You play a very integral part in helping to keep our church fully alive in the Spirit. Please continue your dedication by volunteering for some of the ministries and events. If you need additional information about volunteering, please email Nancy at the church office or call her at 305-872-2537.
Order of Christian Initiation
Is God Inviting You on a Journey?
We sometimes experience within our lives a longing for something new, something else, something within. We may be seeking a new path with fresh perspectives, looking for an alternate route from a well-trodden one or becoming aware of different twists and turns in our heart. Often times this is God stirring within us, inviting us to hear His voice more closely.
St. Peter’s offers a journey of faith in a friendly and nurturing environment where you can listen more closely to God’s invitation in your life. Whether you are curious to learn about the Catholic faith or are seeking a different spiritual home, we invite you on this journey of discovery. How fast or how far you travel on the journey is up to you.
Companions on the journey meet weekly November through April to pray, read the Bible, reflect and to talk about everyday life and living faith. We deepen our relationship with Jesus, His Church and with one another. We participate in the life of the parish family at St. Peter’s. Could this be the different path you seek?
To learn more about exploring the Catholic faith, contact Nancy in the parish office at 305-872-2537.
Religious Education CCD
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.
Education Fund
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 Square Grouper and Broil in Cudjoe Key and Milagro in Key West. The certificates are on sale in the Parish Office.
Special CCD Events
- 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
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.
Eucharistic Adoration
Faith Sharing Groups at St. Peters
St. Peter’s offers the opportunity to deepen our relationship with Jesus and one another through Faith Sharing Groups. These small groups meet for a six-week period, twice a year, in October and January. Members of the group pray, read Scripture, discuss faith in everyday living and so support one another in growing closer to Christ.
The Faith Sharing Groups use a series of books on different spiritual topics and Scripture, called Six Weeks With the Bible, available from Loyola Press. The books provide a spring board for discussion and prayer in a respectful and supportive environment.
To find out more about Faith Sharing Groups, contact Norma or Laurita by leaving a message with the Parish Office at 305-872-2537.