Dear St. Peter’s family,

Hello all!

Our parish pilgrimage group recently returned from France which is a country of such immense historical importance for our Catholic faith. As we traveled to many of the most significant cathedrals, basilicas, and shrines, we focused our prayer on the beauty of God’s creation as we find it in our universal Church and one another.

A particular highlight was our visit to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The cathedral is once again open to the public after the devastating fire of 2019. Seeing the restored cathedral, with its gleaming marble and filled with thousands of faithful pilgrims, reminds us all that the Lord brings beauty and hope from even the most heartbreaking situations.

In understanding the beauty of our local Church community, we see more clearly the need to care for each other to the best of our ability while remaining open to making necessary changes. Last week, I wrote to you regarding the We Are His Witnesses initiative. Hopefully you were able to attend one of our parish listening sessions to give your feedback on the proposed models. If not, here is a link to give your feedback online. As we face the possibility of changes in our parish because of this initiative, it is imperative that we continue to build a strong and healthy parish.

In addition to a vibrant liturgical, sacramental, and ministerial life, financial health is an important indicator of our parish’s sustainability. In the last three years we have made great strides in improving St. Peter’s financial situation, most notably in reducing our debt from $1.3 million to $645,000. Continuing to take steps toward our goal of financial independence will put us in a much stronger position to face any potential changes.

In September, I asked everyone in the parish to consider a sustained offertory increase as part of a Financial Commitment Plan. I understand that times are tough for many of us, and that there is no good time to make this request. I am so heartened and excited that so many of you have already responded, and almost 80% of those responders have committed to a sustained increase. I am incredibly grateful for and humbled by your generous commitment to our community as we strive to put our best foot forward this year. Your gift, no matter how small, whether you increase or not, makes a difference in the health and sustainability of our parish.

If you haven’t done so already, please return your reply card by Sunday, October 26. If you lost it or didn’t receive one, a copy is available in this week’s bulletin. Your response is helpful to us as we strive to maintain accurate records and acknowledge your offerings. Though we can accept responses after the October 26 deadline, your timely response is helpful and much appreciated.

If you give online and have committed to an increase, please remember to update your account. If you’d like to switch to online giving, you can find more information at www.saint-peter.org/giving.

We Are His Witnesses may bring significant changes, but I know that we are up to the task and will remain committed to growing as disciples who share our faith and serve those in need. I am blessed to work with you as we strive to achieve our goals together.