Dear Parish Family,

October is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary, a powerful prayer that draws us closer to Jesus through the heart of His Mother. This year, we invite every family in our parish to take part in a 31-Day Rosary Challenge, praying the Rosary each day throughout the month of October.

Whether you pray the entire Rosary or simply one decade a day, your participation will help build a stronger culture of prayer in our homes and parish community.

Each week, we will focus on one set of Mysteries:

Ø Week 1 (Oct 1–7): Joyful Mysteries

Ø Week 2 (Oct 8–14): Luminous Mysteries

Ø Week 3 (Oct 15–21): Sorrowful Mysteries

Ø Week 4 (Oct 22–28): Glorious Mysteries

Ø Final Days (Oct 29–31): Open reflection or repeat favorite Mysteries

We’ve also included a simple daily chart with a short reflection to help guide your family prayer time. Let us ask Our Lady to intercede for our families and bring us closer to her Son!

Here are some of the other ways we’ll be nurturing a Rosary-centered parish life this month:

Ø Rosary before every Mass – arriving early becomes an opportunity to pray and prepare our hearts.

Ø 12-Hour Eucharistic Adoration with Chain Rosary – a day of deep prayer and intercession.

Ø Workshop and Potluck: “Why Pray the Rosary?”—a space to learn, share, and grow.

Ø Walking Rosary on the parish campus – a way to combine prayer, movement, and community.

My dear friends, Mary’s Rosary is not just a devotion—it’s a school of love, patience, and peace. As we walk through the Joyful Mysteries this week, may we allow them to shape our families, our hearts, and our parish.

In Christ,

Fr. Varghese Puthussery SAC

“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Dear Catechists, Faith Formation Leaders, and Volunteers,
On this special occasion of National Catechetical Sunday, I wish to express my deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for each one of you who so generously gives your time, your energy, and your love to the mission of passing on the faith.
This year’s theme, reflected in 1 Peter 3:15, is both a commission and a reminder: that we are called not only to know Christ, but to share Him—with confidence, clarity, and compassion. You are the ones who help make this possible in our parish. Whether you serve as a teacher/ volunteer at PSR, youth ministry, OCIA team member, Bible Study, Adult Faith Formation group, Sacramental prep volunteer, or Faith Formation Coordinator—you are living witnesses of the Gospel.
In an age where so many search for truth, meaning, and hope, your presence and ministry are more important than ever. You are planting seeds of faith in hearts young and old, and your dedication helps others encounter the living Christ.
As Pope Francis reminds us: “Being a catechist is not a title; it is an attitude. It is a way of being.”
Indeed, your ministry is not just about teaching content—it is about sharing your encounter with Jesus, walking with others on their journey, and forming disciples who will carry the light of faith into the world.
Please know that your parish stands with you, supports you, and prays for you. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you, strengthen you, and bless the work of your hands.
With profound gratitude and every blessing,

Fr. Varghese Puthussery SAC
St. Peter, Petersburg & Holy Family, Athens.

St. Isidore, you lived a humble life working the land.
You attended Holy Mass each morning which jeopardized the employment
that allowed your family to eat.
The Lord repaid your love by sending his angels to plow the fields
while you were at Church.
Dear Isidore, ask Our Lord Jesus to place deep faith in our hearts
and water it each day with your prayers that we may progress in holiness as you did.
Pray that as our heart grows in love and humility we may be a living sign of Jesus
to those around us.
As a farmer who used his hands to bring forth nourishing food please ask Jesus to bless us with a bountiful harvest.
Pray that our hands and bodies will remain strong that we may farm the land God has given us.
Ask Jesus to care for our gardens as he tends our hearts.
Pray that weeds will be kept far from our fields and likewise give us an aversion to sin.
Humbly we ask that you carry the petitions we hold in our heart to our most loving and generous Lord. – Amen

Fall is a time to rejoice in the changing in the leaves, Friday night lights, and bonfire weather. Another of God’s seasonal changes is the farmer’s harvest. He blessed this land with wonderful men and woman who are up well before most of us, doing work in the wee hours of the morning until late into the day that most of us could not fathom. Although in a hurry and faced with a large piece of farm equipment traversing the country roads to the next field can be frustrating, let us remember that this is a necessary job and that farmer has a family to get home to, homework to help with and miles of fields to plan for before they go to bed. Let’s give some space and grace to ourselves and our farmers’ equipment in those moments. Thank you, to our parish farmers, for all you do!

Learn more about Saint Isidore & Maria:
Isidore and Maria, Patron Saints of Farmers
Learn more about Illinois’ Ag:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
County & Illinois Harvest Activities 2025:
Petersburg Harvest Fest September 20th
St. Peter Parish Picinic & Chilli Cookoff September 28th – See calendar for more information.
Indian Creek Farmstead Petersburg, IL https://www.indiancreekfarmstead.com/
Jefferies Orchard (just south of Athens on 29) Springfield, IL https://www.jefferies-orchard.com/
Spoon River Drive (10/4-5 & 10/11-12) https://spoonriverdrive.org/
Must-Do Fall Activities in Illinois | https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/seasonal-adventures/fall-in-illinois/amazing-fall-activities-illinois/

Today, the Church celebrates one of the most beautiful feasts in the liturgical calendar — the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, body and soul. This solemnity is not just a celebration of Mary, but a glorious reminder of what God has in store for each of us who walk in faith, hope, and love.

1. What Do We Celebrate Today?

The Assumption is the belief — declared as dogma in 1950 by Pope Pius XII — that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up into Heaven, body and soul. Unlike other saints who await the resurrection of the body at the end of time, Mary has already been glorified in her whole person. She shares already in the full fruits of Christ’s résurrection.

Why? Because she was the Mother of God, the one who bore the Savior in her womb. But more importantly, because she remained faithful — humble, obedient, and full of grace — from beginning to end. Her Assumption is not only a reward — it’s a sign: A sign of what God desires to do for all who love Him.

2. Mary as the First Disciple and Our Model

Mary’s life was not easy. From her “Yes” at the Annunciation, to the poverty of Bethlehem, to fleeing as a refugee to Egypt, to standing beneath the Cross — she walked a path of deep suffering and trust.

Yet through it all, she remained faithful. She did not seek power or praise. She kept pondering everything in her heart. She surrendered her life completely to God’s will. That is why she is called “blessed among women” — not just because she bore Christ, but because she heard the Word of God and kept it (Luke 11:28).

Mary shows us what it means to be truly human — fully open to God, fully trusting, fully loving. She is not distant or untouchable. She is our mother, our sister in faith, and our model in discipleship.

3. What Does Her Assumption Mean for Us?

In Mary, we see our destiny. Her Assumption is the promise that death is not the end. That our bodies matter. That one day, we too — if we remain faithful — will be raised in glory, body and soul.

In a world obsessed with success, appearance, and temporary pleasure, Mary reminds us that our true home is not here, and that holiness is the only path that leads to glory.

Her Assumption challenges us to live as people who believe in eternity:

• To treat our bodies with dignity.

• To seek purity and integrity.

• To live in hope, even in suffering.

• To imitate her faith and humility.

4. Mary Walks With Us

The Assumption also reminds us that Mary is close to us. She is not only in Heaven — she is with us as a mother who intercedes, comforts, and guides. In every trial, every loss, every moment of confusion or despair, we can turn to her and say, “Mother, help me to trust like you did. Help me to say ‘yes ’to God.”

She always leads us to Jesus.

Dear friends, the Feast of the Assumption is a feast of hope, joy, and promise. Mary has gone before us. She shows us the way. She prays for us. And she reminds us that what God did for her, He desires to do for each of us. So today, let us renew our devotion to Mary. Let us ask her to walk with us on our journey. And let us pray for the grace to live, like her, a life of humility, purity, faith, and surrender. So that one day, we too may be with her — and with all the saints — in the glory of Heaven.

Holy Mary, assumed into Heaven, pray for us!

Amen.

Fr. Varghese SAC

Pastoral Council

Subcommittees of Pastoral Council:

1. Liturgy & Worship: Assists the pastor and the parish in attaining a full, conscious and active participation of the Mass and the prayer life of the parish. The members collaborate with the pastor and staff in this area of mission on liturgy preparation, the training and formation of the various liturgical ministers, and the formation of the assembly about the sacraments and liturgy.

2. Art & Environment: Is responsible for creating and maintaining the Church in decorating according to the liturgical seasons/celebrations (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, etc.).

3. Formation & Religious Education Committee: Is responsible for identifying and addressing the formation and religious education needs of the parish community-families, adults, young people, children, single, married, widowed or divorced by working collaboratively with parish staff and volunteers. The parish vocation couple will be part of this committee as well as working with the Office of Vocations at the diocese to help foster vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life and lay ministry.

4. Discipleship & Stewardship: Educates and promotes the giftedness of all parishioners and the responsibility of disciples to steward all resources. The members collaborate with the pastor and staff to develop strategies and practices which invite all parishioners and the parish organization itself to share time, talent and treasure and the overall vibrancy of parish life, planning activities
which foster community and enhance the quality of parish life. Assists the parish staff in hospitality, managing hospitality teams, new member registration, orientation, and volunteer opportunities.

5. Human & Social Concerns: Discerns and responds to the needs of person in the parish, the wider community and the world by identifying resources to meet their needs and enlisting the active cooperation of the parishioners. The members collaborate with the pastor and staff, and other organizations and agencies in service, advocacy, justice education, and empowerment of people, pro-life, meal programs, and food pantry.

Hello and Welcome! Our PSR (Parish School Religion), aka Sunday School, meets most Sundays from 9:15 AM-10:15 AM at St. Peter Parish Center in Petersburg, IL. We serve Pre K (Ages 3-5) & K, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade (Reconciliation Sacrament), 3rd Grade (Confirmation and First Communion Sacraments), and 4-6th Grade in this program. Grades 7th -12th grades are served through a youth group that will meet the 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month.

In PSR our teachers will go over many topics including: Who God the father; son and holy spirit is, Living as God teaches us to, Church etiquette, Bible stories, Ways to put our faith in action, Prayers, 7 Sacraments and Sacrament Preparation. Our youth group will discuss scripture, participant topics, serve our community, have offsite fun, pilgrimages and more.

Please join us for our Kickoff Events:
Saturday September 6th after 4:30 PM Mass at St. Peter – PSR Meet the Teacher Night at St. Peter Parish Center.
Sunday August 24th – Youth Group kickoff party at St. Peter Parish Center.

Use this link to register for PSR & Youth Group: https://dio.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/195/responses/new
If you are interested in volunteering, registering your child, or have any questions please reach out to Emily Wilson; Stphf-dre@parish.dio.org or office 217-632-7118.

Looking to fill a gap in your 1st-6th graders’ time or couple evening hours for your 7th-12th graders July 6th-11th? Register today for Totus Tuus with the attached flyer or below link. It’s not your average summer bible camp and could spark a lifetime of salvation.

https://dio.org/totus-tuus-camper-registration/

Totus Tuus is a weeklong Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and eucharistic worship. The program inspires in young people a true longing for holiness, a deep desire for daily conversion, and an openness to their vocation.

Grades 1st-6th meet 9:00AM-2:30PM Monday-Friday. Bring a sack lunch, a snack is provided.
Grades 7th-12th meet 6:30PM-8:15PM Sunday-Thursday. Snack provided.

Who is teaching your kids?
A team of four 18–24-year-old paid missionaries travel throughout the diocese and complete this weeklong program. This group is dedicating their summer in service of the church and having fun while they do it. They have completed background checks and safe environment training. They will be staying with host families for lodging and dining with additional host families each night they are here.
What will your kids be doing?
Having fun with their friends and making news ones while learning about the 7 Catholic sacraments, eucharistic adoration, the joyful mysteries of the rosary, etc. There are messy games and crazy skits, in addition to prayer, learning the sacraments, and going to Mass. Attached is a breakdown of day program and evening program.
What is the cost?
$35/family of 1-2 children, or $65/family of 3+ children. Scan the QR code on the attached flyer, go to St Peter website and use Push Pay to pay online, or bring check/cash to parish office.

Totus Tuus Registration Flyer

Totus Tuus 2025 Evening.Day Breakdown

Congratulations to our 2025 High School graduates! As you are off on your next leg of life do not forget your Catholic identity. You have been responsible for your faith journey since you were confirmed and now as a high school graduate, and legal adult, you are even more responsible for keeping yourself on track.

A few practical ways to practice your faith and put it in action:

Use your calendar. Add calendar events in your phone for church mass times, adoration, bible study, etc. It is no less a priority than class, lunch, or parties.
Find a Catholic group or St John Catholic Newman Center at your school. These locations are there to meet you where you are spiritually and support you. Life is easier when you surround yourself with people that pray with you.
Be Active in your Faith. Don’t just sit around and wait for Jesus, meet him. Go to adoration, join a community service group (breadline, read at senior living centers, help out at Sunday school, etc.), listen to a daily Catholic podcast or subscribe to a daily devotion.
Read the Bible. It may have been thousands of years in the making, but it will surprise you when you find yourself in it. Challenge yourself to complete a gospel each quarter then tackle the rest of the Bible. There is an app for that.
Go to Church. Church is home regardless of your geographical location. Jesus is there to listen no matter the topic you want to speak or pray on.

Don’t forget to step outside your comfort zone, take a breath, be kind, and call home. Let’s Go Blue Jays!

On May 8th, 2025 Robert Prevost was elected to be pope. Below read his first speech as Pope Leo XIV.

Peace be with you!Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.

This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God. God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions. Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome – the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter.

Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace. Thank you Pope Francis!

Thank you to my Cardinal brothers who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel. I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.

To the Church of Rome, a special greeting: We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love. Hello to all and especially to those of my diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, a loyal, faithful people accompanying the bishop and helping the bishop. To all you brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.

Today is the day of the Supplicatio to Our Lady of Pompei. Our blessed mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close to us, she always wants to help us with her intercession and her love. So let us pray together for this mission, and for all of the Church, and for peace in the world. We ask for this special grace from Mary, our Mother.

Hail Mary.