Faith Information
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—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, office@saintpetercambridge.org
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.
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 Coordinator for Grades 1-7 and First Eucharist Coordinator Cheryl DePasquale cdepasquale@saintpetercambridge.org
I have been a member of St. Peter Parish for 45 years. Both of my children attended the Religious Education Program and celebrated their First Communion and Confirmation at St. Peter Parish. I was a teaching assistant in the First Communion class, then moved on to teach 3rd grade for a few years. I returned as the lead teacher to the First Communion Program, and I was the Co-Director of the Religious Education Program for three years. When I stepped down from that position, I became the First Eucharist Coordinator which is a position I currently hold today. I was an Administrative Assistant/School Manager for North Cambridge Catholic for 10 years. I left NCC and took an Administrative Assistant position at Graham and Parks Elementary school in Cambridge for 12 years. I have been retired for four years from my full-time job and continue to give my time to Saint Peter Parish. I look forward to continuing working with all the children and their families as we journey together in their faith formation!
Religious Education Classes for Children in Grades 1 – 7
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. Participation in Sunday Mass, the Eucharist, is a vital part of Religious Education and of our Catholic faith community. This time of shared worship and learning is invaluable to children’s faith development. Our program for in-person learning begins on October 4, 2026.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Cheryl DePasquale at cdepasquale@saintpetercambridge.org or by phone at (617) 547-4235.
Preparation for the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation
The Saint Peter Parish First Eucharist 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. This time of shared worship and learning is invaluable to children’s faith development. Our program for in-person learning begins on October 4, 2026.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Cheryl DePasquale at cdepasquale@saintpetercambridge.org or by phone at (617) 547-4235.
Guidelines for Parents and Guardians of Children in Saint Peter Parish Religious Education Grades 1-7
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for our children, and in accordance with the guidelines established by the Archdiocese of Boston, we require all parents and guardians who wish to enter the St. Peter School building during our religious education classes to complete both the Virtus training and the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check.
Any parent or legal guardian who has not completed the Virtus Training and the CORI background check will not be permitted access to St. Peter School during Religious Education classes.
If you are interested in completing the CORI background check, we encourage you to contact Doreen Gulledge, at (617) 547-4235, extension 118, or via email at dgulledge@saintpetercambridge.org.
For Virtus Training, please contact Hector Cortes, our Virtus Trainor, at (617) 547-4235 x116 or by emailing hcortes@saintpetercambridge.org.
You can also find Virtus training sessions by visiting www.VIRTUSonline.org. On the left side of the page, click on "First Time Registrant," then select "View list of sessions" and choose “Boston (Archdiocese)” from the dropdown menu. This will present you with a list of all upcoming sessions. We would like to note that training sessions are often available in languages other than English.
Please be advised that training is conducted live and in person only.
Thank you for your attention to these important matters and for your dedication to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for our children.
REGISTRATION
FIRST EUCHARIST ONLY REGISTRATION
Faith formation is an ongoing and life-long endeavor. It is the work of the entire community. Our program is designed as a shared undertaking between children, parents, and the parish. Our program for in-person learning begins on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
REGISTRATION
GRADES 1-7 ONLY REGISTRATION
Faith formation is an ongoing and life-long endeavor. It is the work of the entire community. Our program is designed as a shared undertaking between children, parents, and the parish. Our program for in-person learning begins on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Confirmation Coordinator for Grade 8 - Monica Carrasco mcarrasco@saintpetercambridge.org
Monica is a neuroscientist, educator, and woman of faith who brings a blend of scientific expertise, teaching experience, and heartfelt service to our parish community. Originally from Chile, Monica earned her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Concepción before pursuing postdoctoral research at Harvard and Columbia University. For over two decades, she dedicated herself to understanding the mysteries of the human brain and nervous system, studying how nerve cells communicate, adapt, and break down in diseases like ALS. Her research has been published in leading scientific journals and has contributed to the development of new approaches to treating devastating neurological diseases. Monica will be the first to tell you that teaching has always been the truest calling of her heart. Across her years at Harvard, where she served as a Teaching Fellow, Head Teaching Assistant, and Guest Instructor, as well as through faculty roles in Chile, mentoring on Harvard's Biochemistry Board of Tutors, and leading K–12 science camps, she has worked helping students of all ages feel capable, curious, and seen. For Monica, teaching has never been just about content, it has always been about relationships, encouragement, and helping each student discover what they are truly capable of. Monica joined our parish community about a year and a half ago and is an active volunteer with the Harvard Square Meals program, a local initiative dedicated to providing hot, dignified meals to those experiencing food insecurity in our community. Monica is deeply honored to join the Confirmation preparation team and to accompany our young parishioners as they discern, grow, and prepare to say their own "yes" to God. She sees in this ministry a beautiful convergence of everything she values most: faith, learning, relationship, and service.
Grade 8 Confirmation Preparation Program
In April 2024, Cardinal Sean O'Malley lowered the age of confirmation from Grade 10 to Grade 8.
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. This year we offer a 1-year program for students in Grade 8. Participation in Mass, the Eucharist, is a vital part of sacramental preparation and of our Catholic faith community. This time of shared worship and learning is invaluable to children’s faith development.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Monica Carrasco at mcarrasco@saintpetercambridge.org or by phone at (617) 547-4235.
Guidelines for Parents and Guardians of Children in Saint Peter Parish Religious Education Confirmation Program Grade 8.
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for our children, and in accordance with the guidelines established by the Archdiocese of Boston, we require all parents and guardians who wish to enter the St. Peter School building during our religious education classes to complete both the Virtus training and the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check.
Any parent or legal guardian who has not completed the Virtus Training and the CORI background check will not be permitted access to St. Peter School during Religious Education classes.
If you are interested in completing the CORI background check, we encourage you to contact Doreen Gulledge, at (617) 547-4235, extension 118, or via email at dgulledge@saintpetercambridge.org.
For Virtus Training, please contact Hector Cortes, our Virtus Trainor, at (617) 547-4235 x116 or by emailing hcortes@saintpetercambridge.org.
You can also find Virtus training sessions by visiting www.VIRTUSonline.org. On the left side of the page, click on "First Time Registrant," then select "View list of sessions" and choose “Boston (Archdiocese)” from the dropdown menu. This will present you with a list of all upcoming sessions. We would like to note that training sessions are often available in languages other than English.
Please be advised that training is conducted live and in person only.
Thank you for your attention to these important matters and for your dedication to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for our children.
REGISTRATION
Grade 8 Confirmation Preparation Program
- Confirmation preparation runs from Sunday, October 4, 2026 to Sunday, June 20 2027, from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM.
- Interested Candidates must submit a certificate of Baptism and First Communion.
- Parents play a pivotal role in the evangelization and catechesis of their children. They serve as the first community of faith and are the primary educators of the Gospel.
- Participation in the Mass is fundamental and remains central to the Confirmation process, reflecting our Catholic Faith. As we gather to celebrate and worship, it is vital that this participation stems from a place of love rather than obligation.
Confirmation for those who attend Public School:
Those who attend Public School and want to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation here at Saint Peter Parish must complete a one-year Confirmation Preparation Program, attend the Confirmation Retreat, and Confirmation rehearsal.
2026 -2027 Confirmation Schedule
Confirmation for those who attend Saint Peter School:
Those who attend Grade 8 at Saint Peter School and want to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation here at Saint Peter Parish must register with the Religious Education Program and are more than welcome to attend the Sunday Classes but are not required to attend due to receiving Religious Education throughout the year at Saint Peter School. However, all asking to be confirmed will be required to attend the Confirmation Retreat and Confirmation rehearsal.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Monica Carrasco at mcarrasco@saintpetercambridge.org or by phone at (617) 547-4235.
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