O Felix Culpa
By Father O'Toole
The late Fr. Frank Cleary, SJ, told me when I was a student at St. Louis University, “It’s always around this time of year: we get those telephone calls from inquisitive students: ‘Is it true? Back in the day, did an exorcism take place at the school?’” The month of October with its inevitable build-up to Halloween brings curiosity seekers probing the campus for evidence that a demonically-possessed young person was brought to the university to undergo the ritual of exorcism. William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel and subsequent screenplay The Exorcist continues to wield powerful influence in the imaginations of many people. The story Blatty tells is a compilation of various sources and accounts but largely inspired by a Jesuit priest who once taught at St. Louis University. Even though the details of the 1949 exorcism of a thirteen-year-old boy did not occur there, it doesn’t stop local lore from making the claim that The Exorcist happened at the university.
Read Fr. O'Toole's article here.
Young Families Pumpkin Painting
Come and enjoy some Pumpkin Painting after the 10:00 am Mass this Sunday, October 17th, at the Kirkwood Farmers Market! This event is hosted by the St. Peter Young Families, a group that fosters relationships among our families who have younger children, especially those not yet in school. You may purchase pumpkins at the market and bring them to the tables reserved there for this event. There is a kids' activity zone as well. We are so excited to enjoy a beautiful fall morning with everyone!
If you are interested in updates on more events hosted by the St. Peter Young Families, please email stpeteryoungfamilies@gmail.com and we will add you to the list.
If you are interested in updates on more events hosted by the St. Peter Young Families, please email stpeteryoungfamilies@gmail.com and we will add you to the list.
Eucharistic Adoration
A Testimony from an Adorer
When I think of what Adoration contributes to my life, I think of the experience of a religious retreat, or taking a wilderness trip. If you find yourself often caught up in the frenzy of daily life, connecting with the internet several times an hour and feeling stuck in the fast lane, then you are experiencing our modern life.
I have had doubts about starting a retreat in the past, only to find that there is a real peace when I am detached from everyday concerns and begin to pray. Likewise, by the second or third day of a wilderness trip, you also begin to hear and see things you never notice at home.
Adoration is similar – one may have reservations about starting the journey, but I find that the hour is a quiet time, during which I have the amazing privilege of being in the presence of Jesus. There is time to reflect on the gift of His presence, and how to move forward again with my life in a better way.
Like the retreat or wilderness adventure, Adoration is a unique opportunity that one appreciates more as time goes on.
Tom Foy
How can I continue to support St. Peter Parish?
God bless you for your generous giving! There are a few options you can choose:
- Mail your weekly offertory to St. Peter, 243 West Argonne, Kirkwood, MO 63122.
- Drop off your donation envelope in the mail slot at 243 West Argonne Drive.
- Make donations online through the Online Giving link here:
