth Board. All are welcome to join in.TOP

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION OF ADULTS

CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

This process is intended primarily for those who are un-baptized, or baptized in a different Christian denomination and who are interested in exploring the Catholic faith. The sessions are intended to give participants the opportunity to ask questions, clarify misconceptions they may have about the Catholic Church and to learn about Catholic teaching, traditions and practices. Each participant has a member of the parish who acts as a sponsor and with whom they can discuss and share their experience. The group meets weekly -Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 pm. TOP

ADULT CONFIRMATION

Catholic parishioners, 21 years or older, who have received First Eucharist and who participate in weekend Mass are eligible.
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This parish program prepares them for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, either at St. Peter Church in the spring or at the diocesan Confirmation at St. Mary's Cathedral. It involves a series of 8 sessions which focus on Discipleship, What It Means to be a Catholic in today's world, Prayer, the Sacraments, the Liturgical Year, Mass/Liturgy, Teachings of the Church, Reconciliation, Moral Decision Making. TOP

Additional requirements: Participation in Lenten Reconciliation service and a Sunday afternoon retreat before Confirmation.

MARRIAGE

Marriage preparation by appointment. Phone Rectory at least six months prior to contemplated wedding date. TOP

ADULT FAITH FORMATION and PRAYER GROUPS

PARISH MISSION -Usually this extends over four days including the weekend Masses and is held annually.
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RETREATS -(evening and half day) twice a year for Liturgical Ministers and other interested parishioners.

WORKSHOPS -are offered annually in the areas of Prayer, Spirituality, Scripture and Theology. These are sponsored by various groups: Parish, Deanery, SF Archdiocese and are available at nearby retreat centers and Catholic colleges/universities. TOP

SCHOOL OF PASTORAL LEADERSHIP -(directed by the SF Archdiocese) offers Adult Education classes (2 semesters annually) and other shorter sessions in the area of Scripture and enrichment for other Parish Ministries (e.g. Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Bereavement, Pastoral Care of the Sick,) These are held in the evenings at high schools in each county of the Archdiocese. TOP

BIBLE STUDY -seasonal study of various books of the Bible. The bulletin publishes dates/times. TOP

SMALL FAITH SHARING COMMUNITIES - Several groups of about 8-10 people gather weekly to pray and share on the Scripture for the coming Sunday. Others gather monthly to pray and share reflections on the Scripture. Women's Faith Sharing Group meets once a month from September through May to pray and share faith. Groups can be formed at any time -call the parish office for someone to call. TOP

LANDINGS - A process of welcoming back returning Catholics. Those involved meet with others having similar experiences who are ready to explore, re-think and share their faith journey. NO pressure, NO strings attached. Good information. Sessions are 8-10 weeks, meeting weekly. TOP

PRAYER GROUPS AND PRAYER SERVICES
Tuesday: 7:30 pm, Chapel -Rosary
Wednesday: 7:30 pm in the home of a parishioner- Charismatic/Marian Prayer Group
Thursday -7:30 pm Chapel- Holy Names of Jesus prayer group
Second Friday, 7:30 pm Chapel- Taize Prayer Around the Cross

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