Upon This Rock
By Father O'Toole
Getting Together Again – Parishioners have been itching for some big socializing since the pandemic put limits on our activities. I think that itch got scratched last Saturday!
The PTO-sponsored Dash began at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K circuit through the streets of Kirkwood. A record number 533 children and adults participated! Thanks go to Maria Jokerst and Rita Schumann for organizing this fund-raiser for the school.
Later in the day our Fall Fest kicked off on the church lot and carried on into the evening with a game zone for kids, hot food and cold drinks, and great live music. The perfect weather helped bring lots of parishioners together. Kudos to Dave Ferrone, Caleb Goldkamp, Maria Jockerest and Kevin Stillman who orchestrated all the details of the Fall Fest, and Sally Reynolds who oversaw the cash control operations. The success of this event may have started a new tradition for St. Peter.
Youth Leadership Has Arrived! – Please welcome St. Peter’s new Director of Youth Ministry, Sarah Kate Heyman. After a thoughtful discernment of our parish’s ministry to young people and a long search for a qualified leader, Sarah Kate arrived this past Monday. She has a background in ministering to youth as a camp counselor and supervisor and has a wealth of experience in catechizing every grade from K-12.
She graduated from the University of Mary in North Dakota with a degree in Catholic Studies and a minor in Catholic philosophy. As Fr. Archer noted in his announcement of Sarah Kate’s arrival, “A successful program requires more than one stellar youth minister and a Core Team; it takes the support of an entire parish to establish a lasting program.” Please support St. Peter’s ministry to young people through your prayers and conversations.
Ready for Duty – We have 20 new altar servers beginning their assistance at Holy Mass. These seventh graders have completed a thorough training led by veteran altar boy Dan Imig, our parishioner who gives a devoted amount of time to this liturgical ministry. Join me in thanking these young people for the reverent service they give to us at the Eucharist.
Job Well Done – Way to go, St. Peter parishioner and school alumnus Thomas Ziegler! With the help of friends, Thomas completed his Eagle Scout project in time for Christmas. He re-constructed the stable used for the church’s outdoor Nativity scene. There may be no room at the inn, but thanks to Thomas our manger figures will have a shelter this holiday!
Let’s Be Strategic – Hopefully you have been reading in this bulletin reflections from members of our Parish Council. They are sharing with you how we came to the mission, vision and values statements we live by as a parish. From this comes a Strategic Plan for St. Peter. Next month the Council will launch a major effort to bring everyone’s attention to this plan and, in turn, challenge all St. Peter parishioners to make it their aim to fulfill our goals – each in his or her own way. Please stay alert for this roll out.
Eucharistic Adoration
A Testimony from an Adorer
I began attending Eucharistic Adoration in February of 2021 as part of a Lenten promise and found it so fulfilling that I have continued. I know there are some that find the thought of Eucharistic Adoration intimidating. I think that needs reframing as it truly is an invitation to spend an hour of uninterrupted, silent time with our Lord. What an amazing gift that is! How you choose to spend that hour is up to you and in talking with others, I think everyone fills their hour a little differently. Some pray the rosary, some journal, some listen to spiritual music, some read spiritual books (which are plentiful in the chapel) and some choose to just sit quietly in His presence. I encourage you to at least attend an hour as a visitor and experience the peace our Lord provides.
- Dana Trokey
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:
Getting Together Again – Parishioners have been itching for some big socializing since the pandemic put limits on our activities. I think that itch got scratched last Saturday!
The PTO-sponsored Dash began at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K circuit through the streets of Kirkwood. A record number 533 children and adults participated! Thanks go to Maria Jokerst and Rita Schumann for organizing this fund-raiser for the school.