Faith Formation
Faith formation—spiritual and educational—is a lifelong undertaking. It is also the co-responsibility of each parishioner and the parish at large, working together, to grow in faith, to learn about our Church, its worship, history, teachings, and good works, and to share our faith, knowledge, and talents with each other and the world beyond our parish. Here at Saint Peter Parish, we endeavor to provide the environment and resources to promote these goals for everyone, of all ages—adults, children, families, single people, married people, retired people, and those who are homebound.
The most important and fundamental act of faith formation and learning is to gather regularly, as the people of God, around the Lord’s Table for Sunday Mass. It is in the celebration of the Eucharist that we hear and learn from God’s Word, share our gifts, praise our Creator, and share together, in communion, the meal of thanksgiving, the actual Body and Blood of Christ. All of our faith formation and religious education activities are grounded in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
We offer a wide range of spiritual and educational opportunities for all ages.
Adults
Faith Sharing and Prayer Groups
on or have any questions, please call us at 617-547-4235 x116, [email protected]
Scripture Study
Various opportunities for study of the Scriptures are offered throughout the year, from one-hour lectures and discussions to six-week series. Past offerings have included lectures on the passion and infancy narratives of St. Matthew and weekly study groups on the parables. View the bulletin and web site for future offerings.
Dinner and Discussion and Saturday Morning Retreats
We periodically offer Dinner and Discussion on Sunday evenings from 6 – 8:00 PM and Saturday morning retreats from 8:30 – noon. Prior topics included “How do we live our faith?” and “Spirituality and Aging.” Check the bulletin and web site for future gatherings.
Communal Penance Service
We offer a communal penance service twice each year—during Advent and Lent. Join us in Word, prayer and song as together we thank God for his mercy and love. Priests will be available for individual confessions and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is an excellent opportunity to pray and receive the sacrament together as a family.
Children
Religious Education Classes for Children in Grades 1 – 5
For children, the primary place where they learn about and experience their faith is in their homes. Their primary educators are their parents and adult caretakers. Our program for in-person learning begins in October. Please call us at: 617-547-4235 x116, [email protected].
Preparation for the Sacraments of Eucharist
The St. Peter Parish First Communion program is open to all children who are baptized into the Catholic Church (or certain other Christian denominations), who are at least in the second grade, whose families are parishioners of St. Peter Parish, and who are sufficiently prepared and instructed about the sacrament. We celebrate sacraments as a parish-wide community event. Participation in Sunday Mass, the Eucharist, is a vital part of sacramental preparation and of our Catholic faith community. Attending Mass in person during the pandemic is a personal choice for families, one that we respect and support. We do encourage those who do not attend to watch Mass online as a family. This time of shared worship and learning is invaluable to children’s faith development. For more information and to register, please email or call us at [email protected] or 617-547-4235 x116.
Confirmation Preparation (Grade 10)
Confirmation is a sacrament through which we receive the Holy Spirit to make us stronger Christians and true witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is a sacrament of initiation, which begins with Baptism and continues through Eucharist. We offer a one-year program for students in Grade 10. However, candidates can begin their preparation in the latter years of high school as well.
We offer in-person sessions beginning October. We meet monthly on scheduled Sundays at 3:45 PM and conclude with Mass.
Please email us at [email protected] or call 617-547-4235 x116 for more information and to register.