Mission Appeal: Benedictine Fathers from Kerala, India
September 20 & 21
Dear Parishioners,
We are Benedictine priests from the state of Kerala in southern India. At present, two of our priests are serving here in the Diocese of Colorado Springs: Fr. Rajeev Palliathra, OSB, and Fr. Sijo George, OSB.
In India, our Benedictine communities are centered around St. Joseph’s Monastery in Kerala, from which several monasteries and missions flow. Our priests are engaged in a variety of ministries:
- Education: We provide schooling for hundreds of children, many from poor financial backgrounds.
- Formation: We train seminarians preparing for priestly ministry in different parts of the world.
- Retreats: We preach retreats for priests, religious sisters, and lay faithful, both at our retreat center and throughout India.
- Social Service: We assist the poor and marginalized in practical ways.
However, our work has been deeply affected by heavy monsoon rains and recent natural calamities. At present, two urgent needs weigh heavily on us:
- Building simple homes for poor families who do not have proper housing.
- Providing scholarships for seminarians from struggling families, so that vocations to the priesthood may not be lost for lack of financial support.
As Benedictines from India, we come to you with hope and trust. Your generosity will allow us to continue these vital ministries and to support those most in need. We will be forever grateful to you, your families, and your parish. Please be assured of our prayers for you.
In Christ,
Fr. Vincent Korandiarkunnel OSB
Fr. Vincent Korandiarkunnel OSB
Please make checks payable to St. Peter Catholic Church and write "Benedictine Mission" in memo line.
Amazing Women's Guild
Annual Casserole and Bake Sale
Saturday, November 1 after 5pm Mass
Sunday, November 2 after 8am & 10:30am Masses
Calling all cooks! Please support the Amazing Women’s Guild annual sale with casseroles, soups, or baked goods! Proceeds support multiple parish and community ministries.
- Freeze your favorite casserole in disposable, securely wrapped containers.
- Place soups and chili in disposable containers with secure lids (freezing optional).
- All serving sizes are gratefully accepted.
- Baked goods are welcome.
- Label all ingredients especially if an item contains NUTS!
- Vegetarian and gluten-free donations are always welcome.
- Include instructions for thawing, reheating in oven or microwave.
- Cash donations are always greatly appreciated.
- Cash or check only, we can’t accept credit cards.
Bring donated items to the PMC on October 30 between 1-4pm, October 31 between 3-4pm, or before the Mass you attend on November 1 or 2. If you need to make other arrangements for drop off, contact Bonnie McGuire (952-836-6479 or bmcguire09@gmail).
For more information, contact Bonnie McGuire (bmcguire09@gmail) or MaryBeth Steele (719-481-8156 or marybethsteele17@gmail.com).
The Search for our Parish Music Director
As we search for a new Director of Music, I am committed to finding the best match for our choir members and the entire parish. Therefore, my search for a new choir director is taking time and careful consideration. I’m pleased to inform you that, in the interim, I have offered this position to Becky Gaughan, who graciously accepted. She will be our music director until January 1, 2026.
Let’s pray for one another, as we continue to seek a leader for our Music Ministry.
Fr. Gregory
New and Noteworthy
The parish offices are CLOSED on Friday, September 19.
40 Days for Life Kickoff BBQ - Sunday, September 21, 3pm
All are invited to the kickoff for the fall 40 Days for Life campaign! Please join us at the east end of John Venezia Park (3555 Briargate Pkwy in Colorado Springs). Bring your family, play, sign up for 40 Days for Life, meet other prayer warriors, and eat (free!) BBQ. RSVP here so we know how much BBQ to bring!
Blessing of the Pets - Friday, October 3, 2:30pm
Please join us in the courtyard between the church and school for a special blessing for our beloved pets on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Pikes Peak Life Chain - Sunday, October 5, 1:30-3pm
In Monument on Highway 105. Free signs provided in Safeway parking lot or Bustang Lot east of I-25. Life Chain is a peaceful public witness of pro-life individuals standing for 90 minutes, praying for our nation and for an end to abortion. A visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from conception. For more information, contact Stephanie Kemp (stephanierkemp@gmail.com or 719-481-4355).
In Monument on Highway 105. Free signs provided in Safeway parking lot or Bustang Lot east of I-25. Life Chain is a peaceful public witness of pro-life individuals standing for 90 minutes, praying for our nation and for an end to abortion. A visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from conception. For more information, contact Stephanie Kemp (stephanierkemp@gmail.com or 719-481-4355).
Tapping into Theology - Tuesday, October 14, 7pm
"Does God have your back?" Holy Scripture tells us that God is with us always and watches over us at all times. But how can we know that He has worked in our lives and always does, even when we do not know it? Join parishioner Al Andzik for an inspiring personal presentation in the PMC. For more information and to RSVP, contact Stephanie Kemp (stephanierkemp@gmail.com or 719-481-4355).
This Week
Holy Hour - Friday, September 12, 3pm
Bosco Youth Group - Friday, September 12, 6-7:30pm
All middle schoolers are invited to the PMC for a fun night of food, games and faith. For more information, contact Sr. Jackie at youth@petertherock.org.
All middle schoolers are invited to the PMC for a fun night of food, games and faith. For more information, contact Sr. Jackie at youth@petertherock.org.
Parish Rosary (Glorious Mysteries)
Saturday, September 13, 4:30pm
Sunday, September 14, 10am
Sunday, September 14, 4:30pm
If you are unable to come, click here for recordings to pray along with us on Saturday, Sunday, and throughout the week.
Savio High School Youth Group - Sunday, September 14, 6-8pm
High school students: Join Sr. Jackie in the PMC for an evening of faith and fun. For more information, contact Sr. Jackie at youth@petertherock.org.
High school students: Join Sr. Jackie in the PMC for an evening of faith and fun. For more information, contact Sr. Jackie at youth@petertherock.org.
"TRIUMPH OF THE HEART" Movie - Tuesday, September 16
Witness the powerfully inspirational story of St. Maximilian Kolbe and his companions and their triumph over death during the Nazi occupation of Poland during WWII. "Triumph of the Heart" has been called "a masterpiece of hope, an affirmation of life amid the horror of a death camp." There is a special showing at the Regal Theater on Interquest Parkway. This is a crowd funded event. The first showing on September 13 is sold out. Learn more and reserve your ticket here. Watch the official trailer here. Read the National Catholic Register article praising the movie here.
Knights of Columbus Jubilee Year of Hope Journey Pt. 2 - Wednesday, September 17, 7pm
Parish members are invited to join the Knights as they continue to support the Pope's Jubilee Year of Hope. Come to Peter the Rock Chapel for Adoration followed by a guided discussion in the PMC on part two of Bishop Golka's Pastoral letter. Drinks and light snacks will be provided. Pt. 3 is October 15 at St. Mary's Cathedral (time TBD) which will include Mass, Adoration and discussion of part three of the Bishop Golka's letter. To sign up or for more information, call, email or text Bob Knapp (rjknapp06@comcast.net or text 719-502-0327).
September Ladies' Lunch Bunch - Thursday, September 18, 11:30am
All ladies of St. Peter are invited to lunch at Wines of Colorado (8045 W. Hwy. 24 in Cascade). RSVP by Monday, September 15, to Karen B. (719-321-6288 or bishopia@msn.com). Carpooling is recommended. Save the date for our next lunch date on Thursday, October 16, at Edelweiss.
Parish offices closed - Friday, September 19
SPCS Golf Tournament - Friday, September 19
7am - registration/sign in
8:30am - opening ceremony
9am - shotgun start
2:30pm - lunch and awards
3:30pm - silent auction ends
Get ready to soar for our 6th annual St. Peter Catholic School Golf Tournament at the Country Club at Woodmoor. Details at SPCSGOLF2025.GIVESMART.COM.
7am - registration/sign in
8:30am - opening ceremony
9am - shotgun start
2:30pm - lunch and awards
3:30pm - silent auction ends
Get ready to soar for our 6th annual St. Peter Catholic School Golf Tournament at the Country Club at Woodmoor. Details at SPCSGOLF2025.GIVESMART.COM.
Holy Hour - Friday, September 19, 3pm
Reminders
Amazing Women's Guild Quilt Raffle
Win a beautiful quilt created by the Scrappy Stitchers! Tickets will be sold before and after all weekend Masses through September 14. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20, cash or check accepted. The winning ticket will be drawn between September 15-18. Please print your contact info clearly on your ticket. All monies raised support ministries at St. Peter. Thank you for your support!
Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest for Grades 8-12
The St. Peter Knights of Columbus is sponsoring an essay contest for Catholic students in grades 8-12 (public, private, parochial, and home schoolers). This contest encourages our youth to be more connected to their community and their Catholic faith. Entrants will be judged on content, grammar, and style and cash prizes will be awarded to the grade level winners. Essay Topic: The office of the papacy was established by Jesus Christ nearly 2,000 years ago when He chose St. Peter to lead His Church on earth. In a typed essay of 500-750 words, out of the 267 popes that have led the Catholic Church, who are your three favorite popes and why?
The deadline for submissions is October 6, 2025. Please contact Jim Taylor at 719-789-0455 for official entry forms and details.
Outdoor Mass for Scouts - Sunday, September 21, 2pm
Scouts and their families are invited to an outdoor Mass with Bishop Golka at Lazy Land pavilion in Palmer Park, coordinated by the diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. Please wear your Scout uniform, if you have one, or clothing appropriate for Mass.
Scouts can also earn religious awards appropriate to their faith and age, from kindergarten through high school. For more information, contact Curtis O'Connell (719-590-1104 or CJOCS@comcast.net).
One Star Christmas Concert - Friday, December 12, 7pm
SAVE THE DATE! We are thrilled to host the tenth Christmas concert at St. Peter. A big celebration is planned, including the debut of a commissioned arrangement to be performed that evening. Free-will donations will be accepted for Tri-Lakes Cares. Additional details to follow.
Hallow - Pray with us!
Parishioners who are new to Hallow can take advantage of a six-month trial for $1. Sign up here.
The Church needs you!
We need adult volunteers who want to learn more about their Catholic faith and help another to do likewise. By becoming a Sponsor, you would journey alongside an individual who desires baptism or reception into the Catholic Church. This journey involves weekly classes, and it starts in September and culminates with the joy of Easter. Sponsors do not formally teach but instead, you would provide companionship and a living witness to the beauty of the Catholic faith. Walk with another on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) and take your first step forward, by contacting Deacon Nolan Behr (nbehr@diocs.org).
We need adult volunteers who want to learn more about their Catholic faith and help another to do likewise. By becoming a Sponsor, you would journey alongside an individual who desires baptism or reception into the Catholic Church. This journey involves weekly classes, and it starts in September and culminates with the joy of Easter. Sponsors do not formally teach but instead, you would provide companionship and a living witness to the beauty of the Catholic faith. Walk with another on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) and take your first step forward, by contacting Deacon Nolan Behr (nbehr@diocs.org).
Please pray the rosary every day. 169,181 rosaries prayed so far by St. Peter parishioners! To submit your rosary count, fill in an anonymous tally sheet on the rosary table in the back of the church and place in the glass vase; or email Monica Whiteside at monica.whiteside@icloud.com.
Online Giving
Click here to make an offering via our safe, secure and convenient online giving program.
Upcoming events (find the complete list at petertherock.org)
- SPCS Trunk or Treat - Friday, October 24, 5-7pm
- SPCS Holiday Boutique - Saturday, November 8, 9am-3pm
For the latest news and information, visit petertherock.org, our parish Facebook page, or call the office at 719-481-3511.
Our Mission
St. Peter Parish is a welcoming community of different backgrounds living the joy of Catholic faith in the Diocese of Colorado Springs.
St. Peter Parish is a welcoming community of different backgrounds living the joy of Catholic faith in the Diocese of Colorado Springs.
Annual "Hope Bag" Collection for Survivors of Human Trafficking
September 20 - October 4
Do you wonder what you can do to help people impacted by human trafficking? The HOPE Advocates ministry is again sponsoring St. Peter's annual drive to collect essential items to fill Hope Bags. When people are rescued from human trafficking, they have almost nothing of their own. Even their clothing can be confiscated as evidence. Hope Bags are backpacks given to victims at the time of their rescue, to bring much needed comfort and dignity.
With our three previous drives, St. Peter Parishioners have donated over $20,000 worth of items that have directly blessed approximately 200 children, women and men rescued from human trafficking! Look for future announcements about how you can participate in this year's drive.
