Dear Parishioners of Holy Family and St Peter:
IF the weather man is correct, we will receive upwards of 11” of snow starting late Saturday night into Sunday and Monday.
With that said, we are encouraging parishioners to attend Saturday services at 4:30 PM St. Peter Petersburg, IL; 5:00 PM St. John Vianney Sherman, IL or a Catholic church of your choice in Springfield on Saturday evening ahead of the storm.
IF the weather is as bad as predicted, then travel conditions will be reviewed early Sunday morning by Father Sergio to determine what masses will be celebrated.
IF the weather is as bad as predicted, then the below classes will be Cancelled Sunday 1/5/25:
RCIA with Mike Hough at St. Peter Annex. *First class has been rescheduled for Sunday 1/12/25.
Sunday School at St. Peter Parish Center.
Please keep an eye on your email Sunday morning to watch for an update. The parish office is not open Saturday or Sunday to field calls.
May the storm blow over us and may we celebrate Sunday mass together.
Stay safe and God bless you,
– Rev. Sergio Lizama, S.A.C.

Are you ready to relax and have fun for an evening? Come to Blah Bingo at the St. Peter Parish Center on January 18th after 430pm Mass. Games, food, and fun will be shared and join us for an evening of fellowship!

This revised policy for St. Peter Parish was updated and approved at the October 2024 Parish Council meeting. The policy was shared with the parish at masses by a parish council member speaking, in the bulletin, and placed on the St. Peter website. Please contact any Parish Council member or the church office with questions. Thank you!

Parish Center Usage Policy 2024

This new policy for St. Peter Parish was approved at the October 2024 Parish Council meeting. The policy was shared with the parish at masses by a parish council member speaking, in the bulletin, and placed on the St. Peter website. Please contact any Parish Council member or the church office with questions. Thank you!

Dedicatory Objects & Memorials Policy 2024

Priesthood Sunday, September 29, 2024 with Father Varghese receiving a thank you from St. Peter Parishioners for his vocation as a priest and shepherd for our St. Peter Catholic Community. He was gifted with a small bag filled with individual Spiritual Bouquet gifts from parishioners, along with flowers, balloons and a bottle of wine.

Parish Council will be held September 21, 2024 following the 430pm Mass in the Parish Center, this month only.

St. Peter & Holy Family Parishes

Director of Religious Education/Office Administrator Job Description

• The Director of Religious Education for St. Peter and Holy Family administrates a parish catechetical program and provides leadership to assist the parish community in building a solid foundation of catechetical ministry for the children and youth of the parish. Will work closely with the vocation couples of the parishes and youth minister. (Fifty percent of the employee’s time.)

• The St. Peter and Holy Family Parish Office Administrator plays a crucial role in supporting the administrative and clerical functions of the parish office. This position serves as the primary point of contact for parishioners and visitors, providing clerical assistance, maintaining parish records, and assisting with various administrative tasks to ensure the efficient operation of the parish office. (Fifty percent of the employee’s time.)

Job Duties
1. Administrative Duties
a. Organizes, schedules & oversees religious education programs for the youth of the two parishes.
b. Prepares and schedules sacramental programs and worship services for students and parents.
c. Orders textbooks, teaching materials and resources for the program.
d. Prepares a yearly calendar; presents to the pastor & Parish Council for approval by the June meeting.
e. Reports monthly to the Pastor and Parish Council with an updated project list.
f. Supports and endorses diocesan and parish board policies.
g. Revises Catechist requirements as needed and presents information to the Pastor.
h. Supports the office secretary in work needed and oversees projects when needed in the parish office.
i. Maintains parish records, including sacramental records, membership databases, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
j. Works in the various web programs, including but not limited to parish websites, ParishSOFT, Parish Staq.
k. Greets parishioners in a warm and welcoming manner, both in person and over the phone. Ensures messages are updated on the recording for the office phone.
l. Greet the visitors to the Parish.
m. Assists the Pastor and Committee Chairs in scheduling meetings, as necessary.
n. Ensure timely response to the office voicemails and parishioner requests.
o. Manage the parish office calendar.
p. Maintain office supplies inventory and reorder as needed. Orders, when necessary, to various printing, publishing companies and liturgical stores.
q. Prepares and distributes parish bulletins and other communication as needed.
r. Prepares and tracks mass intentions.
s. Prepare the call to worship weekly.
t. Prepares liturgical ministers schedule for both parishes.

2. Community Outreach within the Parish duties
a. Provides support and supervision for the Assistant Coordinators of Religious Education (if applicable)
i. This includes diocesan retreats, classes, and furthering education for Religion Educators that is up to par with the diocese requirements.
ii. Administer ACRE tests for teachers and students.
iii. Provide mandatory Safe Environment training to parents and students annually.
b. Provides support, supervision, funding options for VBS, Totus Tuus, or mission camp each summer.
c. Provides resources and supervises RCIA process, including sacrament requirements for RCIA candidates.
d. Provides resources and programs for Adult Formation if needed.
3. Spirituality and Prayer Leadership
a. Prepares and presides over para-liturgical celebrations for students which includes family day to further the education of students and parents each month.
b. Coordinates and plans with pastor sacramental rites for RE students.
c. Attend quarterly CORE meetings at the diocese if needed.
d. Attend education classes if approved or required by the diocese.
4. Staff Responsibilities
a. Works with Assistant Coordinators to integrate the total parish religious education program.
b. Meets regularly with parish staff for planning and coordination of parish programs.
c. Possesses a working knowledge of computer operation including typing skills, Microsoft Office applications, and web- based programs. Utilizes the two parishes’ websites as communication tools.
d. Other duties as needed by the Pastor or the Parish Councils.
5. Responsibility for Quantifiable Measures
a. The Director of Religious Education is responsible for submitting/overseeing the annual RE budget by June 1.
b. The Director of Religious Education supervises CRE, and assists if needed on projects related to RCIA, and adult programs staff and volunteers.
c. Prepare audit information for the diocese when requested on a yearly basis, after the Pastor and Parish Council approve it.
d. The performance on the key responsibilities and attributes for this role.
e. The ability to develop and maintain relationships with Parish staff, parishioners, and volunteers.
f. The participation in fulfilling the mission and vision set forth annually by the Pastor and Parish Councils.

Qualifications

1. Practicing Catholic in full communion with the teachings of the Church.
2. High School diploma required, associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
a. Demonstrates capability to conduct administrative, clerical, and supervisory duties in a timely fashion, utilizing effective communication and relationship skills.
b. Participates in ongoing formation and educational opportunities to keep current on trends in catechetical ministry.
3. Proven participation and continuing updating of the Safe Environment Program sponsored through the diocese.
4. Working Conditions:
a. This position is full-time but does entail frequent evening and weekend work.
b. This position may require some travel.
5. Excellent written and verbal skills.
6. Valid driver’s license.
7. Desire to learn and assume new and unfamiliar responsibilities and tasks.
8. Some tasks may require standing, lifting, or bending, though most duties are performed while seated at a desk doing office work or planning for RE.

Submit resume no later than September 19, 2024 to meggannbell@gmail.com.

Pastor, St. Peter & Holy Family Parishes

Finance Administrator, St. Peter & Holy Family Parishes

Parish Council Chairs, St. Peter & Holy Family Parishes

Position updated September 2024.

September 7, 2024 Father Varghese was installed as St. Peter and Holy Family parishes Pastor by Bishop Paprocki at the 430pm Mass. A dinner for everyone was held at Hill Prairie Winery following the Mass. Everyone enjoyed a beautiful night of fellowship, food and celebration! The smiles of Bishop, Father, Deacon Ben, Doug McClain, the altar servers and the young children having fun at Hill Prairie playing before dinner tells the story of what a wonderful night it was!