St. Peter Church Religious Education program provides religious instruction mid-September thru mid-May for children in grades Pre-K through 9th.  CCD classes are held on Sunday from 9:30-10:50 a.m.  Typically, students prepare to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist in Grade 1 and 2 CCD classes.  Confirmation preparation typically occurs over a two-CCD year period.  The Archbishop confirms the candidates in a special mass every other year at St. Peter Church.  The High School Youth Group, open to students in Grades 9-12, meets in the Ministry Center {dates/times vary, please inquire}. Additional classes are scheduled as needed for youth who have not received the sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, or Confirmation.

St. Peter Religious Education coordinates monthly Youth Masses during the CCD year.  Students play a special role in these masses – they serve as the choir; students read the first and second readings and Prayers of the Faithful.  On Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve they share their theatrical talents with us. During Lent our students and teenagers play important roles in the Living Stations of the Cross.

Religious Education continues in the summer with our annual, one-week Vacation Bible School (VBS).  Each year brings a new VBS theme and another chance to learn more about our faith and God’s love. We learn through storytelling, music, crafts and games. VBS is non-stop fun! Children of all denominations are welcome.

Our parish Religious Education program relies almost entirely on volunteer support.  There is always room for additional CCD teachers, substitute teachers, aides, and special event coordinators.  Religious Education volunteers must fulfill the following requirements:

1) complete the Archdiocese of Miami Volunteer Application Form;
2) attend Virtus Protecting God’s Children Protecting God’s Children training;
3) agree to and sign the Volunteer Pledge to Promote Safe Environment; and
4) complete a background screening.  The above requirements are trivial in comparison to the joy and reward of helping to form the future generations of St. Peter Peterites.

The registration form is available at this link, or in the church vestibule or in the parish office. Return completed forms in person to Rosalinda Hally, C.R.E. or by mail to: St. Peter Catholic Church, 31300 Overseas Hwy., Big Pine Key, FL 33043.

See the St. Peter Catholic Church Religious Education Handbook for more information.

Please contact Rosalinda Hally, C.R.E. by email or phone, {Parish Office} 305-872-2537  &  {Cell} 305-942-9975 for information regarding St. Peter Church Religious Education.

For a number of years, our Education Fund has helped young people attend Catholic schools and college when they could not otherwise afford it. Sale of these certificates has been the major source of revenue for this fund.  Unfortunately, our sales have declined, limiting our ability to adequately provide for our young people.

One reason for this decline is a misunderstanding about what Educational Fund Certificates are. These gift certificates are redeemable at certain major merchants and restaurants in our area. The gift certificates are treated as cash wherever you use them.  You pay the same price for whatever you buy.

The unique feature of these gift certificates is that a small percentage (usually 3-5%) of every dollar spent is returned to St. Peter for our Education Fund.  We have Educational Fund Certificates available for Barracuda Grill in Marathon and Square Grouper in Cudjoe Key. The certificates are on sale in the Parish Office.

• All Saints Mass
• Thanksgiving Day Mass
• Las Posadas
• Christmas Eve Mass and Reception
• Lent Penance Service
• First Communion Retreat
• Easter Sunday Easter Egg Hunt
• End-of-Year picnic at Bahia Honda
• Monthly Family Night Events

The Basilica School of Saint Mary Star of the Sea is a Catholic school for children of all faiths in pre-kindergarten age 3 through eighth grade. We are driven to provide learning opportunities which foster growth in spiritual, academic, cultural, and social development. We are committed to a total learning experience unique and tailor-made for each child.

Facilities include:
* Chapel
* auditorium
* computer lab
* science lab
* gymnasium
* 8-acre campus

For additional information see their website: basilicaschoolkeywest.com or call 305-294-1031