Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Should you, one day, be counted among the Blessed, you will spend the rest of eternity as buff as Michelangelo depicts in the Sistine Chapel. Won’t it be great? You will be in peak physical condition and at the prime of your life. How old will you be? What if you died an infant – or at an old age? It doesn’t matter. You will get resurrected in the prime physical age. That is to say, all the men will be about 33.  This is why I worked out extra hard when I was 33, getting my body ready for eternity.   And all the women will be… of a youthful and prime physical age (St. Thomas Aquinas is smart enough not to give an exact number for the ladies; speculating publicly on this is a bad idea). I once told this to a woman who was pregnant with twins at age 33…take it up with God.

Besides being eternally ripped, St. Thomas assigns four primary characteristics to the bodies of the Blessed. Drawing from St. Paul (1 Cor. 15: 42-44), he lists them as follows:

First, Impassibility (“It is sown in corruption, it rises in incorruption…”). Not only will you live forever in heaven but the gift of impassibility means the glorified body can suffer no corruption or pain, and it will not be subject to carnal passions. You won’t need any physical food and you won’t age.

Next, the blessed will have subtlety. (“It is sown a natural body, it shall rise a spiritual body…”). Our bodies will not be subject to any laws of material nature, nothing will stand in our way. The prime example of subtlety in Scripture is John 20:19 when Jesus walks through the walls of a locked room to get to the disciples. By the gift of subtlety, our bodies shall be able to freely enter other bodies (walk through walls). Interestingly, our bodies will even be subtle with respect to one another. Totally sharable, we will be able to completely communicate, through our bodies, our joys to our neighbor.  This is why Jesus in the Gospel this weekend says that “in heaven there is no marriage, but that we become like that of the angels.” Just a note, we do not become angels.  Angels are a different creation and we do not cease to be human to become an angel.

Thirdly, your bodies will have what St. Thomas calls agility. (“It is sown in weakness, it shall rise in power…”). This is a good one. Because, in Heaven, your body will be so unified and obedient to your soul, it will do whatever you can think of. Think about how incredible this is: if you can think it, your body can do it. Yes, I will be able to dunk. This explains why every human longs to do things like fly and have super speed. So the Blessed, with their agile bodies will be able to fly, float, have super strength, and be able to move faster than a speeding bullet. 

Lastly, our resurrected bodies will possess the gift of clarity. (“It is sown in dishonor, it rises in glory…”). This clarity, or “brightness,” will be the glory of the blessed soul that overflows through the head and the rest of the body. It is the light of glory which Jesus gives us a glimpse of at the transfiguration.  “Light from light.” And yes, we will actually have halos - these will be a sign of our kingly reign with Christ. The means by which our glory was accomplished will also be visible to all. There is a story St. Augustine tells of a man who was burdened by uncontrollable farting - in Heaven, he was blessed with the gift of making wondrous music with the body. 

The fool says there is no resurrection of the dead.  But our hope lies in the fact that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life.  If we believe in Him, even though we die, we will live!  It is our hope that one day Jesus will open our graves & have us rise.  But today, we live out the Christian resurrection as we leave behind us the death of our own sins.

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Have you ever met someone famous? Was it a chance encounter, or did you make an effort to meet this person? In the Gospel this weekend, we hear about Zacchaeus, who made an effort, against many obstacles, to see the most famous person ever, our Lord Jesus. 

First, he was small in stature.  Second, he could have had the paralysis of shame for climbing a tree since grown men do not climb trees.  Third, he had to fight the grumbling of the crowd.  The Jews hated tax collectors since they were traitors who worked for the pagan Romans. 

What were the rewards of Zacchaeus for overcoming these obstacles?  The world looked down on Zacchaeus but Jesus looked up at him with eyes of mercy, then called him by his name and invited Zacchaeus to open his home to Jesus.    

Every Mass is an encounter with the most famous person to walk the earth, Jesus Christ.  He makes it a point to come our way each week and every moment.

What efforts do we make to see Jesus each Sunday?  If we overcome all the obstacles that try to prevent us from seeing Him, our reward will be His loving gaze, His calling us by name, and His desire to enter the homes of our soul. I look forward to seeing the Lord Jesus with you this Sunday.

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor 

PS – Please join us for All Saints Masses:  Monday 5:30pm; Tuesday 6:30am, 8:15am, and 5:30pm

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 My name is Zachary Kane, and my wife and I, along with our three children, have been parishioners of St. Peter for seven years.

 I was once told by a good friend that “places have purpose.” When we walk into many places, we can almost instantaneously know their purpose.

Consider, for instance, Memorial Stadium. Everyone knows its purpose is a place to play football (and more recently – despair). A grocery store is a place for food and sustenance.

Places have purpose, and it is for this reason that I am so excited for the new vision of our church through the At the Feet of Peter campaign. Whether it’s the heavenly stars above the rafters, the beautiful jeweled-tiled aisles, or the magnificent altar where we celebrate the sacrifice of the Mass, we will be reminded of the purpose of our sanctuary. It is a place that draws us closer to Christ, brings our minds and hearts to heaven, and inspires us to build His kingdom here on earth.

But we cannot achieve this vision without generosity. In order for At the Feet of Peter to be successful, we need your prayers and your financial support. I am thrilled to announce that we have raised $7 million out of the $8.5 million goal; however, we still need $1.5 million to launch.

St. Peter is a stewardship parish, which means this campaign and the future of our parish is not for the few, but for every parishioner. We are a vibrant parish family, and we are building a place to inspire our current community, as well as the future families and generations to come. We need everyone’s support to make this possible.

We ask that each family prayerfully consider what sacrificial gift they can support the campaign with and submit your pledge by this upcoming Sunday, October 23rd. Pledges can either be dropped off at the parish office, mailed, or submitted online here.

In His Mercy, 

Zachary Kane
Co-Chair of At the Feet of Peter Campaign

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

There is something that stirs in our hearts while watching action movies.  It is good versus evil, villain versus hero.  Maybe it is because good always wins and the hero never dies. 

This past week, one of my heroes died.  His name is Fr. Frederick Miller (76) from Newark, NJ.  He was a spiritual director, theologian, and friend to many seminarians for over fifty years.  I had the privilege of being his student and disciple at Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. 

Fr. Miller was best known for his love of the priesthood and devotion to the Blessed Virgin.  He was an outstanding preacher, confessor, and retreat master.  He gave many retreats to priests and nuns.  He was even sought out by Mother Theresa to give a retreat to her and her Missionaries of Charity. 

The 20^th-century essayist William Arthur Ward once wrote, “The mediocre teacher tells.  The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates.  The best teacher inspires.”   Fr. Miller inspired many men in the Church to become priests after the heart of Jesus Christ.  Fr. Miller did this because he was inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit to conform his life to the Lord. 

Although my hero has died a natural death, I know that good always wins and heroes never die.  Fr. Miller lives on in eternity for the Lord anointed him on the day of his ordination, “You are a priest forever……” (Psalm 110:4).

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS – Please consider making a sacrificial gift to the At the Feet of Peter capital campaign by picking up your campaign folder this weekend or by clicking here. 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

We all have weaknesses.  One of my weaknesses is the horsepower found under a car hood.  Recently my old car broke down and I was in the market for another used vehicle.  I could not decide between the car I really wanted (with its 340hp turbo engine) and the car I needed with half as much horsepower.  It was in prayer that the Lord spoke to me saying, “Some put trust in chariots, others in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 20:8).  With that advice from on High, I purchased a vehicle that I needed for half the price of the car I wanted. 

I learned from the Lord to sacrifice my wants for what I truly needed.  I am grateful to our Lord for showing me to see this and to trust in Him. This lesson allowed me to make a more generous gift towards our new parish capital campaign. 

Last weekend, we launched At the Feet of Peter capital campaign.  This campaign is essential for several reasons.  First, it will address our deferred maintenance.  Second, the campaign will add life and beauty to our current church.  Next, it will increase security.  Finally, we hope to use the campaign to start an endowment for the future benefits of the parish. 

Today, I give thanks to God and to our many parishioners who have contributed to the future of St. Peter Church by making a pledge to this campaign.  With your prayers and support, we have over $6 million pledged towards our $8.5 million goal. 

Will you join me in giving thanks to God for all that He has given us and make a pledge to your parish campaign?  After all, the Church is the vehicle that takes us pilgrims on our journey to heaven. 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS – Please consider making a sacrificial gift to the At the Feet of Peter capital campaign by picking up your campaign folder this weekend or by clicking here. 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

When we were young and learned to read, it opened up a whole new world for us.  Reading expands our minds and inflames our hearts.  A wise man once said, ‘show me your books and I will tell you what kind of person you are.’ 

Today is the feast day of St. Jerome, doctor of the Church.  He was born to rich pagan parents.  In his youth, he lived a pleasure-seeking life.  However, he began to read and study the scriptures and converted in 365AD.  He famously wrote, “Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ.” 

I encourage you to read the Bible each day.  But maybe you find yourself like the Ethiopian eunuch in the Acts of the Apostles.  He was reading from the Prophet Isaiah when St. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading.  The eunuch responded, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:31) 

We are so blessed here in the city of Lincoln, and particularly at St. Peter Church, to have biblical scholars in our midst with the Emmaus Institute.  I encourage you to sign up for a Bible course or seminar through the Emmaus Institute.  These modern-day rabbis will guide you to understanding scripture just as Philip did for the Ethiopian. 

The Bible is God’s love letter to you. If you immerse yourself in it, He will open up a new world for you! 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS – I encourage you to sign up for an Emmaus Institute’s scripture study by clicking here.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

One of the phrases I remember my parish priest saying the most while growing up in rural Nebraska was, ‘read the lives of the saint.’   These words have still inspired me today, and every night I read a life of a saint.  Currently I am reading the life of the Venerable Francis Xavier Nguyen, who was a witness to hope in the midst of suffering. 

Today is the feast day of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, aka - Saint Padre Pio.  Many people have developed an admiration for this Italian Capuchin charismatic saint.  He was known for his powerful preaching, physical suffering of the stigmata, and a confessor who had the spiritual insight into reading souls. 

There is a newly released movie entitled Padre Pio which is a biography of the 20^th-century saint.  This epic film stars Shia LaBeouf, who plays Padre Pio.  Shia, who grew up an agnostic, led a life of debauchery for the past few years. He said, “I was living in the fires of Hell and I created suffering for myself and others around me.”  It was not until he read the life of Padre Pio in order to prepare for his role in the film that he understood the meaning of redemptive suffering.  Studying the life of the saint led to his conversion and eventually joining the Catholic Church.

We should all inspire to be saints!  Pope Benedict XVI wrote, "The example of the Saints encourages us to follow in their same footsteps and to experience the joy of those who trust in God, for the one true cause of sorrow and unhappiness for men and women is to live far from him."

Like my old parish pastor, I encourage you to read the life of the saints.  After St. Augustine read the life of the early saints he said, “If all these people have achieved sanctity, then why not I?” 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS – One way to help us become a saint is to commit ourselves to the Lord by participation in our  stewardship renewal. http://sgiz.mobi/s3/St-Peter-Lincoln

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

What would you do for a million dollars? Would you hug a porcupine; shave a hairy man’s back; drive Florida to Alaska at 35mph? A man who once saw Mother Teresa cleaning the wounds of a leper and said, "I wouldn't do that for a million dollars." Mother replied, "Neither would I. But I would gladly do it to serve Christ."

The parable of the unjust steward in the Gospel (Luke 16) this weekend is a symbol of our life.  Everything we have is a gift from God, and we are his stewards, who sooner or later will have to render an account to Him.

Possessions are not in themselves a sin, but they are a great responsibility for us.  The rabbis at the time of Jesus had a saying, “the rich help the poor in this world, but the poor help the rich in the world to come.”  One’s true wealth consists not in what we keep or store up, but in what is given.  St. Peter Chrysologus, the great preacher from Ravenna, once wrote, “Gold takes you to the dark depths of hell by greed or to the heights of heaven by charitable giving.” 

We are all servants to something, but what?  You cannot serve two masters.  God is the most exclusive of masters.  We either belong to Him totally or not at all.  Today may we resolve to serve Christ by being good stewards and belonging totally to Him.

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS – Thank you to all who have signed up for our Stewardship Renewal.  Here is the link if you have not done so yet.  http://sgiz.mobi/s3/St-Peter-Lincoln

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

This weekend, we will hear our Lord Jesus share the joy of three things that are lost and found; the coin, the sheep, and the prodigal son. These three images correspond to three different evangelical missions. The coin, to those who haven’t heard the Gospel yet. The sheep, to those who by life’s distractions have slowly wandered away. The prodigal son, to those who have willfully chosen to leave the Church.

The Church is God’s ‘lost and found.’ The mission of Christ was to seek what has been lost because every sinner, every person, has value worth dying for.  More than an image of Caesar on a coin, the image of God is stamped on you.  Every person needs the community of believers to protect them. And every person desires to have dignity and the embrace of our loving Father in Heaven. 

I invite you to invite others who are non-Catholic to join us for The Way (RCIA) formation series on Thursdays from 7pm-8:15pm.  Think of the great joy you could bring by inviting a family waiting for their loved ones to be Catholic by reaching out to non-Catholic friends and inviting them to The Way or the joy you’d experience if someone did that for you.  Can you invite one person? 

My hope and prayer is that we, as the community of St. Peter Church, will rejoice with those who will join the Church this Easter.  “Rejoice!  For those who have been dead, have come to life again.  Those who are lost, have been found” (Luke 15:32).

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS – Please complete your Stewardship Renewal if you have not done so. http://sgiz.mobi/s3/St-Peter-Lincoln

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

This coming weekend, we hear Christ in the Gospel declaring to be His disciple, one must “take up the cross.” All of us have a cross in life and to ‘take up’ is a religious language of the New Testament to signify the raising of the hand in an oath.

As Catholics, we profess and believe in the power of redemptive suffering.  Just as the Head, Jesus had to suffer, so must the body of Christ, which is us.  This is why St. Paul can proclaim, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24).

Let us pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering today.  May we too, embrace our cross with fortitude.  St. Jose Maria Escriva once wrote, “The great Christian revolution has been to convert pain into fruitful suffering and so to turn a bad thing into something good.  We have deprived the devil of this weapon; and with it, we can conquer eternity.” 

The Cross from a secular perspective, it not only doesn't make sense, but it can actually be repulsive or comical. This is why Paul also writes, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1: 23-24)”

Our fallen human nature wants pleasure, prosperity, and worldly success - not crucifixion.  But if we look at it from God's perspective, the Cross reveals the meaning of life; it shows the intensity of God's love for us. Likewise, it calls to mind the decision before each and every one of us, to follow. Finally, it points out how we can love Him in return.

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS – Please complete your Stewardship Renewal if you have not done so: http://sgiz.mobi/s3/St-Peter-Lincoln

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

You may have never heard of Cardinal Merry Del Val.  He was born in 1865 to Spanish aristocrats who were ambassadors to England.  He was educated in the top British schools, and by the age of 23, he received two doctorates in philosophy and theology along with a degree in canon law.  He was made a bishop by age 30 and a cardinal and Secretary of State for the Vatican at age 33. 

When St. Pius X died in 1914, it looked like he would be chosen as the next pope.  However, Pope Benedict XV was chosen instead.  The new Pope Benedict removed Cardinal Merry Del Val from his post as Secretary of State and put another person in that post who died within a month.  Then another was selected over the prestigious Cardinal Merry Del Val.

It was in this seemingly utter failure as a leader in the Church that Cardinal Merry Del Val wrote the “Litany of Humility.” 

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…

This weekend we hear readings from the Scriptures that illuminate the need for humility as we imitate and listen to Jesus Christ. Jesus humbled Himself for our sake so that we can humble ourselves for His sake and be invited to ‘take our place at the banquet feast of heaven’ with Him (Luke 14).

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS – As we share common way of life, please complete your Stewardship Renewal http://sgiz.mobi/s3/St-Peter-Lincoln

FATHER DOHER

Where (city and parish) did you grow up? St. Patrick’s Parish here in Lincoln.

What school did you attend for elementary and high school?  I went to St. Patrick’s School and Pius X High School. 

Where did you go to college and what degree pursuing or attained?  I went to UNK and was studying to be a Nurse.

What seminary did you attend and year you were ordained?  I went to St. Gregory the Great Seminary and then Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Maryland. 

What were your previous priestly assignments?  St. Michael’s in Lincoln, St. Wenceslaus in Wahoo, Sacred Heart in Lincoln. 

What are your hobbies?  I love to cook, forge blades, hunt, make whiskey, and work out.

What do you look forward to most about St. Peter Church?  Helping the parishioners get closer to Jesus.

FATHER WIRTH

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

I was eleven years old when I watched my first Olympic Games in the summer of 1992. It was the Barcelona Olympics. During the men’s 400m semi-finals around 150 meters into the race: British sprinter Derek Redmond’s hamstring tears apart. The camera lingers over the wreckage for a few seconds, then jumps ahead to the finish line as the race ends.

He had trained for four years and was one of the favorites to win a medal.  All his work and energy came to a halt.  He tries to get up and run again, only to find himself falling back down to the track. 

As tears fall down his face, a commotion from the stands comes.  There was an older man pushing his way down to the track yelling at the security guards, “That is my son.” 

The devoted father ran onto the track, embraced his son, and helped him up.  Together, arm-in-arm, he aided his sobbing son across the finish line. 

Each of us has a race to compete in life, and all of us have an eternal medal waiting for us as we cross the finish line into heaven.  However, we have become injured by our sins and we cannot finish the race.  This is why God our Father sent His only Beloved Son from the grandstands of paradise onto the race of life.  God comes to aid us to the victory of eternity.

This is a story of a father’s love.  I wish all father’s a happy and blessed Father’s Day.  Your love of your children is a reflection of God the Father’s love for us. 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS – Please join us for Mass this weekend to celebrate with the newly ordained priest, Fr. Tony Schukei, our deacon last summer.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Maybe some of you are planning on camping this summer.  One of the best things about camping is the campfire.  When you throw a log on the fire, it is not consumed right away. Rather the bark is first burned up, then the fire penetrates the wood, and finally, the wood and fire become united as one as the fire possesses the wood.  This effect creates a radiate flame and warmth to make the evening memorable. 

This past weekend we celebrated the feast of Pentecost.  It was at the first Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and Mary in the upper room as tongues of fire.  The fire of Divine love equipped them for their missionary endeavors.

“Whether extraordinary or simple and humble, charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church, ordered as they are to her building up, to the good of men, and to the needs of the world. …..It is in this sense that discernment of charisms is always necessary” (CCC 799,801). The Holy Spirit is given to each of us as forms of different gifts so that we may give glory to God and build His Kingdom. The Church in Her wisdom tells us two things in these short sentences: 1) you have a part to play 2) every gift is vital; never think that your gifts to share are unworthy of appreciation.

“Each one has received a gift; use it to serve one another as good stewards” (1 Peter 4:10).  We are a stewardship parish and every one of us is called by God to give back our time, talents, and treasure.  What are your spiritual talents, gifts, and charisms?  

Like other presents, it is impossible to fully appreciate and make use of our spiritual gifts until they have been discovered and opened.  Let us discover our gifts together today so we may allow the Holy Spirit to work through us to help others and build God’s kingdom.

Like a log on a campfire, the Holy Spirit wants to burn away the things of this world in our life.  Secondly, we must allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate our souls.  Finally, the Holy Spirit wants to consume us so the fire of Divine love comes radiating from our soul through the use of our spiritual gifts. 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS - Please take a few minutes to take the free discernment of Spiritual Gifts Inventory by going to Spiritual Gifts (saintpeterlincoln.com)  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

What does a Christian church look like?  Many people and churches have tried to define or redefine this over the years. 

The simplest way to find what an authentic Christian church is is to look at what the early Church looked like.  If you go back to the beginning of Christianity in the book of the Acts of the Apostles.  You will find that they had four defining characteristics – breaking of bread (Mass), teaching of the Apostles, prayer, and fellowship (Acts 2:42). 

I consider myself blessed to be the pastor of St. Peter since our parish community lives out these four characteristics well.  We have many parishioners who gather together for Mass each day.  There are people who are engaged in learning the faith through various opportunities.  Many others commit to praying as a family or making a Eucharistic holy hour weekly.  And we have fun and fellowship while growing closer to the Lord. 

This weekend, we have two great opportunities to grow in fellowship.  Tonight, June 3^rd, our annual parish fellowship event, Pints for Peter, will take place.  On Sunday, the Knights of Columbus will sponsor our annual family picnic after the 11 AM Mass. 

I look forward to seeing you all at Mass this weekend and having fellowship at these two great events! 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

PS - Purchase your tickets for Pints for Peter by clicking here

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

In the summer of 2008, I had the privilege to work with St. Mother Teresa’s religious sisters, the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, India.  I was blessed to be able to work in the home for the dying. Each day, there would be about twenty volunteers who took care of these dying people.  Many of the volunteers were Catholic, but some were of other religions from around the world. 

One day I met a man from France who said he was an atheist.  I was shocked that someone who did not believe in God would travel to the armpit of the world to work in the slums.  I asked him what motivated him to volunteer if he was not inspired by the love of God.  He responded while shaving a crippled man, “This is therapeutic for me.”

Brothers and sisters, we are called to be good stewards of what God has given us by giving of our time, talents, and treasures.  It is easy to give God 10% of our money.  It is even easier to give Him our talents.  But it is a true sacrifice to give Him our time since we are all limited, and we don’t know how much time on earth we all have. 

I am so grateful for those of our parish who give God their gift of time.  I especially would like to thank the people who have dedicated their time to make our annual parish fundraiser, Pints for Peter, a wonderful event for all. 

I ask you to prayerfully consider giving God your time by volunteering for our Pints for Peter event.  I promise you, God will reward you immensely.  Even if you don’t see the rewards of your time here on earth, you will one day be in the Kingdom of Heaven.  After all, volunteering could be therapeutic for you too! 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor 

PS - Please volunteer for Pints for Peter by clicking here

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

On this date, May 20^th, in the year 325 AD, the early bishops from around the world gathered in the town of Nicaea to call the first ecumenical council.  It was at this council we, as Christians, received the Creed, which we pray every Sunday. 

These apostolic fathers of the Church could only gather together to fight against the early heresies with the support of their people from the local diocese.  In the early Church (Acts 4:35), as is today, people of God take ownership of the local parish and diocese by contributing their time, talents, and treasures.   The book of Sirach states, “With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy” (Sirach 35:8). 

With this scripture passage in mind I look forward to beginning a new year of the Charity and Stewardship appeal. The theme for this year is “As I have Loved You.” As a Diocese, we are called to love by evangelization, outreach to the suffering, and Catholic education. The Charity and Stewardship appeal is an important way of participating in this work since it aids a wide number of ministries such as the Evangelization office, Catholic Social Services, and especially, our Catholic Schools. Last year, more than 87% of Charity and Stewardship funds came directly back to us to support our school and parish. 

Our goal for St. Peter this year is $200,000.  Currently, we are at 60% of that goal.  If you have not yet made your pledge, I kindly ask you to do so by clicking here.

Brothers and sisters, please know of my deep gratitude for your ongoing and generous support of the Charity and Stewardship appeal. May Jesus, the risen Lord, abundantly bless and reward you. 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor 

PS- Check out this year’s Charity and Stewardship Video.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Cardinal Basil Hume of London once told the following story about a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.  The line leading up to the gas chambers was long. The faces of the people waiting to enter reflected a welter of emotions.  Some were in shock.  Some were in denial about what was happening.  Some were filled with anger, some with fear, and some were crying.

A little gypsy girl was standing in that line, holding a doll in her hand. She was crying.  One of the guards saw her and some forgotten corner of his heart came to life.  But what could he do? He couldn’t save her since he was only one man against a thousand armed with machine guns. He did the only thing he could do.  He joined her in line. Holding her hand, he walked with her into the gas chamber to die together. 

In this weekend’s gospel, Jesus asked His disciples to love one another as He loves them. He gives them a series of intensifiers here.  First, he tells them, “I give you a new commandment – love one another.” Love can be commanded because it has first been given. We are infinitely loved by God, therefore, we can be commanded to love others.  Then, Jesus says, “As I have loved you, so you should also love one another.” How does Jesus love us? To the end. He loves us to the point of laying down his life for us. And because of his power in us, we can love others in the same way. Finally, Jesus tells us that love is the Christian’s name tag. He says, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

Love is meant to be our name tag as Christians. In the 3rd century, Tertullian said that when the Romans referred to the early Christians they often remarked, “See how they love each other.” This was how they recognized them as Christians.

And it’s not just a love of good feelings. It is a love that brings us to lay down our lives for others, just as Jesus laid down his life for us. This is our great power; this is our great privilege.

God has come to earth and told us what will fulfill us. He has come to earth and told us what he’s hoping for from us. “Love one another as I have loved you.” Love is a Christian’s name tag. 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

If you ever get the chance to go to Quebec City, Canada, I would recommend it.  You get to experience the French culture without having to endure jet lag.  While there, check out Notre-Dame Cathedral.  This is not as impressive as the Notre Dame in Montreal, but the Cathedral of Our Lady (Notre Dame in Latin) in Quebec City has the tomb of St. François de Laval.

May 6^th is the feast day of St. François del Laval. He served as a bishop for nearly fifty years until his death in 1708.    He is considered a Father of the Catholic Church, of the Canadian Church, by establishing the seminary, parishes, and works of charity. 

Throughout his life, Laval's mother, Michelle, continuously served as an example of piety and encouraged him to be charitable to those who were less fortunate.  Saints don’t just happen by chance.  They come from God’s grace and the witness of faith by their parents. 

This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day.  Moms have the beautiful dignity of showing the sacrificial love of God to their children.  I thank my mom, Michelle, for pushing me out into this world and up into the next! 

None of us is here by chance, as the Darwinists want us to believe. None of us is an unwanted mistake, as the pro-abortionists would like us to believe. None of us is a toy or experimental product manufactured by scientists, as the cloning advocates and artificial reproduction companies seem to think. 

Rather as the Prophet Jeremiah proclaimed, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you.”  Each one of us is a beloved, desired child of the living, eternal, all-wise, all-powerful God of the universe.  We have received our existence directly from Him in cooperation with our mothers.  If, from all eternity, He had not yearned for our friendship and envisioned a lasting purpose for each of us, we would not be here.

A blessing for mothers from the rite of baptism: “God the Father, through His Son, the Virgin Mary’s child, has brought joy to all Christian mothers, as they see the hope of eternal life shine on their children.”

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

I was a high-hurdler in high school, which consists of ten hurdles 39 inches tall for 110 meters.  It happened to be the 3^rd race of my freshman year in which I tripped over the third hurdle.  I got up and noticed the blood running down my leg, which caused me to trip on the next hurdle and lose the race.  Coach Germer told me afterward, “If you focus on your wounds, you will fall again and again.  However, if you focus on the end, you will win.” 

All of us have been wounded in life.  We were born abnormal and wounded by original sin.  We have been wounded by others.  We have wounded ourselves.  But too often, we focus on our wounds.  It is as if spirituality consists of picking the scabs of my wounds instead of looking at the cure. 

Instead of focusing on our wounds, we should be looking at the wounds of our Risen Lord, Jesus.  His wounds are the finish line on which we should focus. The word for wound, in Hebrew, is chabar, which comes from the root word to unite, to ally.  His wounds unite us to the Father. 

The wounds of Christ contain a message for us, a message of love and sacrifice, a message of salvation from sin, a message of his unconditional and unfailing devotion to each one of us.  By His wounds, He has poured mercy upon us for “By his wounds, you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

Today, may we take our gaze off of our wounds and like St. Thomas, put our hand in the wounds of Christ and cry out, “My Lord and My God!” 

In His Mercy,
Fr. Eric Clark, Pastor