September 5, 2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

Since 1894, the first Monday in September has been observed as a federal holiday to honor workers in the USA. Our Canadian neighbors also celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday in September.  Originally established to honor the nation’s working people, this holiday has come to be seen as ... Read More »

August 29, 2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

FRANCISCAN FRIARS

As many of you may be aware, six of the seven Franciscan (OFM) Provinces of the United States began a process a few years ago that will result in the six provinces becoming one province. The tentative date for that merger is October 2023. As you might ... Read More »

August 22, 2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

In John's Gospel today we hear that many of the disciples of Jesus were getting impatient with the message Jesus was sharing with them. He heard them murmuring among themselves, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" Christ tells his hearers, "The words I have spoken to you ... Read More »

August 15, 2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

This weekend, August 14-15 we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On November 1, 1950 Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of our faith. In his declaration he said, “We pronounce, declare and define it ... Read More »

August 8, 2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

MISSIONARY COOPERATION PLAN

This weekend, August 7-8, 2021, throughout the Archdiocese, we observe the Missionary Cooperation Plan, the annual collection that connects our archdiocese with missionary causes around the world. Unfortunately, for a second summer the missionaries could not send speakers to visit us in person due to the ... Read More »

August 1, 2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

175th ANNIVERSARY

Today, Sunday, August 1, 2021 we begin our year-long celebration of the 175th anniversary of St. Peter's Church. We welcome Fr. Thomas Nairn, OFM, the Provincial of the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart who is presiding and preaching at this Mass. Throughout the coming year we ... Read More »

July 25, 2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

The Pardon of Assisi

As I mentioned in the bulletin last weekend, on August 2 each year, a feast especially important to Franciscans is celebrated. The Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula honors Mary and commemorates a small chapel in the valley below Assisi where ... Read More »

July 18,2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

175th Anniversary

Mark your calendars now as we will begin our 175th anniversary celebration with a festive Mass at 11:00 am on Sunday, August 1, 2021. Fr. Thomas Nairn, OFM, the Provincial of the Franciscans, Sacred Heart Province, will be the presider and homilist.

Since arriving as pastor of ... Read More »

July 11, 2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

On Wednesday, July 14 we celebrate the Feast of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the “Lily of the Mohawks.” As a young boy I was introduced to this 17th century holy woman through the deep devotion of my maternal grandparents. My grandfather was raised in the area of Trois-Rivieres, Québec and ... Read More »

July 4, 2021

Posted by Jo Ann Bednar

This weekend we are celebrating our nation’s Independence (July 4). Last year we lived with the reality that with the danger of COVID many celebrations, picnics, family gatherings, parades and fireworks were cancelled. As many of the restrictions of the previous year have eased and more and more people ... Read More »