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.
Give Hope to Survivors of Human Trafficking
September 20 - October 4
Sadly, human trafficking is a tragedy still taking place every day in the US and around the world. This weekend begins our annual drive to collect items for Hope Bags. Hope Bags are backpacks filled with basic clothing and toiletries, given to children and adults by law enforcement officers at the time of their rescue. Every Hope Bag includes a huggable teddy bear or stuffed animal. Through our donations, we provide comfort and dignity to people who would otherwise feel alone and defeated. Look for the Teddy Bear in the church gathering area to find tags you can take and return with your items by October 5. Thank you for your support of this worthy cause!
Thank you, Faith Formation Catechists!
Catechetical Sunday - September 21
On this Catechetical Sunday, we gratefully acknowledge and celebrate the dedication,
time, and commitment you give to the children of our community. Your efforts in nurturing and guiding their faith journey are truly a blessing to our parish. You are a living witness to God’s love and grace – thank you for your inspiring service.
Lori LeMaire • Ashley Fritz • Heather Inglis • Tori Duckworth • Paula Loseke
Sean O’Halloran • Mary Norton • Veni Nirmalakhandan • Mirielle Bock
Theresa Elstad • Phil Duckworth • Beth Carl • Christine O’Neal • Patrick Moylan Becky Allan • Barbara Allan • John Dygert • Jilinda Dygert • Randy Barker
Patti Farley-Barker • Sidonya Fulton • Katie Ostrowski
Sr. Jackie Sardina • Peggy Barney
New and Noteworthy
UPDATE: Holy Hour will not be offered today, Friday, September 19.
4th Annual Fundraiser in Memory of Trey Morris - Friday, September 26, all day
Please support the 4th Annual Fundraiser in Memory of Trey Torris on the anniversary of his passing. Trey and his family are part of the SPCS community. The fundraiser will be held at Torchy's Tacos on Interest Parkway. They offer lunch and dinner; so feel free to go in at any time during the day. Be sure to mention the St. Peter fundraiser for Trey when placing your order, and a percentage of the proceeds will go back to the school! Thank you for supporting our school and the Torris family!
Mental Health First Aid Class - Saturday, October 4, 8:30am-5pm
The Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Colorado Springs is
sponsoring a Mental Health First Aid Class at St. Peter. Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. It gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to
someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use challenge and help
connect them to the appropriate care. Register online no later than September 28 at
www.diocs.org/Mental-Health-First-Aid-Class. Some pre-work is required in order to
receive your certification. Questions? Contact Kathleen at 719-866-6426 or
kmccarty@diocs.org.
The Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Colorado Springs is
sponsoring a Mental Health First Aid Class at St. Peter. Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. It gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to
someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use challenge and help
connect them to the appropriate care. Register online no later than September 28 at
www.diocs.org/Mental-Health-First-Aid-Class. Some pre-work is required in order to
receive your certification. Questions? Contact Kathleen at 719-866-6426 or
kmccarty@diocs.org.
This Week
NO Holy Hour - Friday, September 19
Parish Rosary (Glorious Mysteries)
Saturday, September 20, 4:30pm
Sunday, September 21, 10am
Sunday, September 21, 4:30pm
If you are unable to come, click here for recordings to pray along with us on Saturday, Sunday, and throughout the week.
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).
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!
Holy Hour - Friday, September 26, 3pm
Reminders
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.
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).
One Star 10th Anniversary Christmas Concert - Friday, December 12, 7pm
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. 169,805 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 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.
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).
