Every month, our Holy Father always states a special intention that he desires for the Church to focus in on – for the month of September 2017, the Papal Intention is: “For parishes at the service of the mission.” During a radio interview, Pope Francis went on to describe for us what that means: “That they not be simple offices, but that animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen.”
Blessed are we at St. Peter’s to have such an active St. Vincent de Paul Society in our parish! This Saturday, we are hosting a special ½ day retreat that concludes with a fundraising supper focusing on what it means to: “Serve to Learn and Learn to Serve”.

Blessed Frederic Ozanam, the founder of the SVDP society, experienced a ‘life altering moment’ as a young man studying at the Sorbonne in Paris. It happened during a debate group meeting soon after he had just spoken about Christianity’s role in civilization, when one of the members said: “Let us be frank, Mr. Ozanam; let us also be very particular. What do you do besides talk to prove the Faith you claim is in you?” Those words pierced him straight through the heart – and soon began gnawing away at his conscience…