Provides a formation of our Catholic faith
for all youths in grades 1-10. Preparation for the Sacraments of
Reconciliation and Eucharist is completed in Grade 2 and preparation for
the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in Grades 9 & 10.
Religious Education classes are scheduled during the regular school year
(September through June).
Class Schedules
Registration takes place in the spring prior to the
academic year (see weekly bulletin for schedule). Families must be a
registered and contributing member of the parish to enroll children in
religious education classes.
If you are members of St. Peter Claver and your family is just beginning our Religious Education Program, please click here
to download and complete the New Family form and return it to the
office. If you are new to St. Peter Claver, you must fill out a census
form as well. Please call the office to request a form at (860)
561-4235, option 2.
For a grade 1 registration form, please click here.
If you have lost your registration form, please call the office (860-561-4235, option 2) to request a new one.
Volunteer Catechists
Essential to the success of
the religious education program is having a dedicated group of adult
volunteers willing to help and nurture our faith with our youth.
Participants have the opportunity for additional and on-going training
and education through the Archdiocese. We encourage you to contact
Janine Cote at (860) 521-2904 if you are interested in serving in this
vital ministry.
Youth Ministry
For the 6,7 & 8th graders of St. Peter Claver to grow
together in their faith in Jesus Christ through the study of scripture,
community service and socializing with parish youth.
Opportunities For Catholic Education
Grades Pre K – 5:
Saint Thomas the Apostle School
25 Dover Road
West Hartford, CT 06119
860-236-6257
www.stawh.org/school.aspx
Grades Pre K – 8:
St. Brigid School
100 Mayflower Street
West Hartford, CT 06110
860-561-2130
www.saintbrigidschool.org
Grades 6 – 9:
Saint Timothy Middle School
225 King Philip Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
860-236-0614
www.stmswh.org
Grades 9 – 12:
Northwest Catholic High School
29 Wampanoag Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
860-236-4221
www.northwestcatholic.org
Reverend John T. and Mary Shugrue Scholarships
Following Father Shugrue’s death, parishioners established a scholarship
program in his name for students attending Northwest Catholic High
School. This seemed an appropriate way to honor Father who had dedicated
many years of his ministry to the Catholic school system.
Currently two scholarships of $2500 each are awarded to entering
freshmen who meet the criteria. The students need not be members of St.
Peter Claver Parish. The scholarships may be renewed annually.
Guidelines and application forms may be obtained from the office of
Admissions at Northwest Catholic.
The monies collected for the scholarship are part of the Northwest
Catholic High Endowment Fund which is managed by the Foundation for
Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS). Additional donations to the
scholarship fund may be made at any time and are always welcome.
Information: Northwest Catholic High School – 860-236-4221
http://www.northwestcatholic.org/admissions/financial_aid.html
Adult Education
Opportunities for continuing enlightenment in our Catholic faith are periodically presented including scripture study, lecture series, and discussion groups on current religious and social topics. Programs are presented by the parish and Archdiocese and feature parish priests and visiting lay and clerical experts. See weekly bulletin for specific program announcements.
Bible Study
A lectionary based scripture study group meets on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. from mid September through Pentecost. The group uses the Quest booklet to reflect on the upcoming weekend scriptures.
Sacramental Preparation
In keeping with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this program seeks to empower parents as the primary catechists of their children. Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is completed in Grade 2, through parent meetings, workshops and classroom lessons. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in Grades 9 & 10. In addition to classroom lessons, guest speakers and retreats, the students are encouraged to become adult members of the parish community though a commitment to Christian service.
Adult Confirmation
An Adult Confirmation Preparation program is offered through the Archdiocese of Hartford for individuals who are at least 18 years old, have already been baptized and have received First Communion.
Baptismal Preparation
Baptism is offered on the first Sunday of every month during the 10:30 Mass (except during Lent) and also on the second Sunday of every month at 12:00 noon. Parents anticipating the Baptism of a child should call the office to arrange a date and also to sign up for the Baptismal Preparation class. These classes are held every other month on the third Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
WHCAE
The West Hartford Catholic Adult Enrichment Team is composed of parishioners from participating West Hartford parishes who work collaboratively to bring quality Catholic Adult Enrichment Opportunities to all the parishes of West Hartford. Meetings: as needed.
RCIA
The RCIA or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the Church's process of journeying with adults who are inquiring about the Catholic faith. The RCIA helps adults to grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic practices and teachings, become aquainted with people in the parish, and get involved with service to the community.
When individuals begin to inquire they are invited to join a small group who will help them to discern how they are called by God to conversion of mind and heart. This group will journey together as the inquirers are preapred for full and active life in the church as disciples of Jesus.
This process is for non-Catholics who wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. However, many who wish to join the Catholic Church have already been baptized in another Christian Church. They will participate in the RCIA process but will not be rebaptized.
It is also for children over 7 years old who have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Typically, the process begins in September and runs through Easter with registration in the summer months (see weekly bulletin for announcements). However at any time during the year, if an individual is inquiring, arrangements can be made to begin the journey.
Lay parish members are also needed for the RCIA team to walk the journey with those seeking to become Catholic.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Catholic, or if you are a parish member willing to help, please contact Gigi Frailey in the church office. 860-561-4235 x3