We of St. Peter's Parish are a faith community who have as our model our Lord Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of His mission. We profess who we are by our shared belief and understanding of the Gospel. As people called to conversion, we come together to celebrate and bear witness to God's redemptive activity in our lives. We live out this mission of Christ through prayer and worship and through our baptismal call, which challenges us to minister to and with others.

Vision Statement

St. Peter’s will be…
…a welcoming parish,
a catalyst for spiritual formation,
the living word for the community,
and an advocate for those in need.

Pastoral Ministries

Parish Council
Consults with Pastor regarding parish, spiritual and material needs, assists with implementation of decisions. Council meets monthly and members serve three-year terms. Three new members are selected annually.
Fr. Stephen Cook - 363-2320, ext. 112
Mark Hague, Chair - 361-6250
(Parish Council members’ names and phone numbers are listed weekly on the bulletin cover)

Finance Committee
Consults with and advises Pastor and Business Manager regarding budget and other parish financial matters.
Tom Nickel - 363-2320, ext. 116
Mark Fitzpatrick, Chair - 444-8229

Building and Grounds

Volunteer group responsible for maintenance and beautification of grounds and physical plant.
Tom Nickel 363-2320, ext. 116

Baptism Preparation
Parents of infants meet with a team of parents to discuss the meaning of Baptism in the community and family. Required for all families wishing to have their children baptized.

Kathleen Madden 363-2320, ext.115

First Eucharist and First Reconciliation
Parents and children attend preparation sessions for the sacraments. Required for all children wishing to receive these sacraments.

Fr. Stephen Cook 816-363-7051 ext 112

Confirmation Preparation
Candidates entering their sophomore, junior or senior year receive Confirmation preparation and opportunities for community service.

Margaret Haik 816-363-7051 ext 120

Matrimony Preparation
All couples who wish to marry in the Catholic Church must complete a course of preparation that includes orientation, counseling and other required meetings. Couples should allow 6 – 9 months for the process. The first step is to contact the parish and schedule a meeting with the pastor, Fr. Steve Cook. You should also register for one of the orientation meetings, held on six Saturdays throughout the year. Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions about marriage preparation at St. Peter’s.

Fr. Stephen Cook - 363-2320, ext. 112
Marlys and Karl Hougland 523-5173

Wedding Coordinators
Individuals who are assigned to wedding couples in helping them plan and prepare their wedding ceremony, rehearsal and environment.
Bebe Wirkus 363-8127

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Formation process for adults and families interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic. Opportunity for parishioners to share in initiation process by sponsoring candidates, serving on the RCIA teaching team, offering hospitality during sessions, or caring for children of RCIA candidates
Kathleen Madden 363-2320, ext. 115

Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament of healing is offered at liturgies during Advent and Lent or by contacting the pastor.
Fr. Stephen Cook - 363-2320, ext. 112

Liturgical Ministries

Liturgy Committee
Group of parishioners who work with the liturgist and music ministers to plan liturgical celebrations.
David Jaronowski 363-2320, ext. 114

Art & Environment Committee
A sub-committee of the Liturgy Committee responsible for designing and seasonally decorating the Church.
David Jaronowski - 363-2320, ext. 114
Sally Sommerhauser - 942-7300

Funeral Ministry
Ministers who help plan funerals.
David Jaronowski - 363-2320, ext.114
Mike Thomas - 363-2320, ext.129

Music Ministry
Adult and youth parishioners who sing or play a musical instrument. They work with the music director to lead the community in song during weekend Masses and at special liturgical celebrations.
Position Open 363-2320, ext. 114

Liturgical Ministers
David Jaronowski - 363-2320, ext.114
Mike Thomas - 363-2320, ext.129
Kristen Campbell, Scheduler - Kristen.Campbell@applebees.com
(Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers)

Lectors
Adult and youth parishioners who proclaim the Word of God at daily and weekend Masses as well as special liturgical celebrations.
David Jaronowski 363-2320, ext. 114

Usher/Greeters
Ministers of Hospitality who greet and welcome people as they enter Mass, collect the offerings and assist in case of need during the liturgy.
Kristen Campbell - Kristen.Campbell@applebees.com

Eucharistic Ministers
Ministers who assist in the distribution of Communion at Mass.
Mike Thomas - 363-2320, ext.129

Altar Servers
Youth 6th grade and older who assist at the altar during weekend Masses and special liturgical celebrations.
Mike Thomas 363-2320, ext. 129
Mark Ungashick - 523-1620
Maria Gillcrist, Scheduler - 523-2184

Altar Society
Ministry open to all women of the parish. Responsible for the upkeep of the church altar, vessels, linens and candles.
Mary Buren - 822-8085 Click here for the Altar Society Section

Nursery
Adults and youth who care for children during Sunday morning Masses.

Julie Swanson - 523-0044
Andrea Luby - 523-5596

School Ministries

FIRE
Foundation for Inclusive Religious Education
Provide the opportunity for an inclusive Catholic education for children with special needs.
Carnie & Maura Nulton - 822-1739

School Board
Responsible for long-range planning, policy development, finances, public relations, evaluation of the administration’s relationship with the board, major curriculum changes, and facilitation of communication among school-related groups.
Maureen Elder, President 816-333-9012.

PTA
This organization supports activities, events and functions that benefit all students at our school.
It promotes open communication between teachers and parents; provides opportunities for
students and parents to grow mentally and spiritually; raises needed funds to support school and
social activities; acknowledges the accomplishments of our students; recognizes the dedication
of our teachers and staff; and involves the surrounding community in the life of our school.
Amy and Jeff Simon, Presidents 816-363-5643.

Athletic Program
Students in grades 5-8 may participate in Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Track. Instructional basketball is available to students in grade 4. Soccer is sponsored through the Brookside Soccer League.
Patrick Reller - 523-5225

Children's & Youth Ministries

School of Religion
Religious education program for children in grades K-8 who are not receiving religious education in a Catholic school. Provides sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Kathleen Madden - 363-2320, ext.115

High School Youth Group
Social gatherings and service oriented activities for high school aged teens.
Margaret Haik - 363-2320, ext. 120

Ministries of Community Spirit

Welcoming Committee
Volunteers who welcome new parishioners who have pre-registered with the pastor. They meet other new parishioners and are oriented to parish activities. New families are also invited to a welcome brunch where they meet parish staff members.
Kate McDonald, Chair 333-6103
Mary Kay VandenBoom, Co-Chair 333-5709

Hospitality Committee
Volunteers who periodically provide coffee & doughnuts at other social gatherings of our parish.
Mary Kay VandenBoom 333-5709

Funeral Dinners
Volunteer team that prepares and serves a meal following funeral services.
Ray Hain - 363-2320, ext. 128

Prayer Relay Chain
Volunteers who pray for intentions called in by parishioners.
Mary Kay VandenBoom - 333-5709


Mom’s Ministry
Mothers who gather for social and educational opportunities as well as for spiritual enrichment and formation. This group is a great way for new parishioners or new Moms to get connected to the parish.
Kathleen Madden - 363-2320, ext.115

COMMUNITIES CREATING OPPORTUNITY
Affiliated with the Kansas City CCO, members of this group interview individuals in the congregation to understand their needs and concerns, with the intention of joining together to improve the quality of life in our community, especially by participating in and influencing our political and democratic institutions.
Patricia Peebles - 913-544-2608

Ministries of Service

SPOT - Sister Parish Outreach Team
A group of parishioners who work on the continuing twinning relationship with our sister parish in El Salvador, San Francisco de Asis. Delegations to El Salvador are organized annually.
Fr. Stephen Cook 363-2320, ext. 112
Diane Marrin 361-8669

Respect Life Committee
Volunteers who strive to bring issues of respect and reverence for all life to the forefront of the parish.
Karen Miller - 523-6550
Maria Gillcrist - 523-2184

Seniors’ Programs
Programs include once a month social times, ceramics, transportation and planned outings.
Ray Hain - 363-2320, ext. 128

Ministry to the Sick, Hospitalized and Homebound

Volunteers who visit and take communion to those unable to attend Mass.
Ray Hain - 363-2320, ext. 128

Emergency Services
Volunteers who assess and meet utility, rent and food needs of people in our parish boundaries.
Ray Hain - 363-2320, ext. 128

Knights of Columbus
Men who serve fraternally Church and community.
Bernie Schneider, Grand Knight - 361-8213

Christmas Baskets
Volunteers collect and prepare food and toy donations for distribution to local families in need.
Ray Hain 363-2320, ext. 128


Food Pantry
Volunteers help solicit, stock, and distribute food through parish food pantry.
Ray Hain 363-2320, ext. 128 FOR THE GARDEN SECTION CLICK HERE

Community Garden
Volunteers who help create garden beds then water, weed and harvest the food for the poor and elderly through the food pantry.
Ray Hain - 363-2320, ext. 128

Ministries of Adult Faith Formation
St. Peter’s Parish offers a wide range of bible study series, topical studies, and spiritual growth activities for adults and families. Check the bulletin for current offerings or contact Kathleen Madden for more information.

Adult Faith Formation Team
Team of parishioners who meet regularly to assess the spiritual needs of the parish and plan opportunities for faith development.
Kathleen Madden 363-2320, ext. 115

BIBLE STUDY
Kathleen Madden - 363-2320, ext. 115

Resources

Diocesan Family Life Office
Engaged Encounter, Marriage Encounter, Widowed Persons, Support Groups, Singles, Retrouvaille, Retreats, Respect Life - (816) 756-1850

Catholic Charities
Divorced and Separated Persons 221-4377
Counseling Services

History of St. Peter's Parish

Traveling Statue of St. Peter